How to Fish Lava Crates in Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide
To successfully fish lava crates in Terraria, you’ll need the right equipment and bait. The core requirement is the ability to fish in lava, which typically means possessing either the Hotline Fishing Hook, a Lavaproof Fishing Hook, or using lava-specific bait like the Hell Butterfly, Lavafly, or Magma Snail. For Hellstone Crates specifically, which are Hardmode crates, you’ll need to be in a Hardmode world and fishing in lava. Once you have these basics covered, find a suitable lava pool in the Underworld (Hell) and cast your line!
Gear Up for Molten Fishing
Before you even think about casting your line into the fiery depths, you’ll need to arm yourself with the correct gear. Lava fishing is not your typical pond-side activity; it demands specialized equipment.
Essential Fishing Tools
- Fishing Rod: While any fishing rod can technically be used with the right setup (Lava Critters or Lavaproof Fishing Hook/Hotline), higher-tier rods will improve your fishing power and thus increase your chances of catching a crate. Consider the Golden Fishing Rod if you’re aiming for the best.
- Bait: This is where things get crucial. You have two main paths here:
- Lava Critters: The Hell Butterfly, Lavafly, and Magma Snail are your natural bait options. These are found in the Underworld and require a Lavaproof Bug Net (crafted from 15 Hellstone Bars and a regular Bug Net) to catch safely.
- Specialized Hooks: The Hotline Fishing Hook (obtained from Angler quests) and Lavaproof Fishing Hook (crafted) are fishing hooks that let you fish in lava.
Accessory Considerations
- Tackle Box/High Test Fishing Line: These accessories reduce the chance of breaking your line while reeling in a catch.
- Angler Armor: Wearing a full set of Angler Armor increases your fishing skill, improving your chances of rare catches.
- Fishing Potions: Fishing Potions temporarily boost your fishing power.
The Art of Lava Fishing: Step-by-Step
- Enter the Underworld: Make your way down to the fiery depths of Hell.
- Find a Lava Pool: Locate a substantial lava pool. The larger the pool, the better your chances of catching something worthwhile.
- Prepare Your Bait: Equip either your Lava Critters or ensure you have the Hotline Fishing Hook or Lavaproof Fishing Hook equipped. With these hooks, you can then use other bait as well.
- Cast Your Line: Aim for open lava and cast your line.
- Wait and Reel: Wait for a bite and reel in your catch. The type of crate you receive depends on whether you are in pre-Hardmode (Obsidian Crate) or Hardmode (Hellstone Crate).
Crates: The Treasure Troves of the Underworld
The primary goal of lava fishing is to obtain crates, specifically the Obsidian Crate (pre-Hardmode) and the Hellstone Crate (Hardmode).
- Obsidian Crate: These crates are your key to obtaining Underworld items before entering Hardmode. They can contain items normally found in Shadow Chests, accessible only after defeating a certain boss, meaning fishing in lava allows you to gain access to these powerful weapons early. The key to open locked chests in the Underworld is in these crates.
- Hellstone Crate: These are Hardmode crates offering access to Hardmode versions of Underworld items and resources.
FAQs: Deep Dive into Lava Fishing
1. What is the primary purpose of fishing in lava in Terraria?
The main reason to fish in lava is to obtain Obsidian Crates in pre-Hardmode and Hellstone Crates in Hardmode. These crates contain Underworld-exclusive items, giving you an alternative way to acquire them.
2. Can you fish in lava without specific bait or the Hotline Fishing Hook/Lavaproof Fishing Hook?
No, you absolutely need either the Hotline Fishing Hook, Lavaproof Fishing Hook, or lava-specific bait (Hell Butterfly, Lavafly, or Magma Snail) to fish in lava. Otherwise, your fishing rod won’t work.
3. How do you obtain the lava-specific bait?
You need to craft a Lavaproof Bug Net using 15 Hellstone Bars and a regular Bug Net. Then, venture into the Underworld and use the net to catch Hell Butterflies, Lavaflies, and Magma Snails.
4. What is the difference between the Obsidian Crate and the Hellstone Crate?
Obsidian Crates are obtained in pre-Hardmode, and Hellstone Crates are obtained in Hardmode. They contain different sets of items appropriate for their respective game stages.
5. What are some valuable items you can obtain from Obsidian and Hellstone Crates?
These crates can contain items normally found in Shadow Chests, like Shadowscale armor, and other Underworld-exclusive items like the Lava Charm.
6. Can you get the Lava Charm from Hellstone Crates?
Yes, the Lava Charm can be found in both Obsidian and Hellstone Crates. They were moved from chests to crates with the 1.4 update. The Lava Charm is used to craft the Molten Charm.
7. Does fishing power affect the chances of obtaining crates?
Yes, higher fishing power increases your chances of catching rarer items, including crates.
8. What are the best fishing rods to use for lava fishing?
While any rod will work, the Golden Fishing Rod is generally considered the best due to its high fishing power. The Hotline Fishing Hook also lets you fish in lava with any bait, making it a valuable tool.
9. How do you increase your fishing power in Terraria?
You can increase your fishing power by using better fishing rods, wearing Angler Armor, consuming Fishing Potions, and using bait with higher bait power.
10. What happens if you try to fish in lava without the necessary equipment?
Nothing will happen. Your bobber will not go into the lava, and you won’t be able to catch anything.
11. Is it possible to obtain the Hotline Fishing Hook early in the game?
The Hotline Fishing Hook is obtained by completing Angler quests. It can be obtained at any time, but the quests can be time-consuming and require patience.
12. What is the quickest way to obtain Hellstone Bars for crafting the Lavaproof Bug Net?
Mining Hellstone requires a Deathbringer Pickaxe or better. A good strategy is to create a safe pathway through the Underworld to easily access Hellstone deposits. Be careful of the lava!
13. Can you use Master Bait or other high-quality bait with the Hotline Fishing Hook or Lavaproof Fishing Hook in lava?
Yes, once you have either the Hotline Fishing Hook or the Lavaproof Fishing Hook, you can use any bait, including Master Bait, to fish in lava.
14. What other types of crates can you find while fishing in Terraria?
Besides Obsidian and Hellstone Crates, you can find Wooden Crates, Iron Crates, Golden Crates, Sky Crates, Jungle Crates, Corrupt/Crimson Crates, Hallowed Crates, Frozen Crates, and Desert Crates, each specific to its biome.
15. Does the time of day affect the chances of catching crates in lava?
No, the time of day doesn’t significantly affect the chances of catching crates, but certain fish needed for Angler quests are time-dependent. Focus on having high fishing power instead.
By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of lava fishing, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining valuable Underworld items and dominating Terraria! Learn more about game mechanics and the educational aspects of gaming at Games Learning Society.