What are the best pre-Hardmode weapons for a summoner in Terraria?

In Terraria, the summoner class is a unique and powerful playstyle that focuses on using minions to deal damage while the player avoids direct combat. Pre-Hardmode summoners have limited options compared to other classes, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can still build a strong foundation for your character. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best pre-Hardmode weapons for a summoner, along with tips and strategies to maximize their effectiveness.

The first step in becoming a summoner is to obtain the Slime Staff, which is the earliest summon weapon available. This staff summons a small slime minion that attacks enemies. While the Slime Staff is weak, it is essential for starting your summoner journey. The Slime Staff has a very low drop rate from most slimes, so farming slimes in the early game is necessary. A good strategy is to create a small arena in the Forest biome and use water candles and battle potions to increase spawn rates. This will help you farm slimes more efficiently.

Once you have the Slime Staff, the next step is to obtain the Finch Staff. This weapon is found in Living Wood Chests in Living Trees, which are large tree structures found in the Forest biome. The Finch Staff summons a small bird minion that deals more damage than the Slime Staff. To find Living Trees, explore the surface of your world and look for large, hollow trees with entrances. Inside, youÔÇÖll find Living Wood Chests that may contain the Finch Staff. This weapon is a significant upgrade and will carry you through the early game.

Another important pre-Hardmode summon weapon is the Hornet Staff. This staff is crafted using 14 Beeswax, which is dropped by the Queen Bee boss. To summon the Queen Bee, you need to craft an Abeemination using 5 Honey Blocks, 1 Stinger, 5 Hives, and 1 Bottled Honey. The Queen Bee is fought in the Underground Jungle biome, so make sure you have adequate armor and accessories before attempting this fight. The Hornet Staff summons hornet minions that shoot stingers at enemies, making it a powerful weapon for mid-pre-Hardmode.

For armor, the best pre-Hardmode summoner set is the Bee Armor, which is also crafted using Beeswax from the Queen Bee. This armor increases your minion capacity and damage, making it essential for summoners. To craft the full set, youÔÇÖll need 30 Beeswax, so you may need to defeat the Queen Bee multiple times. The Bee Armor also provides a set bonus that spawns friendly bees when you take damage, adding extra damage output.

Accessories are crucial for enhancing your summoner build. The most important pre-Hardmode accessory for summoners is the Summoner Emblem, which increases minion damage by 15%. This emblem is dropped by the Wall of Flesh, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare for this boss fight. Other useful accessories include the Feral Claws, which increase melee speed and can be found in Jungle Shrines, and the Band of Regeneration, which provides health regeneration and can be found in Underground Chests.

When it comes to combat strategies, summoners rely heavily on their minions to deal damage while they focus on dodging and positioning. Pre-Hardmode summoners should prioritize mobility and defense, as they have limited offensive capabilities. Using platforms and grappling hooks to maneuver around enemies is essential. Additionally, using buff potions like the Summoning Potion, which increases your minion capacity, and the Ironskin Potion, which increases defense, can greatly enhance your survivability and damage output.

One common mistake summoners make is neglecting their own defense and mobility. While minions are the primary source of damage, the player must still avoid taking hits. Investing in accessories that increase movement speed, such as the Hermes Boots, and defense, such as the Obsidian Shield, is crucial. Another mistake is not maximizing minion capacity. Always use the Summoning Potion and equip accessories that increase minion count to ensure you have as many minions as possible.

Advanced techniques for summoners include using minions to farm enemies and resources. For example, you can set up a small arena with traps and summon minions to automatically kill enemies while you collect drops. This is especially useful for farming rare items like the Slime Staff or materials for crafting. Additionally, combining summoner weapons with other class weapons, such as a ranged or magic weapon, can provide extra damage output in tough situations.

In summary, the best pre-Hardmode weapons for a summoner in Terraria are the Slime Staff, Finch Staff, and Hornet Staff. These weapons, combined with the Bee Armor and essential accessories, provide a strong foundation for the summoner class. Focus on farming slimes for the Slime Staff, explore Living Trees for the Finch Staff, and defeat the Queen Bee for the Hornet Staff and Bee Armor. Prioritize mobility and defense, use buff potions, and maximize minion capacity to optimize your summoner build. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of pre-Hardmode and transition smoothly into Hardmode as a powerful summoner.