How to Conquer the Corruption: A Terrarian’s Guide to Destroying Demon Altars
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re staring down a Demon Altar in Terraria, that ominous, pulsating structure radiating an unsettling aura. You want to break it, tap into its power, and advance further in your adventure. But you’ve probably already discovered that your trusty copper hammer isn’t cutting it. Here’s the straightforward answer: You break a Demon Altar in Terraria by using a Pwnhammer or a better hammer, but only after defeating the Wall of Flesh and entering Hardmode. Without defeating the Wall of Flesh first, you will not be able to destroy the Demon Altars.
The Hardmode Barrier and the Pwnhammer
The key to smashing those altars lies beyond a challenging hurdle: reaching Hardmode. Hardmode is activated when you defeat the Wall of Flesh boss, a formidable creature residing in the Underworld. Upon its defeat, your world undergoes a significant transformation.
The Pwnhammer is your golden ticket. This hammer is always dropped by the Wall of Flesh. It possesses the necessary hammer power (at least 80%) to destroy Demon Altars (and their Crimson Altar counterparts). It is not possible to destroy a Demon Altar without a hammer that has a hammer power of at least 80%.
The Consequence: Ore Generation and Corruption Spread
Breaking a Demon Altar isn’t just about destruction; it triggers a game-changing event. Each altar you destroy will randomly bless your world with one of the six Hardmode ores: Cobalt, Palladium, Mythril, Orichalcum, Adamantite, or Titanium. These ores are crucial for crafting powerful new weapons and armor.
However, there’s a catch. Smashing altars also has a chance of corrupting (or hallowing) a random block somewhere in your world. This block will turn into either Ebonstone (Corruption) or Pearlstone (Hallow). If these biomes are not properly contained, it is possible for them to spread throughout your world.
Strategizing Your Altar Destruction
The general consensus is that destroying six altars provides a good balance between ore generation and corruption spread. While destroying more altars yields more ore, the chances of widespread corruption increase dramatically. Destroying only 3 altars may limit the ore generated. Every 3 altars you smash will decrease the amount of ore that spawns.
Preparing for Hardmode Corruption Spread
Before smashing altars, consider taking these precautions:
- Dig Trenches: Create wide (at least 3-6 blocks wide) trenches around your base and any areas you want to protect from the Corruption/Crimson or Hallow.
- Use Sunflowers: While limited in range, sunflowers can prevent corruption from spreading to the two tiles directly underneath them and also reduce the Corruption rating.
- Consider Biome Containment: Think about intentionally allowing sections of your world to be corrupted or hallowed. These biomes are essential for farming specific resources and summoning biome mimics.
- The Clentaminator: It can be used with green solution to purify corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I break Demon Altars before Hardmode?
No. You can only break Demon Altars after defeating the Wall of Flesh and entering Hardmode. Attempting to do so before will result in damage to the player.
2. What happens if I try to break a Demon Altar with a normal hammer?
A normal hammer will simply bounce off the altar, and nothing will happen. You need a hammer power of at least 80%.
3. What tool do I need to break a Demon Altar?
You need a Pwnhammer (dropped by the Wall of Flesh) or a better hammer (with a hammer power of at least 80%).
4. Does breaking Demon Altars spread corruption?
Yes, breaking Demon Altars can randomly convert a block in your world to Ebonstone (Corruption) or Pearlstone (Hallow).
5. How many Demon Altars should I break?
Six is generally considered the optimal number, balancing ore generation and corruption risk. You may break more than six, but it is not recommended.
6. Can I control where the new ores spawn?
No, the ore generation is random throughout the underground layers of your world.
7. What are the six Hardmode ores that spawn when I break Demon Altars?
The ores are Cobalt, Palladium, Mythril, Orichalcum, Adamantite, and Titanium.
8. Is Corruption better or worse than Crimson?
This is subjective. Corruption is often considered easier to deal with early on, but Crimson offers stronger rewards in Hardmode (like Vampire Knives and Ichor). Leaving a part of the world with Corruption or Crimson is not a bad idea to obtain exclusive items.
9. What does Cobalt Ore look like?
Cobalt Ore is blue. Its inventory sprite is the same as the one for Adamantite Ore, except rotated and colored blue.
10. What are Crimson Hearts?
A world with Crimson features several Crimson Hearts, and destroying at least three of them (in a single world) is usually a crucial step in game advancement. This can be done using any hammer or explosives.
11. What happens when I enter Hardmode?
Your world permanently converts to Hardmode after the Wall of Flesh boss is defeated for the first time. The Hallow and Underground Hallow biomes are added.
12. What does Crimtane ore look like?
Crimtane Ore emits a faint red glow when placed, similar to Demonite Ore.
13. How do I summon the Brain of Cthulhu?
It can be summoned when 3 Crimson Hearts are destroyed in a Crimson world, or when a player uses a Bloody Spine anywhere in The Crimson or Underground Crimson biome.
14. Can Sunflowers prevent Corruption?
Yes, sunflowers provide the following functions: The two tiles directly underneath them cannot become Corrupted, Crimsoned, or Hallowed, even in Hardmode. In some cases, this can prevent Corrupted and Crimson grass from spreading sideways. Each Sunflower decreases an area’s total Corruption rating by 5 tiles.
15. Can I completely get rid of Corruption/Crimson in Terraria?
Yes, with enough time and effort, it’s possible. You can use a Clentaminator and lots of solution to purify the Corruption. The Clentaminator’s reach is about 60 blocks, so you may need to dig some tunnels if you can’t reach some of the Corruption.
Breaking Demon Altars is a crucial step in advancing through Terraria‘s Hardmode. By understanding the process, the risks, and the potential rewards, you can strategically smash those altars and harness their power while minimizing the spread of Corruption. Good luck, Terrarian!
The exploration of games as tools for learning and skill development is a fascinating area. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are at the forefront of researching and promoting the educational potential of gaming. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information about their innovative work.