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The Best Gun to Wield When Hardmode Hits in Terraria

So, you’ve smashed the Wall of Flesh and Hardmode has descended upon your Terraria world. Congratulations, but don’t get too comfortable! The enemies are tougher, the biomes are more dangerous, and your pre-Hardmode gear just isn’t going to cut it for long. You need firepower, and you need it now. But with so many new options suddenly available, what’s the best gun to grab right at the start of this challenging new phase?

The quick answer is the Adamantite/Titanium Repeater paired with Crystal Bullets. While not technically a gun, the Repeater is a ranged weapon crafted at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil using the Hardmode ores (Adamantite or Titanium). Its damage output, combined with the superior piercing and extra damage of Crystal Bullets, makes it a potent weapon for early Hardmode exploration and defense. Its ease of access relative to other powerful options like the Daedalus Stormbow, makes it a clear winner for immediate upgrading.

Why the Repeater Reigns Supreme

Several factors contribute to the Repeater’s superiority in early Hardmode:

Accessibility: The Repeater is crafted using Hardmode ores, which are relatively easy to obtain early on. You might need to do some spelunking and gear up for a bit of mining, but it is a straightforward path to follow. The crafting recipe is not difficult, simply requiring bars of the respective ore.
Consistent Damage: Unlike some other early Hardmode options that rely on luck (like drops from Mimics), the Repeater offers reliable, consistent damage output.
Synergy with Crystal Bullets: The Repeater benefits greatly from the Crystal Bullets. The shards that break off on impact hit multiple enemies and cause additional damage, allowing you to take down hordes efficiently. Furthermore, Crystal Bullets’ ability to pierce is incredibly useful against tightly packed enemies like those found in the Underground Hallow and Corruption.
Versatility: While specialized weapons like the Daedalus Stormbow excel in specific scenarios, the Repeater is a versatile all-rounder, capable of handling most early Hardmode threats. You will face a variety of monsters right away, and the repeater does well with all of them.

Alternative Early Hardmode Ranged Options

While the Repeater offers the most reliable starting point, a few alternatives are worth considering if you’re lucky or willing to go the extra mile:

Daedalus Stormbow: Dropped by Hallowed Mimics, this bow fires a volley of arrows from the sky. It’s incredibly powerful against stationary or slow-moving targets, but it can be challenging to obtain early on, as summoning and defeating Hallowed Mimics requires specific strategies. This is an RNG drop and can be frustrating to try to farm right away.
Quad-Barrel Shotgun/Molten Fury: The article mentioned the Quad-Barrel Shotgun and the Molten Fury, but it is a bit misconstrued. Both are pre-hardmode weapons and should be replaced soon after entering Hardmode.

Building Your Early Hardmode Ranged Loadout

Beyond the weapon itself, other elements of your early Hardmode ranged build are crucial:

Armor: The Necro Armor is a great option if you haven’t yet managed to get your hands on Hardmode armor. You can craft Necro Armor using bones and cobwebs which are easy to farm. Once you mine enough ore, craft the corresponding Hardmode armor like Adamantite or Titanium Armor.
Accessories: Prioritize accessories that increase ranged damage, critical strike chance, and movement speed. Things like the Ranger Emblem, Magic Quiver, and Lightning Boots are all excellent choices.
Ammunition: Crystal Bullets are the go-to choice for the Repeater. However, experiment with other bullet types depending on the situation. Jester Arrows (for the Stormbow) are also very effective.
Potions: Buff potions are your best friend in Hardmode. Archery Potions, Ironskin Potions, Regeneration Potions, and Swiftness Potions will all significantly improve your survivability and damage output.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Hardmode Guns

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional valuable information for players venturing into Hardmode:

What is the best armor to use in early Hardmode as a ranged player?

The Necro Armor is a good starting point if you haven’t upgraded. The Adamantite or Titanium Armor are the superior choice once you acquire enough of the respective ore.
Where do I find Adamantite/Titanium Ore?

These ores spawn after defeating the Wall of Flesh. You will need to break Demon Altars or Crimson Altars with the Pwnhammer, which is dropped by the Wall of Flesh. Doing so will spawn new ores in the world including Cobalt, Mythril, and then eventually Adamantite or Titanium. Make sure to explore caverns and underground layers to find them.
What pickaxe do I need to mine Adamantite/Titanium?

You need a Mythril or Orichalcum Pickaxe or better to mine Adamantite or Titanium Ore.
Are there any guns better than the Repeater that don’t require luck or difficult crafting?

Not really, The Repeater has a really good balance of power and relative accessibility. Some players might have an easier time getting the Onyx Blaster or Clockwork Assault Rifle, but their crafting materials might take longer to get.
What’s the best bullet to use against bosses in early Hardmode?

Crystal Bullets are highly effective due to their piercing and damage output. Jester Arrows (for the Daedalus Stormbow) are similarly effective.
How do I summon Hallowed Mimics to get the Daedalus Stormbow?

Hallowed Mimics are summoned by placing a Key of Light in a chest. You need to craft the Key of Light using 15 Souls of Light found in the Hallow. Once the key is placed into a chest, it will transform the chest into a Hallowed Mimic.
What’s the best way to farm Souls of Light?

Souls of Light drop from enemies in the Underground Hallow. Equip a Battle Potion and Water Candle to increase spawn rates.
Should I focus on getting a gun or a bow in early Hardmode?

Ultimately, this comes down to preference. The Adamantite/Titanium Repeater is more accessible and versatile, while the Daedalus Stormbow offers higher potential damage in certain situations. Experiment to see which you prefer.
Is the Star Cannon still viable in early Hardmode?

The Star Cannon remains powerful, but it consumes stars as ammunition, which can be difficult to maintain in Hardmode. It’s still a good option for specific boss fights if you have a reliable source of stars.
What are the best accessories for a ranged build in Hardmode?

Ranger Emblem, Magic Quiver, Lightning Boots, Wings (any type), Obsidian Shield, and an accessory that increases critical strike chance are all excellent choices.
How do I deal with the increased difficulty of Hardmode enemies?

Be cautious, explore strategically, and prioritize upgrading your gear as quickly as possible. Use buff potions, build a suitable base, and be prepared to defend yourself.
What are the best early Hardmode bosses to fight with a ranged build?

The Queen Slime is a good starting point. Then, you can proceed to fight the Destroyer, the Twins, and Skeletron Prime.
How important is mobility in Hardmode?

Mobility is crucial for dodging enemy attacks and navigating dangerous environments. Prioritize getting wings and accessories that increase movement speed.
Should I focus on offense or defense in my early Hardmode build?

A balance of both is ideal. High damage output allows you to quickly eliminate threats, while sufficient defense ensures your survival. It is common to favor offensive accessories early on, however.
Where can I learn more about Terraria strategies and builds?

There are many online resources available, including the official Terraria Wiki, YouTube channels dedicated to Terraria gameplay, and community forums. You can also explore educational resources related to game design and learning through games at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org offers insight to how educational concepts are introduced with games.

Final Thoughts

Entering Hardmode in Terraria can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and gear, you can overcome the challenges and thrive. The Adamantite/Titanium Repeater provides a reliable and accessible starting point for ranged players, allowing you to explore, farm, and eventually upgrade to even more powerful weapons. Happy hunting!

What is the best gun at the start of Hardmode?