How Many Blocks Do You Need to Stop Corruption in Terraria?
The eternal struggle against the encroaching evils of the Corruption (or Crimson) is a core part of the Terraria experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced newbie, understanding how to contain these biomes is crucial for preserving the integrity of your world. The bottom line is that you need a minimum of three blocks of open air or non-corruptible material to stop Corruption or Crimson from spreading in Terraria. While three blocks is the minimum, a gap of six blocks is recommended as best practice. The additional space helps to prevent the spread of biome grass by thorn vines. Let’s dive into the specifics and address some frequently asked questions!
Understanding Corruption Spread
How the Corruption Works
Before delving into containment strategies, it’s essential to understand how the Corruption (and its counterpart, the Crimson) spreads. These biomes corrupt the world around them by converting certain blocks, such as grass, sand, stone, and ice, into their corrupted versions. This process can occur both above ground and underground. The rate of spread increases dramatically once you enter Hardmode by defeating the Wall of Flesh.
The Corruption spreads through:
- Direct block conversion: Corruptible blocks adjacent to corrupted blocks will eventually become corrupted themselves.
- Thorns and vines: These can grow outwards from corrupted grass, bridging gaps and corrupting blocks further away.
- Underground spread: Corruption chasms and underground biomes can quickly expand and connect, leading to rapid corruption.
The Importance of Containment
Preventing the Corruption from spreading offers several benefits:
- Preservation of Biomes: Protect your favorite biomes, like the Jungle or Snow Biome, from being consumed by evil.
- NPC Happiness: Keep your NPCs happy by preventing their homes from becoming corrupted, which can lower their happiness levels.
- Resource Control: Maintain access to uncorrupted resources and prevent the loss of valuable materials.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Some players simply prefer a world free from the visual blight of the Corruption/Crimson.
Effective Containment Strategies
The Three-Block Rule
The cornerstone of Corruption containment is the “three-block rule.” This rule states that a gap of at least three blocks of open air or non-corruptible material is necessary to stop the spread. The reason this works is that the corruption can only spread to blocks that are directly adjacent to other corrupted blocks.
The Recommended Six-Block Gap
While a three-block gap technically works, many experienced players recommend a six-block gap as a more robust and reliable solution. The primary reason for this is to account for the growth of thorns and vines from corrupted grass. These can extend beyond the initial three-block gap, potentially corrupting blocks on the other side. A six-block gap provides a buffer against this.
Materials to Use for Containment
When creating your containment barriers, consider using the following materials:
- Open Air: Simply digging a trench and leaving it empty is a viable option.
- Non-Corruptible Blocks: These include:
- Wood: A readily available early-game option.
- Bricks (Clay, Gray, etc.): Crafted from common materials and resistant to corruption.
- Glass: Made from sand, also impervious to corruption.
- Any blocks from the Jungle, Mushroom, or Sky Biomes: These cannot be corrupted either
Implementing Your Containment Strategy
- Identify Affected Areas: Locate the edges of the Corruption or Crimson biome you wish to contain.
- Dig Your Trench: Excavate a vertical shaft that is at least 3 blocks wide (ideally 6) and extends down to the Underworld.
- Fill the Gap (Optional): If you prefer not to leave an open trench, fill the gap with non-corruptible blocks.
- Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your containment barriers for any breaches, such as thorns or vines extending across the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 3 blocks enough to stop Corruption in Terraria?
Yes, a 3-block gap of open air or non-corruptible blocks can technically stop direct corruption spread. However, six blocks is recommended to account for thorns.
2. Do sunflowers stop corruption?
Sunflowers prevent the two tiles directly underneath them from being corrupted and decrease an area’s total Corruption rating by 5 tiles. They can help slow the spread but aren’t a foolproof barrier.
3. Can walls spread Corruption?
No, Corruption/Crimson/Hallow do not spread through walls. The conversion of walls is a visual effect, and they don’t contribute to the actual biome spread.
4. Are gray bricks corruptible?
No, gray bricks are not corruptible. They are a reliable material for building containment barriers.
5. Does killing Plantera stop the corruption?
Killing Plantera slows the spread of Corruption and Hallow by 50%. It’s a significant step, but it doesn’t eliminate the spread entirely.
6. Can the jungle be corrupted?
Yes, the Jungle is highly susceptible to corruption. It’s crucial to protect it with containment barriers.
7. Can you get rid of Corruption before Hardmode?
Before Hardmode, you can only slow the spread with trenches. True purification requires Hardmode tools like the Clentaminator.
8. Does Hallow spread faster than Corruption?
All three grass variants spread in an equal manner. However, Hallowed grass has the ability to overtake Crimson grass.
9. What does the Dryad say when the world is 0 corrupt?
The Dryad says, “[Name of World] is completely pure. You have done an amazing job!” The world has no Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow. “The world is in balance.”
10. Can Hallow overtake Corruption?
Yes, the Hallow can be used to overwrite the Corruption. Using Hallowed Seeds, Holy Water, or the Clentaminator can spread it.
11. Can NPCs live in the Hallow?
Yes, NPCs can live in the Hallow without leaving. This contrasts with the Corruption/Crimson, where NPCs dislike living.
12. Do demon altars count as Corruption?
No, Demon/Crimson Altars do not count towards the corruption percentage.
13. What is the easiest way to get rid of Corruption in Terraria?
In Hardmode, the Clentaminator is the most effective tool. It sprays a solution that converts blocks, allowing you to purify large areas quickly.
14. Is it possible to have 0 Corruption in Terraria?
Yes, it is possible to have 0% Corruption (or Crimson) in Terraria, though it can be a time-consuming process, especially in Hardmode.
15. How do you stop evil biome spread?
The most effective method to stop evil biome spread is to create a gap of at least three blocks filled with either open air or non-corruptible blocks. This prevents the Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow from directly spreading to adjacent blocks.
Conclusion
Containing the Corruption in Terraria is a vital task for any player who wants to preserve their world. While a three-block gap can technically work, a six-block gap is highly recommended to protect against thorns and vines. By understanding how the Corruption spreads and implementing effective containment strategies, you can keep your world safe and thriving.
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