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 the effectiveness of your summons. 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 do not require the player to actively attack enemies. Instead, the summoned creatures automatically target and attack nearby foes. The summonerÔÇÖs damage output is heavily dependent on the number and strength of these minions, which can be increased through armor, accessories, and buffs.
Early in the game, summoners have limited options. The first summon weapon you can obtain is the Slime Staff, which summons a baby slime to fight for you. However, this weapon is extremely rare, so itÔÇÖs not a reliable starting point. Instead, focus on progressing through the game to unlock better summon weapons. The Finch Staff, found in Living Wood Chests, is a more accessible early-game option. Once you defeat the Eye of Cthulhu, you can craft the Imp Staff using Hellstone Bars, which is a significant upgrade.
As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to prioritize summoner-specific armor sets. The Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee, is the first dedicated summoner armor. It increases your minion count and damage, making it essential for early to mid-game summoners. Later, you can upgrade to the Obsidian Armor, which provides a balance of summon damage and defense, or the Spider Armor, which further boosts minion damage and count.
Accessories are crucial for a summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, obtained from the Witch Doctor after defeating Plantera, increases your minion count. The Hercules Beetle and Necromantic Scroll, both dropped by the Hardmode Dungeon enemies, further enhance minion damage and count. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted by combining the Hercules Beetle and Necromantic Scroll, is a powerful accessory that combines both effects. Additionally, the Summoner Emblem, dropped by the Wall of Flesh, increases summon damage.
Buff potions are essential for maximizing your summonerÔÇÖs effectiveness. The Summoning Potion increases your minion count, while the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a similar effect. The Wrath Potion and Rage Potion increase damage and critical strike chance, respectively, which also benefits your minions. Always carry these potions, especially during boss fights.
In Hardmode, summoners gain access to more powerful weapons and armor. The Blade Staff, dropped by Queen Slime, is a versatile weapon that deals rapid damage. The Sanguine Staff, obtained from the Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon, is another excellent option. For armor, the Forbidden Armor, crafted from Adamantite or Titanium Bars and Forbidden Fragments, provides a balance of summon and magic damage. The Stardust Armor, crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Moon Lord, is the ultimate summoner armor, significantly boosting minion damage and count.
When fighting bosses, positioning is key. Summoners are fragile, so focus on dodging attacks while your minions deal damage. Use platforms and mobility accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu and Wings to stay mobile. Sentries, like the Queen Spider Staff or the Ballista Cane, can provide additional damage and crowd control.
Common mistakes include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Always prioritize accessories that enhance your survivability, such as the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield. Another mistake is not maximizing minion count. Always use the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table to increase your minion count before major battles.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your loadout for specific situations. For example, during events like the Pumpkin Moon or Frost Moon, use weapons with high crowd control, like the Tempest Staff or Raven Staff. For single-target damage, the Terraprisma, obtained by defeating the Empress of Light in daylight, is the most powerful summon weapon in the game.
Resource management is crucial for summoners. Always gather materials for potions and craftable items. Farming enemies for specific drops, like the Spider Fangs for Spider Armor, is essential. Preparation is key, so always have a stock of potions, buffs, and crafting materials ready.
In summary, a summoner build in Terraria requires careful progression, focusing on summon weapons, armor, and accessories. Prioritize minion count and damage, use buffs and potions, and always stay mobile during combat. With the right preparation and strategy, a summoner can become one of the most powerful classes in Terraria.
To start, summoners rely on summon weapons, which call minions or sentries to fight for them. These weapons are unique because they do not require the player to actively attack enemies. Instead, the summoned creatures automatically target and attack nearby foes. The summonerÔÇÖs damage output is heavily dependent on the number and strength of these minions, which can be increased through armor, accessories, and buffs.
Early in the game, summoners have limited options. The first summon weapon you can obtain is the Slime Staff, which summons a baby slime to fight for you. However, this weapon is extremely rare, so itÔÇÖs not a reliable starting point. Instead, focus on progressing through the game to unlock better summon weapons. The Finch Staff, found in Living Wood Chests, is a more accessible early-game option. Once you defeat the Eye of Cthulhu, you can craft the Imp Staff using Hellstone Bars, which is a significant upgrade.
As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to prioritize summoner-specific armor sets. The Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee, is the first dedicated summoner armor. It increases your minion count and damage, making it essential for early to mid-game summoners. Later, you can upgrade to the Obsidian Armor, which provides a balance of summon damage and defense, or the Spider Armor, which further boosts minion damage and count.
Accessories are crucial for a summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, obtained from the Witch Doctor after defeating Plantera, increases your minion count. The Hercules Beetle and Necromantic Scroll, both dropped by the Hardmode Dungeon enemies, further enhance minion damage and count. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted by combining the Hercules Beetle and Necromantic Scroll, is a powerful accessory that combines both effects. Additionally, the Summoner Emblem, dropped by the Wall of Flesh, increases summon damage.
Buff potions are essential for maximizing your summonerÔÇÖs effectiveness. The Summoning Potion increases your minion count, while the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a similar effect. The Wrath Potion and Rage Potion increase damage and critical strike chance, respectively, which also benefits your minions. Always carry these potions, especially during boss fights.
In Hardmode, summoners gain access to more powerful weapons and armor. The Blade Staff, dropped by Queen Slime, is a versatile weapon that deals rapid damage. The Sanguine Staff, obtained from the Dreadnautilus during a Blood Moon, is another excellent option. For armor, the Forbidden Armor, crafted from Adamantite or Titanium Bars and Forbidden Fragments, provides a balance of summon and magic damage. The Stardust Armor, crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Moon Lord, is the ultimate summoner armor, significantly boosting minion damage and count.
When fighting bosses, positioning is key. Summoners are fragile, so focus on dodging attacks while your minions deal damage. Use platforms and mobility accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu and Wings to stay mobile. Sentries, like the Queen Spider Staff or the Ballista Cane, can provide additional damage and crowd control.
Common mistakes include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Always prioritize accessories that enhance your survivability, such as the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield. Another mistake is not maximizing minion count. Always use the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table to increase your minion count before major battles.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your loadout for specific situations. For example, during events like the Pumpkin Moon or Frost Moon, use weapons with high crowd control, like the Tempest Staff or Raven Staff. For single-target damage, the Terraprisma, obtained by defeating the Empress of Light in daylight, is the most powerful summon weapon in the game.
Resource management is crucial for summoners. Always gather materials for potions and craftable items. Farming enemies for specific drops, like the Spider Fangs for Spider Armor, is essential. Preparation is key, so always have a stock of potions, buffs, and crafting materials ready.
In summary, a summoner build in Terraria requires careful progression, focusing on summon weapons, armor, and accessories. Prioritize minion count and damage, use buffs and potions, and always stay mobile during combat. With the right preparation and strategy, a summoner can become one of the most powerful classes in Terraria.