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 your effectiveness.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of summoner weapons. Summoner weapons in Terraria are divided into two main types: minions and sentries. Minions are creatures that follow you and attack enemies automatically, while sentries are stationary turrets that fire at nearby enemies. Both types of weapons require summoning slots, which are increased by wearing summoner armor and accessories. Pre-Hardmode summoners have access to a few key weapons, but the most important ones are the Finch Staff, Slime Staff, and Imp Staff.
The Finch Staff is one of the earliest summoner weapons you can obtain. It is found in Living Wood Chests in Living Trees, which are large tree structures found on the surface. The Finch Staff summons a small bird that flies around and attacks enemies. While its damage is low, it is a great starting weapon for summoners. To find a Living Tree, explore the surface of your world and look for large, hollow trees with doors. Inside, youÔÇÖll find chests that may contain the Finch Staff.
The Slime Staff is another early-game summoner weapon, but it is extremely rare. It has a 1 in 10,000 drop chance from most slimes, making it one of the hardest items to obtain in the game. However, if youÔÇÖre lucky enough to get it, the Slime Staff summons a baby slime that bounces around and attacks enemies. While its damage is also low, it can be useful in the early game. To increase your chances of getting the Slime Staff, farm slimes in areas with high spawn rates, such as the Underground or Jungle biomes.
The Imp Staff is the best pre-Hardmode summoner weapon and is essential for any summoner build. It is crafted using 17 Hellstone Bars at an Anvil. Hellstone is found in the Underworld, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare for a dangerous journey. To craft Hellstone Bars, youÔÇÖll need Hellstone Ore and Obsidian. Hellstone Ore is mined in the Underworld, but be careful, as it inflicts the Burning debuff when touched. Use an Obsidian Skull or Obsidian Skin Potion to negate this effect. Obsidian is created by mixing water and lava, so bring a bucket or use a pump system to create a pool of water near lava in the Underworld. Once you have the materials, craft the Imp Staff, which summons an imp that fires fireballs at enemies. The Imp Staff is a significant upgrade over the Finch and Slime Staves, offering higher damage and better range.
In addition to weapons, summoners should focus on obtaining summoner armor and accessories. The best pre-Hardmode summoner armor is the Bee Armor, which is crafted using 30 Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss. The Bee Armor increases your minion capacity and damage, making it essential for summoners. To summon the Queen Bee, youÔÇÖll need Abeemination, which is crafted using 5 Honey Blocks, 1 Stinger, 5 Hives, and 1 Bottled Honey. The Queen Bee is a challenging boss, so prepare with strong weapons, potions, and a good arena.
Accessories are also important for summoners. The Pygmy Necklace, which increases minion capacity, is a great choice. It is dropped by the Witch Doctor NPC when he is in the Jungle biome. Another useful accessory is the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage. It is dropped by the Wall of Flesh, the final pre-Hardmode boss. While the Wall of Flesh is a tough fight, defeating it is necessary to enter Hardmode and unlock more powerful summoner gear.
When playing as a summoner, itÔÇÖs important to focus on avoiding damage while your minions do the work. Use mobility accessories like the Hermes Boots or Cloud in a Bottle to stay out of harmÔÇÖs way. Additionally, use buff potions like the Summoning Potion, which increases your minion capacity, and the Wrath Potion, which increases damage. These potions can be crafted using materials found throughout the world.
One common mistake summoners make is neglecting their own defense. While minions are your primary source of damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Make sure to equip armor and accessories that provide defense, and consider using a shield like the Cobalt Shield to prevent knockback. Another mistake is not managing minion slots effectively. Each minion takes up a slot, so prioritize summoning the strongest minions available to you.
Advanced techniques for summoners include using sentries in combination with minions. The Queen Spider Staff, which summons a spider sentry, can be obtained by defeating the Queen Spider in the Spider Caves. This sentry deals continuous damage to enemies in its range, making it a great addition to your arsenal. Additionally, consider using the Bewitching Table, which temporarily increases your minion capacity. This item is found in Dungeon chests and can be a game-changer in tough battles.
In summary, the best pre-Hardmode weapons for a summoner are the Finch Staff, Slime Staff, and Imp Staff. Focus on obtaining the Imp Staff as soon as possible, as it is the most powerful pre-Hardmode summoner weapon. Equip summoner armor like the Bee Armor and use accessories that increase minion capacity and damage. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense and mismanaging minion slots, and use advanced techniques like combining minions with sentries. With the right preparation and strategy, you can build a strong summoner character ready to take on the challenges of Hardmode.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of summoner weapons. Summoner weapons in Terraria are divided into two main types: minions and sentries. Minions are creatures that follow you and attack enemies automatically, while sentries are stationary turrets that fire at nearby enemies. Both types of weapons require summoning slots, which are increased by wearing summoner armor and accessories. Pre-Hardmode summoners have access to a few key weapons, but the most important ones are the Finch Staff, Slime Staff, and Imp Staff.
