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

Increasing your character's summon count in Terraria is a key aspect of playing as a summoner, a class that relies on minions to deal damage while you focus on dodging and supporting your summons. The summon count determines how many minions you can have active at once, and increasing it is essential for maximizing your damage output. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

The summon count is primarily increased through accessories, armor sets, and buffs. By default, you start with one minion slot, but this can be expanded significantly as you progress through the game. The first step is to craft or obtain accessories that increase your minion count. The most common accessory for this is the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage but does not directly increase minion count. However, accessories like the Pygmy Necklace and Papyrus Scarab are crucial, as they provide additional minion slots. The Pygmy Necklace, crafted from a Tiki Totem and Hercules Beetle, grants one extra minion slot, while the Papyrus Scarab, crafted from the Pygmy Necklace and Necromantic Scroll, grants two extra minion slots. These accessories are essential for any summoner build.

Armor sets also play a significant role in increasing your summon count. The Spider Armor, obtained by crafting with Spider Fangs, provides two additional minion slots and is one of the earliest summoner-specific armor sets available. Later in the game, the Tiki Armor, purchased from the Witch Doctor during a Blood Moon, offers three additional minion slots, making it a powerful choice for summoners. The Stardust Armor, the endgame summoner set, provides the highest minion count increase, granting four additional minion slots and a powerful minion-boosting set bonus. Equipping these armor sets is crucial for maximizing your summon count.

Buffs are another way to increase your summon count temporarily. The Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, allows you to consume a Bewitching Potion, which grants one additional minion slot for eight minutes. This buff is stackable with other summon count increases, making it a valuable tool during boss fights or difficult events. Always carry Bewitching Potions and set up a Bewitching Table in your base for easy access.

To optimize your summon count, you should also consider reforging your accessories to the Menacing or Warding modifiers. Menacing increases your damage output, while Warding provides additional defense, both of which are beneficial for summoners. Additionally, using the Summoning Potion, which increases your minion count by one, can further enhance your capabilities. These potions are crafted with Bottled Water, Moonglow, and Variegated Lardfish, so make sure to gather these resources.

A common mistake players make is neglecting to upgrade their accessories and armor as they progress. Always prioritize obtaining the best summoner gear available at your current stage of the game. Another mistake is not using buffs effectively. Always use Bewitching Potions and Summoning Potions before engaging in tough battles, as the additional minions can make a significant difference.

Advanced techniques include combining summoner gear with other class accessories to create hybrid builds. For example, using the Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone alongside summoner accessories can provide additional stats like increased melee speed and regeneration, making you more versatile in combat. Additionally, using the Necromantic Scroll and Papyrus Scarab together can provide a total of three extra minion slots, which is highly effective for endgame content.

Resource management is crucial for summoners. Always gather materials like Spider Fangs, Tiki Totems, and Lihzahrd Bricks to craft or purchase the necessary gear. Farming for potion ingredients like Moonglow and Variegated Lardfish is also important, as these potions can significantly boost your summon count.

In summary, increasing your summon count in Terraria involves a combination of accessories, armor sets, and buffs. Prioritize obtaining the Pygmy Necklace, Papyrus Scarab, and summoner-specific armor sets like Spider Armor, Tiki Armor, and Stardust Armor. Use Bewitching Potions and Summoning Potions to temporarily increase your minion count, and always reforge your accessories for optimal performance. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting gear upgrades and not using buffs, and consider advanced techniques like hybrid builds for added versatility. With proper preparation and resource management, you can maximize your summon count and become a powerful summoner in Terraria.