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 primarily boosted by equipment and buffs that increase your minion count, minion damage, and summon weapon damage. Minions are creatures that fight for you, and their damage scales with your summon damage stat. Sentries are stationary summons that also benefit from summon damage boosts. To increase summon damage, you need to focus on obtaining the right armor sets, accessories, and buffs that enhance these stats.

Early in the game, you can start by crafting the Flinx Fur Coat, which is a pre-Hardmode summoner armor that increases your minion count by one and provides a small boost to summon damage. This is a good starting point for summoners. As you progress, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade to more powerful armor sets. In pre-Hardmode, the Bee Armor is a great choice, as it increases your minion count by two and provides a significant boost to summon damage. Once you enter Hardmode, you can craft the Spider Armor, which further increases your minion count and summon damage. Later in Hardmode, the Tiki Armor and Spooky Armor are excellent options, with Spooky Armor being the best for pure summon damage output.

Accessories play a crucial role in boosting summon damage. The Pygmy Necklace, obtained from the Witch Doctor in Hardmode, increases your minion count by one. The Papyrus Scarab, crafted from the Pygmy Necklace and Hercules Beetle, provides an additional minion slot and increases summon damage. The Necromantic Scroll, dropped by the Pumpking during the Pumpkin Moon event, also increases minion count and damage. Combining these accessories with the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage by 15%, will significantly boost your damage output. Additionally, the Avenger Emblem and Destroyer Emblem can be used to further increase damage, as they provide universal damage boosts.

Buffs are another important factor. Using the Summoning Potion increases your minion count by one, while the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, provides a temporary minion slot. The Wrath Potion and Rage Potion increase your damage and critical strike chance, respectively, which also benefits summon damage. Always keep these buffs active during boss fights or challenging encounters.

When it comes to weapons, focus on obtaining the best summon weapons for your progression stage. Early on, the Finch Staff or Slime Staff are decent options. In pre-Hardmode, the Hornet Staff and Imp Staff are strong choices. In Hardmode, the Spider Staff, Blade Staff, and Sanguine Staff are excellent for dealing high damage. For sentries, the Queen Spider Staff and Ballista Staff are great options. The Terraprisma, obtained by defeating the Empress of Light in daylight, is one of the most powerful summon weapons in the game.

A common mistake is neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners focus on damage, having good mobility and defense is crucial for survival. Use accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu, Lightning Boots, and Wings to improve mobility. Consider reforging accessories to Warding for extra defense or Menacing for more damage, depending on your playstyle.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your minion AI and positioning. Minions attack enemies within a certain range, so positioning yourself strategically can maximize their effectiveness. Using sentries in combination with minions can create a powerful defense, especially during events like the Pumpkin Moon or Frost Moon. Additionally, combining summoner gear with hybrid builds, such as using magic or ranged weapons alongside minions, can provide versatility in combat.

Resource requirements include gathering materials for crafting armor, accessories, and potions. Farming for specific drops, like the Spider Fang for Spider Armor or the Tattered Bee Wing for the Bee Armor, is essential. Preparing for boss fights by stocking up on potions and setting up arenas with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns will improve your chances of success.

In summary, increasing summon damage involves a combination of the right armor, accessories, buffs, and weapons. Focus on obtaining summoner-specific gear, use buffs to enhance your stats, and optimize your minion and sentry usage. Avoid neglecting defense and mobility, and prepare thoroughly for challenging encounters. By following these strategies, you can maximize your summon damage and become a powerful summoner in Terraria.