What are the best weapons for a summoner build in Terraria?

Summoner builds in Terraria focus 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.

To start, summoners rely on summon weapons, which call minions or sentries to fight for them. These weapons are unique because they donÔÇÖt require the player to attack directly. Instead, the summoned creatures automatically target enemies. Summoners also benefit from armor sets and accessories that increase minion count, damage, and defense. Early-game summoners can use weapons like the Slime Staff, which is rare but effective. Later, weapons like the Imp Staff and Spider Staff become available, offering stronger minions.

Armor progression is crucial for summoners. Early-game armor like the Flinx Fur Coat provides a small boost to summon damage. As you progress, the Obsidian Armor and Bee Armor become available, offering significant bonuses to minion count and damage. In Hardmode, the Spider Armor and Forbidden Armor are excellent choices. Endgame summoners should aim for the Stardust Armor, which provides the highest minion count and damage bonuses, along with a powerful set bonus that summons a Stardust Guardian.

Accessories play a key role in enhancing summoner builds. Early-game accessories like the Summoner Emblem and Pygmy Necklace increase minion damage and count. In Hardmode, the Papyrus Scarab and Necromantic Scroll further boost these stats. The Celestial Shell and Celestial Stone are also valuable for their all-around stat boosts. For mobility, accessories like the Wings and Lightning Boots are essential. The Hercules Beetle and Avenger Emblem can also be used to maximize damage output.

Buff potions are important for summoners. Summoning Potions increase the number of minions you can summon, while Bewitching Tablets provide an additional minion slot. Other useful potions include Endurance Potions for defense, Ironskin Potions for damage reduction, and Swiftness Potions for mobility. Wrath Potions and Rage Potions are excellent for increasing damage output during boss fights.

When fighting bosses, summoners should focus on dodging attacks while their minions deal damage. Positioning is key, as summoners are often fragile. Use platforms and mobility accessories to stay out of harmÔÇÖs way. Sentries like the Ballista Cane or Explosive Trap Cane can provide additional damage and crowd control. For example, during the Plantera fight, use the Spider Staff and Spider Armor to summon multiple spiders that can latch onto the boss and deal consistent damage. Combine this with the Queen Spider Staff for a sentry that slows Plantera down, making it easier to dodge.

Resource management is important for summoners. Early-game, focus on gathering materials for summon weapons and armor. In Hardmode, farm for Souls of Night and Light to craft powerful summon weapons like the Optic Staff and Deadly Sphere Staff. Endgame summoners will need Luminite and Stardust Fragments to craft the Stardust Dragon Staff and Stardust Armor. Always keep an eye out for Life Fruits and Mana Crystals to increase your health and mana pools.

Common mistakes include neglecting defense and mobility. Summoners are often squishy, so prioritize accessories that improve survivability. Another mistake is not using buff potions, which can significantly boost your effectiveness. Additionally, some players forget to upgrade their minion count and damage through armor and accessories, limiting their potential.

Advanced techniques include using hybrid builds. For example, combining summoner gear with magic or ranged weapons can provide additional damage options. The Forbidden Armor is great for this, as it boosts both summon and magic damage. Another technique is using the Stardust Dragon Staff in combination with the Stardust Cell Staff. The dragon deals high single-target damage, while the cells provide crowd control.

In summary, summoner builds in Terraria require careful planning and progression. Focus on obtaining summon weapons, armor, and accessories that boost minion count and damage. Use buff potions and mobility accessories to stay alive during fights. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense and not using buffs. With the right setup, summoners can dominate TerrariaÔÇÖs toughest challenges.