How do I increase my character's summon capacity in Terraria?

Increasing your character's summon capacity in Terraria is a key aspect of playing as a summoner or hybrid summoner class. Summon capacity refers to the number of minions you can have active at once, which directly impacts your damage output and survivability. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to increase your summon capacity, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, summon capacity is primarily increased through specific armor sets, accessories, and buffs. The base summon capacity is one minion, but this can be expanded significantly as you progress through the game. The first step is to acquire summoner-specific armor. Early in the game, you can craft the Flinx Fur Coat, which increases your summon capacity by one. This is a good starting point for summoners. As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade to more powerful armor sets like the Bee Armor, which increases your summon capacity by two and provides additional minion damage. Later in the game, you can obtain the Obsidian Armor, Spider Armor, and eventually the Stardust Armor, which is the best summoner armor in the game and significantly boosts your summon capacity and minion damage.

Accessories are another crucial way to increase summon capacity. The Pygmy Necklace, which can be purchased from the Witch Doctor after defeating Plantera, increases your summon capacity by one. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted from the Pygmy Necklace and Hercules Beetle, also increases summon capacity by one and boosts minion damage. The Necromantic Scroll, dropped by the Mourning Wood during the Pumpkin Moon event, increases summon capacity by one and reduces minion damage penalties. Combining these accessories with the Summoner Emblem and other damage-boosting accessories can make your minions incredibly powerful.

Buffs are also important for increasing summon capacity. The Summoning Potion, crafted from Bottled Water, Daybloom, and Variegated Lardfish, increases your summon capacity by one for eight minutes. This potion is essential for boss fights and challenging events. Additionally, the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a temporary summon capacity increase when used. Always keep these buffs active when engaging in tough battles.

To maximize your summon capacity, youÔÇÖll need to prepare and gather resources. Early on, focus on farming materials for the Flinx Fur Coat and summon weapons like the Finch Staff or Slime Staff. As you progress, gather materials for better armor sets and accessories. For example, the Spider Armor requires Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves. The Stardust Armor requires Stardust Fragments, which are obtained from the Stardust Pillar during the Lunar Events. Always keep an eye out for summoner-specific drops and craftable items.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your armor and accessories. Summoners rely heavily on their minions for damage, so having the right gear is crucial. DonÔÇÖt forget to use buffs like the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table, as they provide significant boosts. Another mistake is not upgrading your summon weapons. Early-game summon weapons like the Finch Staff are useful, but youÔÇÖll need stronger weapons like the Blade Staff or Terraprisma as you progress.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your accessory loadout. For example, combining the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Summoner Emblem with damage-boosting accessories like the Avenger Emblem and Destroyer Emblem can maximize your minion damage and summon capacity. Additionally, using the Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone can provide overall stat boosts, making your character more versatile.

In specific scenarios, such as boss fights, having a high summon capacity is essential. For example, during the Moon Lord fight, having multiple powerful minions can significantly increase your damage output. Use the Stardust Dragon Staff or Stardust Cell Staff, which summon powerful minions that deal continuous damage. Combine this with the Stardust Armor and buffs to maximize your effectiveness.

In conclusion, increasing your summon capacity in Terraria involves a combination of armor, accessories, buffs, and strategic planning. Focus on acquiring summoner-specific gear, using buffs, and optimizing your loadout to maximize your minion count and damage. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting gear upgrades and buffs, and use advanced techniques to further enhance your summoner build. With the right preparation and strategy, you can create a powerful summoner character capable of tackling TerrariaÔÇÖs toughest challenges.