What are the best weapons for a summoner build in Terraria?
In Terraria, a summoner build focuses on using minions and sentries to deal damage while the player avoids direct combat. This playstyle requires careful planning and progression to maximize effectiveness. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to build and optimize a summoner character.
The summoner class relies on summon weapons, which call forth minions or sentries to fight for you. These minions are autonomous and attack enemies within their range. The number of minions you can summon is determined by your summon capacity, which can be increased with armor, accessories, and buffs. Sentries, on the other hand, are stationary and last for a limited time. Summoners also benefit from whips, which are melee weapons that enhance minion damage and provide additional effects.
To start a summoner build, youÔÇÖll need to obtain summon weapons early in the game. The first summon weapon you can get is the Slime Staff, which has a very low drop rate from slimes. While itÔÇÖs rare, itÔÇÖs a good starting point. Alternatively, you can craft the Finch Staff using 10 Wood and 1 Finch Nest, which is found in Living Mahogany Trees in the Underground Jungle. This staff summons a small bird to fight for you. Early-game armor like the Flinx Fur Coat, crafted from Flinx Fur dropped by Flinxes in the Snow Biome, provides a small boost to summon damage and capacity.
As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade your armor to sets that enhance summoning. The Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss, is a great mid-game option. It increases your minion count and provides a bonus to summon damage. Later, you can craft the Obsidian Armor, which requires Obsidian and Silk. This set boosts whip damage and speed, making it a strong choice for summoners who use whips alongside minions.
Accessories are crucial for a summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, dropped by the Witch Doctor NPC, increases your minion capacity. The Hercules Beetle, sold by the Witch Doctor after Plantera is defeated, boosts minion damage. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted from the Hercules Beetle and the Necromantic Scroll, combines these effects. Other useful accessories include the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage, and the Avenger Emblem, which boosts all damage types. Mobility accessories like the Lightning Boots or Wings are also important for avoiding enemy attacks.
Whips are a key part of the summonerÔÇÖs arsenal. The Snapthorn, crafted from Jungle materials, is an early-game whip that increases minion damage. The Spinal Tap, crafted from Cobwebs and Bones, is another good option. Later, you can obtain the Firecracker from the Wall of Flesh, which causes minions to deal extra damage to enemies hit by the whip. The Kaleidoscope, dropped by the Empress of Light, is one of the best whips in the game, providing high damage and critical strike chance.
For minions, the Blade Staff, dropped by the Queen Slime, is a powerful option due to its high attack speed and armor penetration. The Sanguine Staff, dropped by Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon, is another strong choice. In the late game, the Terraprisma, obtained by defeating the Empress of Light in daylight, is the best summon weapon, dealing massive damage and having a unique appearance.
Buffs and potions are essential for maximizing your summonerÔÇÖs effectiveness. The Summoning Potion increases your minion capacity, while the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a similar effect. The Wrath Potion increases damage, and the Endurance Potion reduces damage taken. The Well Fed buff, obtained from food items, provides a small boost to all stats.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to avoid enemy attacks. Using accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu or the Master Ninja Gear can help with dodging. Another mistake is not using whips effectively. Whips not only deal damage but also enhance minion attacks, so make sure to use them frequently.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your minion placement and using sentries strategically. For example, placing minions near choke points can maximize their effectiveness. Sentries like the Ballista Rod or Lightning Aura Rod can provide additional damage in boss fights. Combining minions with whips and sentries can create a powerful synergy that overwhelms enemies.
Resource management is important for summoners. YouÔÇÖll need to gather materials for crafting summon weapons, armor, and accessories. Farming enemies for specific drops, like the Slime Staff or Blade Staff, can take time but is worth the effort. Preparing for boss fights by stocking up on potions and setting up arenas with platforms and campfires can make a big difference.
In summary, a summoner build in Terraria requires careful planning and progression. Start with early-game summon weapons and armor, then upgrade to more powerful options as you progress. Use accessories to increase minion capacity and damage, and donÔÇÖt forget to use whips to enhance your minions. Buffs and potions are essential for maximizing your effectiveness, and avoiding common mistakes like neglecting defense will help you survive tough battles. With the right strategy and preparation, a summoner build can be a powerful and rewarding way to play Terraria.
