Do Evil Biomes Spread Before Hardmode in Terraria? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, evil biomes, specifically the Corruption and Crimson, absolutely do spread before Hardmode in Terraria, although at a significantly slower rate and through more limited means compared to their Hardmode counterparts. This pre-Hardmode spread is often underestimated, leading to unexpected biome encroachment. Understanding how this spread occurs and how to mitigate it is crucial for maintaining a well-controlled world, especially for newer players. The key takeaway is that the spread exists, it’s just less aggressive and has specific limitations. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and answer some common questions.
Pre-Hardmode Spread: How It Works
Grass and Thorny Bushes: The Primary Vectors
Before the defeat of the Wall of Flesh, the spread of Corruption and Crimson is primarily facilitated by grass and thorny bushes. Specifically, the process involves:
- Direct Contact: When Corrupted or Crimson grass comes into direct contact with regular grass or dirt blocks, the adjacent blocks will slowly convert to the evil biome. This is the most basic method of spread.
- Thorny Bushes: Perhaps the most crucial and often overlooked factor is the role of thorny bushes. These bushes can grow from corrupted or crimson grass. If these thorny bushes, when fully grown, reach across a gap and touch regular dirt or grass on the other side, the corruption or crimson can effectively jump across the gap. This “thorny bridge” mechanism is a common way for evil biomes to extend into unexpected areas.
Spread Rate: A Slow Burn
The spread rate in pre-Hardmode is significantly slower than in Hardmode. The biome will slowly convert nearby blocks to the same biome, but it is not an immediate or rapid process. This gives players valuable time to react and implement containment strategies, which is crucial for keeping your world in order. Because it’s a slower process, it’s easy to forget about or underestimate the impact of a slowly spreading biome.
Block Limitations: What Can Be Infected
Crucially, in pre-Hardmode, evil biomes can only spread through:
- Grass: The primary conductor.
- Dirt Blocks: That grow grass.
- Thorn Bushes: Essential for extending across spaces.
- Stone: To a very limited degree.
- Ice: Can be converted.
- Sand: Can be converted, becoming Ebonsand or Crimsand.
This means they cannot spread through most soil blocks, vines, and many other materials that they can easily convert in Hardmode.
Containment Strategies: Stopping the Spread
Because spread does occur, early preventative measures are paramount. Here’s how to contain the spread of evil biomes before Hardmode:
Tunnels: The First Line of Defense
The most straightforward and recommended method is to dig a tunnel at least 3-6 blocks wide completely surrounding the existing evil biome areas. This creates a physical barrier that the evil biome cannot easily cross, as long as the tunnel remains free of grass or dirt blocks. Ideally, you want to separate out the evil biome from all surrounding areas that you don’t want infected, allowing for time to grow more resources or complete constructions that you need.
Non-Corruptible Blocks: Essential Building Materials
Another key step is to use non-corruptible blocks to further reinforce your containment zones. Blocks such as:
- Wood: A plentiful and easily accessible resource.
- Hay: Another great early game option
- Dungeon Bricks: Found in the dungeon.
- Gray Bricks: Crafted from stone.
These blocks will not be affected by the spread of Corruption or Crimson, providing a permanent barrier that will not be converted over time.
Vigilance: Regular Monitoring
Even with containment strategies in place, regular monitoring is important. Check for instances where thorny bushes have grown across gaps or for any grass that might have sprouted in unintended areas. Correct these issues swiftly to prevent any breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does breaking demon altars spread corruption?
Yes, breaking demon altars (or crimson altars) has a 2/3 (66.67%) chance to convert a single random stone block in the Cavern layer to Ebonstone (Corruption) or Crimstone (Crimson). It is not a primary method of spread, but it does contribute to it. It’s important to be mindful when smashing altars, as it is a double edged sword.
2. Is Gray Brick corruptible?
No, Gray Brick is not corruptible. It’s a basic brick made from stone and is resistant to the spread of the Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow. This makes it an excellent building material for containment projects.
3. Is Crimson better than corruption?
The answer is subjective. Corruption is generally considered easier to navigate in pre-Hardmode, while Crimson offers potentially stronger late-game benefits like Vampire Knives. Ultimately, it depends on individual preference.
4. Do altars count as crimson or corruption?
No, altars do not count as part of the biome for spread purposes. They don’t contribute to biome percentage. However, as stated previously, breaking them will trigger random corruption in the cavern layer.
5. Does Hallow spread in pre-Hardmode?
No, the Hallow does not generate or spread before Hardmode. It is triggered upon the defeat of the Wall of Flesh. It will begin spreading after the beginning of hardmode alongside the spread of corruption.
6. Do sunflowers stop Corruption?
Yes, sunflowers prevent corruption on the two tiles directly below and provide a slight debuff to corruption percentage. They can slow down sideways grass spread and reduce a 5 tile corruption rating.
7. Can you fly in Terraria before Hardmode?
Limited forms of flight are possible before Hardmode using Rocket Boots and Honeyed Goggles, but true wings and fast mounts are only available in Hardmode.
8. Do altars count toward the corruption percentage?
No, altars and ores do not count toward the corruption percentage, as their primary function does not involve corruption mechanics. It’s based upon the number of corrupted blocks in a given area.
9. How many altars should I destroy?
Destroying six altars is generally considered the ideal balance for maximum ore while minimizing the spread. Destroying less could result in a struggle to find enough ores. It’s a trade off between ores and potential spread.
10. Should I break more than 3 demon altars?
The ore spawned reduces exponentially with the destruction of more altars. Consider a balance between ores and spawn rate. Six is generally considered the ideal number. The trade off is something each player has to weigh up.
11. Does Demonite count as corruption?
No, Demonite Ore itself does not spread the Corruption. It is a material from the Corruption and not responsible for biome spread. It can be used freely without risk of propagation.
12. What is the first thing I should do in Hardmode Terraria?
The first thing is to go to the natural Corruption/Crimson Biome and start smashing Altars. This is to trigger the generation of new Hardmode ores, particularly Titanium. Then, the focus should shift to gearing up and preparing for the Hardmode challenges.
13. Can you fight Deerclops in Hardmode?
Deerclops is a pre-Hardmode boss, summoned in the snow biome during a blizzard. Deerclops is not available in Hardmode.
14. What is the most damage in pre-Hardmode?
The Molten Fury bow is the most powerful bow in pre-Hardmode, with high base damage and burning effect on Wooden Arrows.
15. Can an evil biome spread across a gap?
Yes, the evil biome can spread across a gap using thorny bushes, which can effectively bridge the space between corrupted and non-corrupted land.
Understanding the mechanics and limitations of pre-Hardmode biome spread is paramount for any Terraria player. By implementing these containment strategies, you’ll be able to safeguard your world and enjoy your gaming experience without unexpected and rapid corruptions.