Can You Summon Deerclops in Hardmode? A Comprehensive Guide
The short and direct answer is: Yes, you absolutely can summon Deerclops in Hardmode! While Deerclops is a pre-Hardmode boss, the game doesn’t prevent you from summoning it after entering Hardmode. The summoning mechanics remain the same: use a Deer Thing in the Snow biome at any time. It is important to note that, even in Hardmode, Deerclops maintains its pre-Hardmode difficulty level, meaning it won’t scale up to the challenge of later Hardmode bosses. This makes it an easier, although still potentially rewarding, fight for seasoned Hardmode players.
Summoning Deerclops in Hardmode: The How-To
To reiterate, summoning Deerclops in Hardmode follows the exact same process as in pre-Hardmode. You will need the Deer Thing, crafted at an Altar using three Flinx Fur, one Lens, and five Crimtane Ore or five Demonite Ore. Once you have the Deer Thing, head to any surface area within the Snow biome. You can then use the item to summon Deerclops, regardless of the time of day or the weather. Note that NPC proximity does not prevent a summoned Deerclops fight. It only affects the natural spawn of Deerclops.
Why Fight Deerclops in Hardmode?
Even though Deerclops is a pre-Hardmode boss, there are still reasons why a Hardmode player might choose to fight it:
- Unique Loot: Deerclops drops several Don’t Starve-themed items, which are exclusive to this boss. Among these is the Eye Bone, a highly desirable pet item.
- Farming for Specific Items: If you need more of a specific item from Deerclops, you can summon and defeat it repeatedly. This is particularly beneficial for those who want multiple Eyebrellas, Walking Canes, or Houndius Shootius staffs.
- Challenge for Variety: While the fight is easier in Hardmode, some players might enjoy the change of pace and a less intense boss fight.
- Completionist Goals: Those aiming to collect every item and defeat every boss in the game will inevitably have to face Deerclops, regardless of their progression.
FAQ: Everything You Need To Know About Deerclops
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Deerclops, to offer a comprehensive guide to this unique Terraria boss:
1. What are the conditions for Deerclops to spawn naturally?
Deerclops spawns naturally at midnight during a Blizzard on the surface in the Snow biome. At least one player in the world must have at least 9 defense or 200 health. Natural spawns will not occur if NPCs are too close to the player.
2. When does Deerclops first spawn?
The first Deerclops generally spawns on Day 30.8. However, if no player is on the surface world or mainland, its spawn will be delayed until someone is, after which it will spawn in approximately 60 seconds.
3. How often does Deerclops respawn?
Deerclops will respawn after 16.8 Winter days from its previous death.
4. Is Deerclops an optional boss?
Yes, Deerclops is an optional pre-Hardmode boss. You do not need to defeat it to progress in the game, but doing so will reward you with unique Don’t Starve-themed items.
5. Should I fight Deerclops before or after Skeletron?
While not required, many players choose to fight Deerclops after defeating Skeletron. However, you could also fight it after defeating the Evil Boss (Eater of Worlds/Brain of Cthulhu). The fight’s difficulty doesn’t necessarily demand that you wait to be fully geared up.
6. Can you summon Deerclops anywhere?
You can only summon Deerclops within the Snow biome using a Deer Thing. Natural spawns only occur within the surface Snow Biome as well.
7. What items summon Deerclops?
The Deer Thing is used to summon Deerclops. This item is crafted at an Altar using three Flinx Fur, one Lens, and five Crimtane Ore or five Demonite Ore.
8. Does the time of day matter when summoning Deerclops?
No, the time of day doesn’t matter when summoning Deerclops. You can summon it at any time using the Deer Thing, as long as you’re in the Snow biome.
9. Does Deerclops always spawn on day 30?
The first Deerclops spawns at Day 30.8 but only when a player is on the surface world. If this does not occur, it will delay until someone is, after which it will spawn in 60 seconds. It will respawn after 16.8 Winter days from the previous defeat, generally at day 102.6 and 174.4. The number of Deerclops spawned per winter can be increased with world configuration, or with Hostile Flares.
10. Can you increase the number of Deerclops that spawn?
Yes, the number of Deerclops spawned per winter can be increased through world configuration or by using Hostile Flares.
11. Does Deerclops sleep?
No, Deerclops does not sleep during the night. However, it can be put to sleep by a Pan Flute or Sleep Darts.
12. When is the best time to defeat Deerclops?
It’s recommended to have at least 300 health before fighting Deerclops. If using magic weapons, you should also have maximum mana. It is suggested to fight it post Evil Boss, or if you choose to wait, post Skeletron.
13. Does Deerclops despawn?
Yes, Deerclops eventually despawns on its own timer if not engaged, or if it is allowed to destroy 5-6 structures it intentionally targeted. This is not related to player death. After despawning it will not despawn if aggroed.
14. What happens if Deerclops destroys structures?
If Deerclops destroys 5-6 structures it intentionally targeted, it will do a relaxed expression/attempt to smile, and then proceed to go off-screen to despawn unless you aggro it again. This cycle repeats if Deerclops is not defeated.
15. Is Deerclops worth fighting?
Yes, Deerclops is worth fighting for its unique Don’t Starve-themed loot, especially the Eye Bone pet. The fight is also a nice change of pace, even if you’re in Hardmode.
Conclusion
In summary, summoning Deerclops in Hardmode is entirely possible and follows the same mechanics as in pre-Hardmode. While it may not be the most challenging fight for a Hardmode player, the unique loot and the opportunity for a different gameplay experience make it worthwhile. By understanding its spawn conditions, summoning method, and loot drops, you’ll be well-prepared to face this unique pre-Hardmode boss at any stage of your Terraria adventure.