What is the best way to increase my summon damage in Terraria?

Increasing summon damage in Terraria is a key focus for players who choose the summoner class, as it allows you to maximize the effectiveness of your minions and sentries. Summon damage is influenced by several factors, including armor, accessories, buffs, and weapons. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to optimize your summon damage throughout the game.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of summon damage. Summon damage is a stat that directly affects the damage output of your minions and sentries. It is increased by wearing summoner-specific armor, equipping accessories that boost summon damage, and using buffs or potions. Additionally, the number of minions you can summon at once is determined by your summon capacity, which can also be increased through armor, accessories, and buffs. Summon weapons, such as whips, also play a crucial role, as they not only deal damage but can also enhance your minionsÔÇÖ performance.

To start increasing your summon damage, focus on obtaining summoner armor sets. Early in the game, the Flinx Fur Coat is a good option, as it provides a small boost to summon damage and increases your minion count. As you progress, aim for the Bee Armor, which is crafted from materials dropped by the Queen Bee boss. This set significantly boosts summon damage and increases your minion count by two. Later in the game, the Obsidian Armor and Spider Armor are excellent choices, offering substantial summon damage bonuses and additional minion slots. In the endgame, the Stardust Armor is the best summoner set, providing massive summon damage boosts and the ability to summon a powerful Stardust Guardian.

Accessories are another critical component. Equip items like the Summoner Emblem, Papyrus Scarab, and Necromantic Scroll to increase summon damage and minion count. The Pygmy Necklace and Hercules Beetle are also useful, as they further enhance your minionsÔÇÖ capabilities. Reforge these accessories to the Menacing prefix for an additional 4% damage boost per accessory. Combining these with the Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone can provide additional stat boosts, including summon damage.

Buffs and potions are essential for maximizing summon damage. Use the Summoning Potion to increase your minion count by one, and the Bewitching Table to gain an additional minion slot. The Wrath Potion increases your overall damage, including summon damage, while the Flask of Ichor can be used with whips to reduce enemy defense, indirectly boosting your minionsÔÇÖ damage output. Always carry these potions and buffs, especially during boss fights or challenging events.

Whips are a unique weapon type for summoners. They not only deal damage but also apply special effects to your minions. For example, the Snapthorn increases minion attack speed, while the Spinal Tap inflicts a debuff that increases damage taken by enemies. Later in the game, the Kaleidoscope and Morning Star are powerful options that provide significant damage and critical strike bonuses. Use whips strategically to mark enemies, increasing the damage your minions deal to them.

Avoid common mistakes, such as neglecting your minion count or failing to use buffs. Always ensure you have the maximum number of minions summoned, as this directly impacts your damage output. Additionally, donÔÇÖt overlook the importance of reforging accessories and weapons. The right modifiers can make a significant difference in your overall performance.

Advanced techniques include combining summoner gear with other class accessories for hybrid builds. For example, using the Avenger Emblem alongside summoner accessories can provide a balanced boost to both summon and melee damage. Another optimization is to use the Stardust Dragon staff, which deals continuous damage and benefits greatly from summon damage boosts. Pair it with the Kaleidoscope whip for devastating results.

Resource requirements vary depending on your progression stage. Early game summoners will need materials like Bee Wax from the Queen Bee and Spider Fangs from the Spider Caves. Mid-game players should focus on obtaining Obsidian and Tattered Cloth for the Obsidian Armor. Endgame summoners will need Stardust Fragments from the Lunar Events to craft the Stardust Armor and weapons.

In summary, increasing summon damage in Terraria involves a combination of the right armor, accessories, buffs, and weapons. Focus on obtaining summoner-specific gear, maximize your minion count, and use whips to enhance your minionsÔÇÖ performance. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting buffs or reforging, and consider advanced techniques like hybrid builds for additional versatility. With proper preparation and strategy, you can create a powerful summoner character capable of tackling even the toughest challenges in Terraria.