Does Killing Plantera Stop the Corruption in Terraria?
The short answer is: No, defeating Plantera does not completely stop the Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow from spreading in Terraria. However, it significantly slows down the rate at which these biomes expand across your world. This is a crucial distinction for players to understand, as managing biome spread is a critical component of Terraria gameplay, especially in Hardmode. While Plantera doesn’t halt the spread entirely, it introduces a much more manageable pace compared to the aggressive expansion immediately after defeating the Wall of Flesh. Understanding how this mechanic works is key to preserving your preferred biomes and preventing your world from being overrun.
Understanding Biome Spread in Terraria
Before diving into the specifics of Plantera’s impact, it’s essential to understand how biomes spread in Terraria. The Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow are “evil” biomes that can convert surrounding blocks, changing the landscape of your world. They spread through various blocks, including grass, sand, stone, and mud, making them particularly insidious. The rate at which they spread changes depending on the game’s progression:
- Pre-Hardmode: Spread is relatively slow and mainly affects grass and thorny bushes.
- Post-Wall of Flesh (Hardmode): Biome spread becomes drastically more aggressive and affects nearly all natural blocks.
- Post-Plantera: The spread rate is halved compared to the immediate post-Wall of Flesh speed.
This tiered system of spread speed is why managing biomes becomes so challenging once Hardmode begins. The initial rapid expansion can quickly overwhelm unprepared players, highlighting the importance of the slight respite that Plantera offers.
Plantera’s Influence on Biome Spread
The critical effect of defeating Plantera is that it reduces the spread speed of the Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow by 50%. This is a significant reduction that gives players a much-needed window to control the spread of these biomes. It does not eliminate the need for active management, such as creating barriers or using the Clentaminator, but it makes the task significantly less daunting.
Why This Reduction is Important
- Easier Biome Management: With a slower spread rate, it becomes considerably more manageable to create quarantine zones, purify infected areas with the Clentaminator, or move your base into a safer region.
- Less Resource Intensive: You’ll use less resources, such as Green Solution, to combat the spread and maintain your desired world state.
- Time to Prepare: It provides more time for players to explore, gear up, and strategize without the constant threat of rapid biome takeover.
- Strategic Planning: This slowdown lets you focus on other aspects of the game, such as preparing to fight the Golem, which is unlocked by defeating Plantera.
It is crucial to note, however, that Plantera’s defeat does not make biomes spread only by grass as they do in pre-Hardmode. All blocks that can be affected by Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow will still be affected by this slower spread. Therefore, relying solely on the reduction offered by defeating Plantera without additional measures is ill-advised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about biome spread and related topics to help you fully understand the mechanics and strategies:
1. What Blocks Spread Corruption/Crimson?
Corruption and Crimson can spread through a wide array of blocks including sand, mud, grass, and stone, as well as most natural blocks. This expansive list makes it important to take appropriate precautions to prevent them from taking over your world.
2. How Do I Prevent Corruption/Crimson Spread Early Game?
Early on, you can dig a 3-tile wide trench around the edges of the biome, using non-corruptible materials like wood to line it. This creates a quarantine zone, stopping the spread early on.
3. Does Breaking Demon/Crimson Altars Spread Corruption?
Yes, each time you destroy a Demon or Crimson altar, there is a 66.67% chance a random Stone Block in the Cavern layer will be converted to Ebonstone/Crimstone, facilitating the spread.
4. What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Corruption/Crimson?
The most effective method is to dig a 6-block wide tunnel filled with non-corruptible blocks, like dungeon bricks or ores. Once Hardmode starts, using a Clentaminator with Green Solution is the most efficient way to purify large areas.
5. Do Sunflowers Stop Corruption/Crimson Spread?
Sunflowers prevent the two tiles directly underneath them from being converted and can sometimes halt side spread from corrupted grass. They also reduce the area’s total Corruption rating by 5 tiles each.
6. Is the Clentaminator the Best Weapon Against Corruption?
Yes, the Clentaminator is considered the fastest way to remove or spread Hallow, Corruption, and Crimson. It utilizes different solutions, including the Green Solution for purification.
7. Is Crimson Better Than Corruption?
It depends on your play style. Corruption is considered easier with weaker early-game loot, whereas Crimson has more powerful Hardmode loot but tougher early-game enemies.
8. What is the Hallow?
The Hallow is a biome that forms after defeating the Wall of Flesh and is intended to be the “anti-Corruption” biome. It spreads in a similar manner to the Corruption and Crimson, but it can also overtake Corruption/Crimson grass if it is spreading to it.
9. Does the Hallow Spread Faster Than Corruption/Crimson?
No, all three spread equally, but the Hallow can overtake Corruption or Crimson grass it’s trying to spread to.
10. Can You Remove All Corruption/Crimson from a World?
Yes, it’s definitely possible but time-consuming. Using the Clentaminator along with planning and strategy, you can purify your entire world.
11. Can Gray Bricks Be Corrupted?
No, Gray Bricks are resistant to the spread of Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow, making them great building materials for barriers.
12. Can the Hallow Spread Through the Jungle?
No, Hallow does not spread through mud blocks found in Jungles or Mushroom biomes, which protects these areas to some extent.
13. What Are Non-Corruptible Blocks?
Non-corruptible blocks that can be used for barriers are: wood, dungeon bricks, ores, bricks, clay, ash, silt, and most crafted blocks. These serve as great barriers against biome spread.
14. Can NPCs Live in the Hallow?
Yes, unlike the Corruption/Crimson, NPCs can live comfortably in the Hallow without leaving, making it a great biome to establish your base for protection from the evil biomes.
15. How Far Can Corruption Spread?
Corruption and Crimson can grow 6 tiles in all directions from a single source. However, their spread can be contained by a physical barrier of 3 blocks, using non-corruptible blocks.
Conclusion
In summary, while defeating Plantera doesn’t stop the spread of Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow completely, it halves the spread speed, making it much more manageable. This reduction offers a key advantage, allowing players to employ strategies such as creating quarantine zones, using the Clentaminator, and strategically placing their bases without constantly being overrun by these evil biomes. Understanding this mechanic and taking necessary precautions are critical for a successful Terraria playthrough, especially in Hardmode. Using this information, you can maintain your preferred world state and truly enjoy the game.