Mastering the Skies: Acquiring Flying Blades in Terraria

So, you’re aiming to soar through the pixelated skies of Terraria with a blade at your side? You’ve come to the right place! While there isn’t one single “flying blade,” there are several flying swords and blade-like weapons that offer unique ways to dominate the game. This guide will walk you through obtaining some of the most sought-after options, transforming you from a ground-bound adventurer into an airborne warrior. Let’s jump in!

The closest weapon that fits the description is the Clarent. It is a post-Mechanical Boss weapon that summons a flying sword to fight for you. The sword will trail directly behind the player until an enemy comes into range, then fly out and slash the enemy 3-4 times before returning to the player.

Acquiring Aerial Armaments: A Comprehensive Guide

Terraria offers a varied arsenal, and several swords give the illusion of “flying.” This is done in a couple of ways, either with projectiles that move in an arcing fashion, with minions that fight on their own, or with the player flying by themselves.

The Clarent

This weapon summons a sword to fight for you. The sword will trail directly behind the player until an enemy comes into range, then fly out and slash the enemy 3-4 times before returning to the player. It is obtained after you defeat the Mechanical Boss.

The Flying Dragon

This Hardmode sword is arguably the closest thing to a “flying blade” in terms of name. It doesn’t literally fly on its own, but it fires a fast, dragon-shaped projectile that can pierce multiple enemies.

• How to Obtain It: Defeat Betsy, the final boss of the Old One’s Army event. This event is accessed by defeating Golem and is one of the most challenging encounters in the game. Prepare accordingly!
• Drop Rate: The Flying Dragon has a 25% (1/4) chance of dropping from Betsy during Tier 3 of the Old One’s Army event.
• Key Features: Excellent for crowd control and dealing consistent damage. Its projectiles pierce, making it effective against groups of enemies or segmented bosses.

The Terra Blade

While not technically “flying,” the Terra Blade’s projectile attacks give the impression of a flying blade slicing through enemies.

• How to Obtain It: Craft the Terra Blade by combining the True Excalibur and the True Night’s Edge at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil. The True Excalibur is crafted from the Excalibur and 1 Hallowed Bar per sword. The True Night’s Edge is crafted from the Night’s Edge and 1 Cursed Flame per sword.
• Key Features: Fires a powerful projectile that automatically homes in on nearby enemies. A formidable weapon for both melee and ranged combat.

The Star Wrath

This celestial sword summons falling stars from the sky that home in on enemies. The “stars” are technically projectiles, but they resemble flying blades raining down on your foes.

• How to Obtain It: Defeat the Moon Lord, the final boss of Terraria.
• Key Features: Extremely powerful, especially against large, stationary bosses. Its homing stars deal massive damage.

The Meowmere

Another post-Moon Lord sword, the Meowmere fires a rainbow cat projectile that bounces off surfaces and deals immense damage.

• How to Obtain It: Defeat the Moon Lord.
• Key Features: While the projectile is a cat, the speed and power of the Meowmere make it feel like launching a flying blade.

The Zenith

The ultimate melee weapon in Terraria, the Zenith combines multiple swords into a single, devastating force. Its projectile consists of numerous swords flying toward enemies.

• How to Obtain It: Craft the Zenith by combining a variety of swords, including the Terra Blade, Star Wrath, Meowmere, and others, at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil.
• Key Features: The Zenith is unparalleled in its damage output and area of effect. It is the apex of melee combat in Terraria.

The Flying Knife

This is a Hardmode melee weapon dropped by Hallowed Mimics. It’s not a sword, but it is a blade that flies in erratic movements.

• How to Obtain It: Defeat Hallowed Mimics in Hardmode Hallowed biomes.
• Drop Rate: The Flying Knife has a 25% (1/4) chance of dropping from the Mimics.
• Key Features: Deals piercing damage in an erratic pattern.

Optimizing Your Aerial Arsenal

Once you’ve acquired your chosen “flying blade,” consider these tips to maximize its effectiveness:

• Accessories: Equip accessories that boost melee damage, critical strike chance, and attack speed.
• Armor: Use melee-focused armor sets, such as the Titanium, Hallowed, or Beetle armor, depending on your progression.
• Buffs: Consume potions that grant buffs like Wrath, Rage, Lifeforce, and Ironskin to enhance your combat capabilities.
• Mounts & Wings: Combining these weapons with high speed mounts and strong wings is a great way to take the fight to the air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flying Blades in Terraria

1. What is the best “flying blade” in Terraria?

The Zenith is generally considered the best melee weapon overall, due to its incredible damage and area of effect. However, the Star Wrath is a close second.

2. How do I summon the Old One’s Army event?

To initiate the Old One’s Army event, you’ll need an Eternia Crystal Stand and an Eternia Crystal. These are purchased from the Tavernkeep NPC after defeating Eater of Worlds/Brain of Cthulhu. Place the stand and then interact with it using the crystal.

3. What is the drop rate for Betsy’s items?

Betsy has a 25% chance to drop the Flying Dragon, as well as other unique items like the Betsy’s Wrath magic weapon.

4. Is the Flying Dragon better than the Terra Blade?

It depends on the situation. The Flying Dragon has higher base damage and penetration. For single targets, the Terra Blade is arguably better due to its homing projectile.

5. How do I get Hallowed Mimics to spawn?

Hallowed Mimics spawn in the Hallowed biome after Hardmode is activated. They are rare, but using a Battle Potion can increase their spawn rate. Be careful because they are hidden mimics that look like treasure chests and will attack when approached.

6. What is the best modifier for melee weapons?

The best modifier for most melee weapons is Legendary, as it provides a significant boost to damage, speed, critical strike chance, and knockback.

7. What are the rarest items in Terraria?

Some of the rarest items include the Rod of Discord, Biome Keys, Coin Gun, and specific banners from rare enemies.

8. How do I get better at dodging in Terraria?

Practice! Mastering movement and using accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu and the Master Ninja Gear can significantly improve your dodging abilities.

9. What armor set is best for melee users in Hardmode?

Options vary based on progression. Early Hardmode, the Titanium Armor is a solid choice. Later on, Hallowed Armor and eventually Beetle Armor offer excellent melee stats.

10. How do I increase my DPS in Terraria?

Maximize your DPS by using the best possible gear, accessories that boost damage, and consuming helpful buffs. Targeting enemy weaknesses is also crucial.

11. Can I permanently fly in Terraria?

While not permanently without outside help, using wings combined with the Soaring Insignia accessory grants greatly extended flight time. An Ice Rod can be used to lay blocks of ice to land in midair, making it possible to remain in the air indefinitely.

12. What is the fastest mount in Terraria?

The Unicorn mount is one of the fastest Hardmode mounts, easily obtained by farming Unicorns in the Hallowed biome for the Blessed Apple.

13. Which enemies are the most difficult in Terraria?

The Moon Lord is considered the most difficult boss, while enemies like the Nymph can be deceptively dangerous due to their camouflage and high damage.

14. Where can I learn more about Terraria’s game mechanics and community?

You can find great resources on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This community helps educators and researchers understand games like Terraria for learning.

15. What are Rotten Eggs used for?

Rotten Eggs are unique in that they are one of the only player-wielded weapons that can damage friendly NPCs by default. They are a slow but effective way of killing NPCs. They are mainly used to kill NPCs.

By following this guide and mastering the techniques described, you’ll be well on your way to wielding a powerful “flying blade” and dominating the skies of Terraria. Good luck, and happy adventuring!