What is the best weapon for a summoner in Hardmode Terraria?
In Hardmode Terraria, the summoner class becomes a powerful and viable option for players who enjoy controlling minions to deal damage while focusing on dodging and positioning. The best weapon for a summoner in Hardmode depends on the stage of progression, but the ultimate goal is to obtain the Terraprisma, which is widely regarded as the strongest summon weapon in the game. To achieve this, players must follow a detailed progression path, optimize their equipment, and prepare for challenging battles.
The summoner class relies on minions to deal damage, and the playerÔÇÖs role is to avoid enemy attacks while supporting their minions with buffs and debuffs. Minions are summoned using specific weapons, and their damage scales with summon damage bonuses from armor, accessories, and buffs. In Hardmode, summoners gain access to powerful minions like the Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, and eventually the Terraprisma. Each of these weapons has unique mechanics and requires different strategies to obtain and use effectively.
To start, players should focus on obtaining the Spider Staff and Spider Armor, which are available early in Hardmode. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that deal decent damage and inflict the Venom debuff, making it a strong choice for early Hardmode. The Spider Armor provides a significant boost to summon damage and increases the number of minions you can summon. These items can be crafted using Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves biome.
Once you have the Spider Staff and Spider Armor, the next step is to obtain the Blade Staff. This weapon is dropped by Queen Slime and summons enchanted daggers that deal rapid, armor-piercing damage. The Blade Staff is particularly effective against enemies with high defense, making it a great choice for mid-Hardmode. To defeat Queen Slime, prepare by crafting potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness, and use a large arena with platforms for mobility.
After acquiring the Blade Staff, the next major upgrade is the Sanguine Staff, which is dropped by the Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon. The Sanguine Staff summons vampire bats that deal high damage and have excellent tracking, making them one of the best minions for general use. To summon the Dreadnautilus, fish in the Ocean biome during a Blood Moon using a Bloody Tear. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the Dreadnautilus has high health and deals significant damage.
The ultimate summon weapon, the Terraprisma, is obtained by defeating the Empress of Light during the day. This weapon summons ethereal blades that deal massive damage and have incredible tracking. However, defeating the Empress of Light during the day is extremely challenging, as she will instantly kill you if you take any damage. To prepare, create a large arena with platforms, use the Hallowed Armor for its dodge ability, and equip accessories like the Master Ninja Gear and Worm Scarf for survivability. Use the Blade Staff or Sanguine Staff to deal damage while focusing entirely on dodging her attacks.
In terms of accessories, summoners should prioritize items that increase summon damage and the number of minions. Key accessories include the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace, which can be combined with the Hercules Beetle and Avenger Emblem for additional damage. The Celestial Shell and Celestial Stone are also excellent for boosting overall stats.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, they are often fragile and need to avoid taking hits. Always prioritize movement accessories like Wings, Lightning Boots, and the Master Ninja Gear. Additionally, make sure to use buff potions like Summoning Potion, Bewitching Table, and Wrath Potion to maximize your minionÔÇÖs effectiveness.
Advanced techniques include using hybrid builds that combine summoner weapons with other classes. For example, using a ranged weapon like the Daedalus Stormbow alongside your minions can provide additional damage output. Another strategy is to use sentries like the Ballista Staff from the Old OneÔÇÖs Army event to supplement your minions.
Resource requirements for a summoner build include crafting materials like Spider Fangs, Hallowed Bars, and Luminite Bars, as well as rare drops from bosses like Queen Slime and the Empress of Light. Preparation is key, so always stock up on potions, ammo, and building materials for arenas.
In summary, the best weapon for a summoner in Hardmode Terraria is the Terraprisma, but obtaining it requires careful preparation and skill. Follow the progression path from the Spider Staff to the Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, and finally the Terraprisma. Optimize your equipment, focus on mobility, and use buffs to maximize your minionÔÇÖs damage. With the right strategy and preparation, the summoner class can become one of the most powerful and enjoyable playstyles in Terraria.
The summoner class relies on minions to deal damage, and the playerÔÇÖs role is to avoid enemy attacks while supporting their minions with buffs and debuffs. Minions are summoned using specific weapons, and their damage scales with summon damage bonuses from armor, accessories, and buffs. In Hardmode, summoners gain access to powerful minions like the Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, and eventually the Terraprisma. Each of these weapons has unique mechanics and requires different strategies to obtain and use effectively.
To start, players should focus on obtaining the Spider Staff and Spider Armor, which are available early in Hardmode. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that deal decent damage and inflict the Venom debuff, making it a strong choice for early Hardmode. The Spider Armor provides a significant boost to summon damage and increases the number of minions you can summon. These items can be crafted using Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves biome.
Once you have the Spider Staff and Spider Armor, the next step is to obtain the Blade Staff. This weapon is dropped by Queen Slime and summons enchanted daggers that deal rapid, armor-piercing damage. The Blade Staff is particularly effective against enemies with high defense, making it a great choice for mid-Hardmode. To defeat Queen Slime, prepare by crafting potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness, and use a large arena with platforms for mobility.
After acquiring the Blade Staff, the next major upgrade is the Sanguine Staff, which is dropped by the Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon. The Sanguine Staff summons vampire bats that deal high damage and have excellent tracking, making them one of the best minions for general use. To summon the Dreadnautilus, fish in the Ocean biome during a Blood Moon using a Bloody Tear. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the Dreadnautilus has high health and deals significant damage.
The ultimate summon weapon, the Terraprisma, is obtained by defeating the Empress of Light during the day. This weapon summons ethereal blades that deal massive damage and have incredible tracking. However, defeating the Empress of Light during the day is extremely challenging, as she will instantly kill you if you take any damage. To prepare, create a large arena with platforms, use the Hallowed Armor for its dodge ability, and equip accessories like the Master Ninja Gear and Worm Scarf for survivability. Use the Blade Staff or Sanguine Staff to deal damage while focusing entirely on dodging her attacks.
In terms of accessories, summoners should prioritize items that increase summon damage and the number of minions. Key accessories include the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace, which can be combined with the Hercules Beetle and Avenger Emblem for additional damage. The Celestial Shell and Celestial Stone are also excellent for boosting overall stats.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, they are often fragile and need to avoid taking hits. Always prioritize movement accessories like Wings, Lightning Boots, and the Master Ninja Gear. Additionally, make sure to use buff potions like Summoning Potion, Bewitching Table, and Wrath Potion to maximize your minionÔÇÖs effectiveness.
Advanced techniques include using hybrid builds that combine summoner weapons with other classes. For example, using a ranged weapon like the Daedalus Stormbow alongside your minions can provide additional damage output. Another strategy is to use sentries like the Ballista Staff from the Old OneÔÇÖs Army event to supplement your minions.
Resource requirements for a summoner build include crafting materials like Spider Fangs, Hallowed Bars, and Luminite Bars, as well as rare drops from bosses like Queen Slime and the Empress of Light. Preparation is key, so always stock up on potions, ammo, and building materials for arenas.
In summary, the best weapon for a summoner in Hardmode Terraria is the Terraprisma, but obtaining it requires careful preparation and skill. Follow the progression path from the Spider Staff to the Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, and finally the Terraprisma. Optimize your equipment, focus on mobility, and use buffs to maximize your minionÔÇÖs damage. With the right strategy and preparation, the summoner class can become one of the most powerful and enjoyable playstyles in Terraria.