How do I summon the Pumpkin Moon event in Terraria?

To summon the Pumpkin Moon event in Terraria, you need to use a specific item called the Pumpkin Moon Medallion. This event is a wave-based challenge that occurs at night and features powerful enemies and bosses. The event is designed for mid-to-late-game players, as it requires strong gear and preparation to survive and succeed. Below is a detailed explanation of how to summon and prepare for the Pumpkin Moon event.

The Pumpkin Moon Medallion is crafted at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil using specific materials. You will need 30 Pumpkins, 5 Ectoplasm, and 10 Hallowed Bars. Pumpkins can be grown from Pumpkin Seeds, which are purchased from the Dryad during the Halloween season or found in chests. Ectoplasm is dropped by Dungeon Spirits, which spawn in the Dungeon after defeating Plantera. Hallowed Bars are obtained by defeating the mechanical bosses (The Twins, Skeletron Prime, and The Destroyer). Once you have these materials, craft the Pumpkin Moon Medallion at the anvil.

To summon the event, use the Pumpkin Moon Medallion at night. The event will last until dawn, so it is important to start it as soon as night falls to maximize your time. The Pumpkin Moon consists of 15 waves, with each wave increasing in difficulty. The goal is to defeat as many enemies and bosses as possible to reach higher waves and earn better rewards. The event features unique enemies like Scarecrows, Splinterlings, and Mourning Wood, as well as the final boss, Pumpking. These enemies drop valuable loot, including weapons, accessories, and crafting materials.

Preparation is key to surviving the Pumpkin Moon event. First, ensure you have a strong arena with platforms, campfires, heart lanterns, and honey pools for regeneration. Place traps and lava pits to deal with weaker enemies, and use banners to increase your damage against specific foes. Stock up on potions, such as Ironskin, Regeneration, Swiftness, and Endurance, to boost your survivability. Ammo and mana potions are also essential if you are using ranged or magic weapons.

In terms of equipment, choose a class that suits your playstyle. Melee players should use high-damage weapons like the Terra Blade or Influx Waver, along with armor such as Beetle or Turtle Armor. Ranged players can benefit from weapons like the Chain Gun or Tsunami, paired with Shroomite Armor. Magic users should equip the Razorblade Typhoon or Spectre Staff, along with Spectre Armor for healing or damage. Summoners can use the Xeno Staff or Tempest Staff, with Tiki or Spooky Armor for increased minion power. Accessories like the Celestial Shell, Ankh Shield, and Wings are highly recommended for all classes.

During the event, focus on defeating Mourning Wood and Pumpking as quickly as possible, as they drop the best loot. Use area-of-effect weapons to handle groups of enemies, and prioritize dodging attacks to avoid taking unnecessary damage. If you are struggling to reach higher waves, consider using traps and summoning minions to assist you. Additionally, coordinate with friends in multiplayer mode to divide tasks and increase your chances of success.

Common mistakes to avoid include starting the event without proper preparation, such as lacking potions or having weak gear. Another mistake is not building a suitable arena, which can make it difficult to manage enemies and survive the waves. Additionally, players often underestimate the importance of mobility and regeneration, leading to quick deaths. To avoid these issues, take the time to gather resources, craft necessary items, and build a well-designed arena before summoning the event.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your arena with teleporters to quickly move between areas and using statues to spawn enemies for additional loot. You can also use the Nurse NPC to heal during the event, but be cautious as this can interrupt your progress. Another strategy is to use the Solar Eruption or Daybreak weapons, which are highly effective against the event's enemies and bosses.

In summary, summoning and completing the Pumpkin Moon event requires careful preparation, strong equipment, and effective strategies. By crafting the Pumpkin Moon Medallion, building a suitable arena, and equipping the right gear, you can tackle this challenging event and earn valuable rewards. Remember to focus on defeating Mourning Wood and Pumpking, use potions and accessories to enhance your abilities, and avoid common mistakes to maximize your success. With practice and preparation, you can conquer the Pumpkin Moon and enjoy the unique loot it offers.