The Finch Staff is one of the earliest summoner weapons you can obtain. It is found in Living Wood Chests in Living Trees, which are large tree structures found on the surface. The Finch Staff summons a small bird that flies around and attacks enemies. While its damage is low, it is a great starting weapon for summoners. To find a Living Tree, explore the surface of your world and look for large, hollow trees with doors. Inside, youÔÇÖll find chests that may contain the Finch Staff.
The Slime Staff is another early-game summoner weapon, but it is extremely rare. It has a 1 in 10,000 drop chance from most slimes, making it one of the hardest items to obtain in the game. However, if youÔÇÖre lucky enough to get it, the Slime Staff summons a baby slime that bounces around and attacks enemies. While its damage is also low, it can be useful in the early game. To increase your chances of getting the Slime Staff, farm slimes in areas with high spawn rates, such as the Underground or Jungle biomes.
The Imp Staff is the best pre-Hardmode summoner weapon and is essential for any summoner build. It is crafted using 17 Hellstone Bars at an Anvil. Hellstone is found in the Underworld, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare for a dangerous journey. To craft Hellstone Bars, youÔÇÖll need Hellstone Ore and Obsidian. Hellstone Ore is mined in the Underworld, but be careful, as it inflicts the Burning debuff when touched. Use an Obsidian Skull or Obsidian Skin Potion to negate this effect. Obsidian is created by mixing water and lava, so bring a bucket or use a pump system to create a pool of water near lava in the Underworld. Once you have the materials, craft the Imp Staff, which summons an imp that fires fireballs at enemies. The Imp Staff is a significant upgrade over the Finch and Slime Staves, offering higher damage and better range.
In addition to weapons, summoners should focus on obtaining summoner armor and accessories. The best pre-Hardmode summoner armor is the Bee Armor, which is crafted using 30 Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss. The Bee Armor increases your minion capacity and damage, making it essential for summoners. To summon the Queen Bee, youÔÇÖll need Abeemination, which is crafted using 5 Honey Blocks, 1 Stinger, 5 Hives, and 1 Bottled Honey. The Queen Bee is a challenging boss, so prepare with strong weapons, potions, and a good arena.
Accessories are also important for summoners. The Pygmy Necklace, which increases minion capacity, is a great choice. It is dropped by the Witch Doctor NPC when he is in the Jungle biome. Another useful accessory is the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage. It is dropped by the Wall of Flesh, the final pre-Hardmode boss. While the Wall of Flesh is a tough fight, defeating it is necessary to enter Hardmode and unlock more powerful summoner gear.
When playing as a summoner, itÔÇÖs important to focus on avoiding damage while your minions do the work. Use mobility accessories like the Hermes Boots or Cloud in a Bottle to stay out of harmÔÇÖs way. Additionally, use buff potions like the Summoning Potion, which increases your minion capacity, and the Wrath Potion, which increases damage. These potions can be crafted using materials found throughout the world.
One common mistake summoners make is neglecting their own defense. While minions are your primary source of damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Make sure to equip armor and accessories that provide defense, and consider using a shield like the Cobalt Shield to prevent knockback. Another mistake is not managing minion slots effectively. Each minion takes up a slot, so prioritize summoning the strongest minions available to you.
Advanced techniques for summoners include using sentries in combination with minions. The Queen Spider Staff, which summons a spider sentry, can be obtained by defeating the Queen Spider in the Spider Caves. This sentry deals continuous damage to enemies in its range, making it a great addition to your arsenal. Additionally, consider using the Bewitching Table, which temporarily increases your minion capacity. This item is found in Dungeon chests and can be a game-changer in tough battles.
In summary, the best pre-Hardmode weapons for a summoner are the Finch Staff, Slime Staff, and Imp Staff. Focus on obtaining the Imp Staff as soon as possible, as it is the most powerful pre-Hardmode summoner weapon. Equip summoner armor like the Bee Armor and use accessories that increase minion capacity and damage. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense and mismanaging minion slots, and use advanced techniques like combining minions with sentries. With the right preparation and strategy, you can build a strong summoner character ready to take on the challenges of Hardmode.