How do I increase my summon damage in Terraria?

Increasing summon damage in Terraria is a key aspect of optimizing a summoner build, which focuses on using minions and sentries to deal damage while the player avoids direct combat. To maximize summon damage, you need to focus on several mechanics, including armor, accessories, buffs, and weapon choices. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of summon damage. Summon damage is influenced by your summoner armor, accessories, and buffs. Each minion or sentry you summon deals damage based on your summon damage multiplier, which is increased by specific gear and buffs. Additionally, the number of minions you can summon is determined by your minion capacity, which can also be increased through equipment and buffs. Summon damage is separate from other damage types like melee, ranged, or magic, so you need to focus on summoner-specific gear to maximize your effectiveness.

To start increasing your summon damage, you should prioritize obtaining summoner armor sets. Early in the game, the Bee Armor is a great choice, as it increases your minion capacity and provides a summon damage bonus. Later, you can upgrade to the Obsidian Armor, which offers even greater summon damage and minion capacity. In the late game, the Stardust Armor is the best option, as it provides the highest summon damage bonus and allows you to summon a powerful Stardust Guardian minion. Each armor set also provides defense, which is important for survivability.

Accessories are another crucial part of increasing summon damage. The Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace are essential accessories for summoners, as they increase minion capacity and summon damage. You can further enhance these accessories by combining them with other items at the TinkererÔÇÖs Workshop. For example, the Papyrus Scarab can be combined with the Hercules Beetle to create the Papyrus Scarab, which provides an even greater summon damage bonus. Additionally, accessories like the Celestial Shell and Avenger Emblem can provide general damage boosts that also apply to summon damage.

Buffs are another important factor in increasing summon damage. Potions like the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table can increase your minion capacity, while the Wrath Potion and Flask of Ichor can boost your overall damage output. Food buffs, such as those from Exquisitely Stuffed or Seafood Dinner, also provide a general damage increase. Make sure to use these buffs before engaging in combat, especially during boss fights or challenging events.

When it comes to weapons, focus on summoning the most powerful minions available at your stage of the game. Early on, the Imp Staff and Hornet Staff are solid choices. As you progress, you can upgrade to the Spider Staff, Blade Staff, and eventually the Terraprisma or Stardust Dragon Staff. Each minion has unique attack patterns and damage outputs, so choose the one that best suits your playstyle and the situation. Sentries like the Ballista Cane or Lightning Aura Staff can also provide additional damage during events or boss fights.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your defense. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Make sure to balance your accessories and buffs to include defensive options like the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield. Additionally, avoid standing still during combat, as movement is key to avoiding damage.

Advanced techniques for summoners include using whips effectively. Whips are summoner weapons that increase the damage of your minions when they attack the same target. The Snapthorn, Firecracker, and Kaleidoscope are excellent whip choices that can significantly boost your minion damage. Use whips to mark enemies and direct your minions to focus on high-priority targets.

Resource requirements for a summoner build include gathering materials for armor, accessories, and weapons. For example, the Stardust Armor requires Stardust Fragments, which are obtained from the Stardust Pillar event. Make sure to prepare for these events by stocking up on potions and buffs. Additionally, farming for specific accessories like the Necromantic Scroll may require defeating certain enemies or bosses multiple times.

In summary, increasing summon damage in Terraria involves a combination of summoner armor, accessories, buffs, and weapons. Focus on obtaining the best summoner gear available at your stage of the game, use buffs to enhance your damage output, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense. With the right preparation and strategy, you can create a powerful summoner build capable of taking on even the toughest challenges in Terraria.