How to Eradicate the Crimson in Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide

The Crimson, with its fleshy, gore-filled landscapes and aggressive monsters, can quickly become a frustrating presence in any Terraria world. It spreads relentlessly, threatening to consume everything you’ve worked so hard to build. Luckily, complete eradication is possible, although it requires patience, resources, and a good understanding of game mechanics. Here’s a detailed guide on how to rid your world of this insidious biome.

The primary method for removing Crimson is by using the Clentaminator and Green Solution, obtained after entering Hardmode. This device is essentially a large-scale terraforming tool, able to cleanse corrupt blocks. While this is the most effective way to get rid of Crimson biomes, there are a few considerations.

Firstly, to get access to this cleansing power, you must enter Hardmode by defeating the Wall of Flesh. Afterwards, you must then defeat at least one mechanical boss to allow the Steampunker NPC to move in. The Steampunker is the vendor who sells the Clentaminator and Green Solution. You will need to purchase the Clentaminator and then acquire copious amounts of Green Solution, and plenty of gold, to start your cleansing efforts. You’ll also need to be prepared to deal with the increased difficulty level of Hardmode while you work on eradicating the Crimson.

The process of removal using these tools involves using the Clentaminator like a gun; as you spray Green Solution onto Crimson blocks, they will transform back into their pure counterparts. Spray large swaths of area at a time, and be sure to backtrack to be sure that you have hit every block. Pay close attention to the underground as well, as crimson spreads under the surface too.

Before you start, keep the following important tips in mind:

• Containment is Key: Before actively removing Crimson, focus on containing it. Dig wide trenches (at least 6-8 blocks wide) around Crimson areas. These can be lined with non-corruptible materials like wood, clay, or gray bricks to prevent further spread. These serve as firebreaks and prevent the crimson from regrowing after you clean up large areas.
• Prioritize the Underground: The Crimson spreads just as aggressively below the surface. Be sure to explore caverns and tunnels for hidden pockets of crimson, as these will continue to spread if left untreated.
• Time and Resources: Complete eradication is a large undertaking. It will take both a significant amount of time and also gold to purchase Green Solution, so be prepared for a lengthy project.
• Plan for the Future: Once you’ve cleared an area, consider reinforcing it with sunflowers or non-corruptible blocks to prevent a return.
• Utilize the Dryad: The Dryad NPC gives a percentage of how much corruption is in your world. This can help you check progress and ensure you haven’t missed areas.

Eradicating Crimson can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, strategy, and determination, you can reclaim your world and ensure its safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crimson Removal

What is the Clentaminator, and how do I get it?

The Clentaminator is a special tool that can cleanse corrupt blocks. It is sold by the Steampunker NPC, who arrives after you defeat at least one mechanical boss in Hardmode. It uses different solutions for different biomes, with Green Solution used to purify Crimson and Corruption. You will also need to ensure you have the gold to purchase it and the various solutions needed.

How does Crimson spread?

Crimson spreads by converting adjacent blocks into Crimson blocks, like Crimstone and Crimson Grass. It can spread through grass, stone, sand, ice, and many other block types. It can also convert naturally occurring world trees. It will continue to spread until contained, or until removed by the Clentaminator.

Does breaking Altars spread Crimson?

Yes, each time a Crimson Altar is destroyed, there’s a 2/3 chance that a single random Stone Block in the Cavern layer will be converted to Crimstone, facilitating the spread of Crimson. This can sometimes mean that there are hidden blocks of Crimson that need to be sought out and cleansed.

Can Sunflowers stop Crimson spread?

Yes, Sunflowers prevent the two tiles directly underneath them from being corrupted, crimsoned, or hallowed, even in Hardmode. This can help prevent grass from spreading sideways, and each sunflower also reduces an area’s total Corruption rating by 5 tiles. This can assist with containment of crimson, but it will not clear it completely.

Can Crimson destroy the Jungle?

Yes, the Jungle can be completely overtaken by the spread of Crimson once Hardmode is in effect. The Jungle biome is especially vulnerable to corruption and can be destroyed by both Crimson and Corruption, resulting in the loss of important items and resources.

Can Crimson spread to the Ice Biome?

Yes, Crimson can spread through the Ice biome, generating Red Ice Blocks. However, it cannot spread through Snow Blocks. Therefore, you can use Snow Blocks to block crimson spread.

Can I break Crimson Hearts before Hardmode?

Yes, Crimson Hearts can be broken with any hammer or explosives before Hardmode. This is a crucial step for early game progression, but is also responsible for spawning Crimson on the map.

What hammer can break Crimson Altars?

Crimson Altars cannot be destroyed by normal hammers. You need the Pwnhammer, a Hardmode hammer dropped by the Wall of Flesh, to break them. While breaking altars will spawn hardmode ores, it will also spread the evil biome. This means you may need to use your Clentaminator more often.

Can Crimson Overpower the Hallow?

No, the Crimson and Corruption cannot overlap the Hallow. The Hallow is designed to act as a counter to the Crimson and Corruption, limiting spread.

Can NPCs live in the Hallow?

Yes, NPCs can live in the Hallow without leaving. Unlike Crimson/Corruption, the Hallow won’t cause NPCs to move out. This makes it a safe and practical biome for housing.

Can Gray Bricks be Corrupted?

No, Gray Bricks are resistant to the spread of Crimson, Corruption, and Hallow. This makes them an ideal building material for containing and creating safe zones.

How far can Crimson Jump?

Crimson can grow 6 tiles in all directions and spread its biome up to three blocks away like any other source. Physical barriers like clay or wood can stop the spread, but the crimson can spread through the grass and up walls.

How many Altars should I destroy?

Six is generally considered best for maximum ore generation balanced against increased corruption. However, fewer altars will result in less ore and also less infection, while breaking more altars than needed will not grant more ore and will result in more infection on your world. Every 3 altars broken reduces the amount of ore that will spawn, though it will still increase infection.

Should I destroy all Demon Altars?

It is wise to destroy a select amount of Altars. While they provide ore, it comes with a risk, and may not be worth the reward. You should also retain at least one altar in your world to use for crafting abilities.

Can the Crimson be completely removed?

Yes, with enough Green Solution, the Clentaminator, and time, the Crimson can be completely removed. However, this requires careful planning, a lot of gold and patience, as it can be a large and tedious project. You must also ensure you break every crimson block as even one block can regrow into a larger biome.

By understanding these mechanics and utilizing the right tools, you can successfully reclaim your Terraria world from the encroaching Crimson. Good luck!