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.

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 strength comes from the number of minions they can control, their damage output, and the playerÔÇÖs ability to survive while their minions do the work.

Early in the game, summoners have limited options. The first summon weapon you can obtain is the Slime Staff, which summons a baby slime minion. However, this weapon is extremely rare, so most players rely on the Finch Staff, which is found in Living Wood Chests in Living Trees. This staff summons a small bird that attacks enemies. Another early option is the AbigailÔÇÖs Flower, which summons a ghostly minion. These early weapons are weak, so summoners often pair them with melee or ranged weapons until they can access better summoning gear.

As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to focus on increasing your minion count and damage. The first major upgrade comes from crafting the Imp Staff, which requires Hellstone Bars and Obsidian. This staff summons imps that shoot fireballs, making it a significant improvement over early-game options. To craft it, youÔÇÖll need to mine Hellstone in the Underworld, so prepare for tough enemies and lava hazards. Equip armor like the Bee Armor, which increases minion capacity and damage, to further boost your summoning power.

In Hardmode, summoners gain access to more powerful weapons and armor. The Spider Staff, crafted from Spider Fangs found in Spider Caves, summons spider minions that latch onto enemies and deal continuous damage. Pair this with the Spider Armor, which increases minion damage and capacity. Another excellent Hardmode weapon is the Blade Staff, dropped by Queen Slime. This staff summons enchanted daggers that deal rapid damage and have high accuracy. The Blade Staff is particularly effective against fast-moving enemies and bosses.

For endgame summoners, the best weapons include the Terraprisma, a powerful sword that summons glowing blades, and the Stardust Dragon Staff, which summons a massive dragon minion. The Terraprisma is obtained by defeating the Empress of Light during the day, while the Stardust Dragon Staff is crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Stardust Pillar. These weapons are incredibly strong and can carry you through the final stages of the game.

To maximize your summoner build, focus on accessories that increase minion count, damage, and survivability. The Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace are essential for increasing minion capacity and damage. The Hercules Beetle and Summoner Emblem further boost minion damage. For defense, consider accessories like the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield to reduce damage and debuffs. Wings and movement accessories like the Lightning Boots are also important for dodging attacks.

Buff potions are crucial for summoners. Use the Summoning Potion to increase minion capacity and the Bewitching Table to temporarily boost minion count. Other useful potions include the Ironskin Potion for defense, the Regeneration Potion for health recovery, and the Swiftness Potion for mobility. Always carry a variety of potions to adapt to different situations.

One common mistake summoners make is neglecting defense. While minions deal damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Focus on building a balanced character with good mobility and defense. Another mistake is not managing minion placement. Some minions, like the Stardust Dragon, can block projectiles or crowd control enemies, so position them strategically during boss fights.

Advanced techniques include using sentries alongside minions. Sentries like the Ballista Cane or Explosive Trap Cane provide additional damage and crowd control. Combine these with minions for maximum effectiveness. Another tip is to use whips, which are summoner melee weapons that increase minion damage and provide crowd control. The Kaleidoscope and Morning Star are excellent whip options for endgame summoners.

Resource management is key for summoners. Gather materials for summoning weapons and armor as early as possible. Farm enemies for rare drops like the Slime Staff or Blade Staff. In Hardmode, focus on defeating bosses and events to obtain powerful summoning gear. Always keep an eye out for accessories and potions that enhance your build.

In summary, a summoner build in Terraria requires careful progression, from early-game weapons like the Finch Staff to endgame powerhouses like the Terraprisma. Focus on increasing minion count and damage, while also building a balanced character with good defense and mobility. Use accessories, potions, and advanced techniques to optimize your build and tackle TerrariaÔÇÖs toughest challenges. With the right preparation and strategy, a summoner can become one of the most powerful classes in the game.