The summoner class relies on summon weapons, which call forth minions or sentries to fight for you. These minions are autonomous and attack enemies within their range. The number of minions you can summon is determined by your summon capacity, which can be increased with armor, accessories, and buffs. Sentries, on the other hand, are stationary and last for a limited time. Summoners also benefit from whips, which are melee weapons that enhance minion damage and provide additional effects.
To start a summoner build, youÔÇÖll need to obtain summon weapons early in the game. The first summon weapon you can get is the Slime Staff, which has a very low drop rate from slimes. While itÔÇÖs rare, itÔÇÖs a good starting point. Alternatively, you can craft the Finch Staff using 10 Wood and 1 Finch Nest, which is found in Living Mahogany Trees in the Underground Jungle. This staff summons a small bird to fight for you. Early-game armor like the Flinx Fur Coat, crafted from Flinx Fur dropped by Flinxes in the Snow Biome, provides a small boost to summon damage and capacity.
As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade your armor to sets that enhance summoning. The Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss, is a great mid-game option. It increases your minion count and provides a bonus to summon damage. Later, you can craft the Obsidian Armor, which requires Obsidian and Silk. This set boosts whip damage and speed, making it a strong choice for summoners who use whips alongside minions.
Accessories are crucial for a summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, dropped by the Witch Doctor NPC, increases your minion capacity. The Hercules Beetle, sold by the Witch Doctor after Plantera is defeated, boosts minion damage. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted from the Hercules Beetle and the Necromantic Scroll, combines these effects. Other useful accessories include the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage, and the Avenger Emblem, which boosts all damage types. Mobility accessories like the Lightning Boots or Wings are also important for avoiding enemy attacks.
Whips are a key part of the summonerÔÇÖs arsenal. The Snapthorn, crafted from Jungle materials, is an early-game whip that increases minion damage. The Spinal Tap, crafted from Cobwebs and Bones, is another good option. Later, you can obtain the Firecracker from the Wall of Flesh, which causes minions to deal extra damage to enemies hit by the whip. The Kaleidoscope, dropped by the Empress of Light, is one of the best whips in the game, providing high damage and critical strike chance.
For minions, the Blade Staff, dropped by the Queen Slime, is a powerful option due to its high attack speed and armor penetration. The Sanguine Staff, dropped by Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon, is another strong choice. In the late game, the Terraprisma, obtained by defeating the Empress of Light in daylight, is the best summon weapon, dealing massive damage and having a unique appearance.
Buffs and potions are essential for maximizing your summonerÔÇÖs effectiveness. The Summoning Potion increases your minion capacity, while the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a similar effect. The Wrath Potion increases damage, and the Endurance Potion reduces damage taken. The Well Fed buff, obtained from food items, provides a small boost to all stats.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to avoid enemy attacks. Using accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu or the Master Ninja Gear can help with dodging. Another mistake is not using whips effectively. Whips not only deal damage but also enhance minion attacks, so make sure to use them frequently.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your minion placement and using sentries strategically. For example, placing minions near choke points can maximize their effectiveness. Sentries like the Ballista Rod or Lightning Aura Rod can provide additional damage in boss fights. Combining minions with whips and sentries can create a powerful synergy that overwhelms enemies.
Resource management is important for summoners. YouÔÇÖll need to gather materials for crafting summon weapons, armor, and accessories. Farming enemies for specific drops, like the Slime Staff or Blade Staff, can take time but is worth the effort. Preparing for boss fights by stocking up on potions and setting up arenas with platforms and campfires can make a big difference.
In summary, a summoner build in Terraria requires careful planning and progression. Start with early-game summon weapons and armor, then upgrade to more powerful options as you progress. Use accessories to increase minion capacity and damage, and donÔÇÖt forget to use whips to enhance your minions. Buffs and potions are essential for maximizing your effectiveness, and avoiding common mistakes like neglecting defense will help you survive tough battles. With the right strategy and preparation, a summoner build can be a powerful and rewarding way to play Terraria.