How do I unlock the best summoner weapons in Terraria?

Unlocking the best summoner weapons in Terraria requires a combination of progression through the game's stages, careful resource management, and strategic planning. Summoner is a unique class that relies on minions and sentries to deal damage, making it essential to focus on summon-specific gear and accessories. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

To start, summoner weapons are divided into two main types: minions and whips. Minions are creatures that fight for you, while whips are melee weapons that enhance your minions' damage and provide other buffs. The best summoner weapons are typically obtained in Hardmode, but you can prepare for this by gathering resources and progressing through Pre-Hardmode.

In Pre-Hardmode, your first summoner weapon is the Slime Staff, which is a rare drop from slimes. While it's not the strongest, it's a good starting point. You can also craft the Finch Staff using 10 Wood and 1 Finch Nest, which is found in Living Wood Chests. These early weapons will help you get started, but your focus should be on preparing for Hardmode.

Once you enter Hardmode, the summoner class becomes more viable. The first major summoner weapon you should aim for is the Spider Staff. To craft it, you need 16 Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses in Spider Caves. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that deal decent damage and can latch onto enemies. Pair this with the Spider Armor, which increases your minion count and damage, to significantly boost your summoner capabilities.

Next, you should aim for the Blade Staff, which is dropped by Queen Slime. This weapon summons enchanted daggers that deal rapid damage and have high armor penetration. The Blade Staff is particularly effective against enemies with high defense, making it a great choice for boss fights. To summon Queen Slime, you need a Gelatin Crystal, which can be found in the Underground Hallow.

As you progress further, you'll want to obtain the Sanguine Staff. This powerful weapon is dropped by Dreadnautilus, a rare enemy that spawns during a Blood Moon while fishing in the Ocean biome. The Sanguine Staff summons vampire bats that deal high damage and have excellent tracking. To increase your chances of encountering Dreadnautilus, use a Chum Caster or Blood Fishing Rod, and fish during a Blood Moon.

For the ultimate summoner weapon, you'll need the Terraprisma. This weapon is obtained by defeating the Empress of Light during the day. The Empress of Light is a challenging boss, but defeating her during the day ensures that she drops the Terraprisma. This weapon summons ethereal blades that deal massive damage and have high accuracy. To prepare for this fight, make sure you have the best summoner gear, including the Stardust Armor, which provides the highest minion count and damage bonuses.

In terms of accessories, focus on items that increase your minion count and damage. The Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace are essential. You can also use the Summoner Emblem and Avenger Emblem for additional damage boosts. For mobility, consider using the Wings and Lightning Boots to avoid enemy attacks.

When it comes to buffs, use potions like the Summoning Potion to increase your minion count, and the Bewitching Table to temporarily boost your minion damage. The Wrath Potion and Rage Potion can also increase your overall damage output.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Make sure to equip accessories that provide defense and mobility, and use buffs to enhance your survivability.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your minion placement and using whips effectively. Whips like the Kaleidoscope and Morning Star can significantly boost your minions' damage and provide additional effects like critical hits and armor penetration. Use these whips strategically to maximize your damage output.

In summary, unlocking the best summoner weapons in Terraria requires careful progression, resource management, and strategic planning. Focus on obtaining key weapons like the Spider Staff, Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, and Terraprisma, and equip the best summoner gear and accessories. Use buffs and potions to enhance your performance, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense and mobility. With the right preparation and strategy, you can become a powerful summoner capable of taking on Terraria's toughest challenges.