How do I unlock the best endgame weapons for a summoner build in Terraria?

To unlock the best endgame weapons for a summoner build in Terraria, you need to focus on progressing through the gameÔÇÖs stages, defeating key bosses, and gathering rare materials. Summoners rely on minions and sentries to deal damage, so your goal is to maximize the number and strength of your summons while also ensuring your characterÔÇÖs survivability. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, you need to understand the summoner class mechanics. Summoners use weapons like whips and summon staffs to call minions that fight for them. Whips are melee weapons that boost minion damage and provide crowd control, while summon staffs create minions that attack enemies automatically. Your minion count is determined by your armor, accessories, and buffs. To maximize your effectiveness, youÔÇÖll need to balance minion damage, summon count, and survivability.

Start by progressing through the gameÔÇÖs early stages. In pre-Hardmode, focus on obtaining the Finch Staff, Slime Staff, or Flinx Staff, which are early summon weapons. These will help you clear enemies and bosses more efficiently. Defeat the Queen Bee or Eater of Worlds/Brain of Cthulhu to obtain the Bee Armor, which increases your minion count and damage. This armor is essential for early summoner builds.

Once you enter Hardmode, your priority is to upgrade your gear. Defeat the Wall of Flesh to unlock Hardmode and start mining for Hardmode ores like Cobalt, Mythril, and Adamantite. Craft the Spider Staff and Spider Armor, which are excellent early Hardmode summoner tools. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that deal high damage, and the Spider Armor increases your minion count and damage.

Next, focus on defeating the mechanical bosses: The Destroyer, Skeletron Prime, and The Twins. These bosses drop Souls of Might, Sight, and Fright, which are used to craft powerful summoner weapons like the Optic Staff and Deadly Sphere Staff. The Optic Staff summons twin minions that deal consistent damage, while the Deadly Sphere Staff summons a fast, high-damage minion. Defeating these bosses also allows you to craft the Hallowed Armor, which provides good defense and summoner bonuses.

After defeating the mechanical bosses, prepare for Plantera. Defeating Plantera unlocks the Jungle Temple, where you can find the powerful Pygmy Staff. This staff summons pygmy minions that throw spears at enemies. Plantera also drops the Spore Sac accessory, which creates damaging spores around you. Use these tools to tackle the Golem, who drops the powerful Xeno Staff, summoning UFO minions that deal high damage.

The final step is to defeat the Lunatic Cultist and the Moon Lord. The Lunatic Cultist drops the Lunar Portal Staff, which summons a portal that shoots projectiles at enemies. The Moon Lord is the ultimate challenge and drops the Stardust Dragon Staff and Stardust Cell Staff, the best summon weapons in the game. The Stardust Dragon Staff summons a dragon that grows longer and stronger as it attacks, while the Stardust Cell Staff summons cells that explode on contact with enemies.

To optimize your summoner build, focus on accessories that increase minion count and damage. Key accessories include the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Summoner Emblem. Combine these with the Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone for additional stats. Use buffs like Summoning Potion, Bewitching Table, and Wrath Potion to further boost your minions.

Common mistakes include neglecting defense and survivability. While summoners rely on minions, you still need to avoid taking damage. Use accessories like the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield to reduce damage and debuffs. Another mistake is not using whips effectively. Whips like the Kaleidoscope and Morning Star increase minion damage and provide crowd control, so always keep one equipped.

Advanced techniques include using sentries alongside minions. Sentries like the Ballista Staff or Explosive Trap Staff provide additional damage and utility. Combine these with minions for maximum effectiveness. Also, consider hybrid builds that incorporate magic or ranged weapons for versatility.

Resource requirements include rare materials like Luminite, Solar Fragments, and Stardust Fragments, which are obtained from the Moon Lord and Lunar Events. Prepare by farming for potions, ammo, and healing items. Use arenas with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns to improve survivability during boss fights.

In summary, unlocking the best endgame weapons for a summoner build involves progressing through the gameÔÇÖs stages, defeating key bosses, and optimizing your gear. Focus on increasing minion count and damage while maintaining survivability. Use whips, sentries, and buffs to maximize your effectiveness. With careful preparation and strategy, you can dominate TerrariaÔÇÖs endgame as a summoner.