How to Trigger a Solar Eclipse in Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide
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.
A Solar Eclipse in Terraria is a challenging and exciting event that introduces a host of unique enemies and valuable loot. Unlike regular in-game events, a Solar Eclipse doesn’t occur randomly all that frequently, which can make farming for its specific drops a bit difficult. Thankfully, Terraria provides players with the means to summon this event, allowing you to trigger it on demand. So, how exactly do you trigger a Solar Eclipse in Terraria? The most reliable method involves using a Solar Tablet, a hardmode consumable item. This tablet, when used during the daytime, immediately initiates a Solar Eclipse, regardless of the current time. The eclipse will then last for the entire in-game day. Let’s dive deeper into how to acquire the Solar Tablet and other nuances of this event.
Understanding the Solar Tablet
The Solar Tablet is the key to manually triggering a Solar Eclipse. It is crafted using 8 Solar Tablet Fragments at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil. These fragments are dropped by enemies found in the Jungle Temple after the Wall of Flesh has been defeated, making them a hardmode material.
How to Obtain Solar Tablet Fragments
- Enter the Jungle Temple: First, you’ll need to find the Jungle Temple, a structure located in the underground jungle biome. You can unlock the entrance by defeating Plantera, a hardmode boss.
- Defeat Lihzahrd Enemies: Inside the temple, you’ll encounter Lihzahrd and Flying Lihzahrd enemies. These enemies have a chance of dropping Solar Tablet Fragments. This can be a tough area if you are not well equipped and ready for a fight.
- Craft the Solar Tablet: Once you’ve collected 8 fragments, head back to your base and use a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil to craft a Solar Tablet.
Activating the Solar Eclipse
Once you have a Solar Tablet, triggering the event is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Ensure it’s Daytime: The Solar Tablet can only be used during the day. It will not work during nighttime.
- Select and Use the Solar Tablet: Select the Solar Tablet in your inventory and use it like a consumable item.
- The Eclipse Begins: Upon use, the sky will immediately darken, and the Solar Eclipse will begin, with unique enemies starting to spawn across the world.
Why Trigger a Solar Eclipse?
There are several compelling reasons to trigger a Solar Eclipse.
- Unique Enemies and Loot: Solar Eclipses spawn exclusive enemies, each with unique drops, some of which are extremely valuable. These items, such as the Broken Hero Sword needed for crafting end-game gear, can be difficult to obtain otherwise.
- Challenge: These events significantly ramp up the difficulty, providing a test for experienced players and forcing you to use your best equipment.
- Progression: Many players will want to farm these enemies for the highly valuable loot to progress faster through the game and reach the later stages of Terraria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solar Eclipses in Terraria
1. Can a Solar Eclipse happen naturally?
Yes, a Solar Eclipse can occur randomly after defeating any mechanical boss. However, relying on a natural event can be time-consuming, making the use of a Solar Tablet the preferred method for most players.
2. Can you force a Solar Eclipse in Terraria?
Yes, using a Solar Tablet will force a Solar Eclipse to begin during the daytime. This is the only reliable method to manually trigger the event.
3. Can a Solar Eclipse happen before Plantera?
No. Solar Tablet Fragments which are required to create a Solar Tablet are dropped by enemies that are found only after defeating the Plantera boss, thus making it impossible to farm them prior to this fight.
4. How long does a Solar Eclipse last?
A Solar Eclipse will last for the entire in-game daytime, beginning the moment a Solar Tablet is used and ending once nighttime comes.
5. What unique enemies spawn during a Solar Eclipse?
Solar Eclipses spawn a wide variety of unique and challenging enemies, including:
- Frankenstein
- Swamp Thing
- Reaper
- Eyezor
- Mothron
- Butcher
- Creature from the Deep
- Nailhead
These enemies all drop different types of loot, making Solar Eclipses essential for farming important crafting materials.
6. Is the Mothron the rarest Solar Eclipse enemy?
While all Solar Eclipse enemies are somewhat rare, Mothron is considered the rarest, and it also drops the highly sought-after Broken Hero Sword. This makes it a prime target for players looking to progress to the later stages of the game.
7. Can you use a Solar Tablet at Night?
No, the Solar Tablet is designed to work only during the day. Attempting to use it during the night will result in no effect.
8. Do Solar Eclipses only spawn in Hardmode?
Yes. They only spawn in Hardmode worlds after defeating at least one mechanical boss, and only drop the Solar Tablet Fragments to be able to craft the Solar Tablets after defeating Plantera.
9. Can a Solar Eclipse happen when the Blood Moon is out?
No. A Solar Eclipse will not happen at the same time as a Blood Moon. These are two distinct events that can not overlap.
10. What are the best weapons to use during a Solar Eclipse?
The best weapons for a Solar Eclipse depend on your preferred playstyle and current progression. However, weapons with high damage output, armor penetration, and piercing abilities are extremely effective. Some examples include:
- Solar Eruption
- Terra Blade
- Chlorophyte Partisan/Saber
- Death Sickle
11. How often can you trigger a Solar Eclipse?
You can trigger a Solar Eclipse as frequently as you can obtain Solar Tablets, as long as it is during the day. There is no restriction or cooldown on how often you can initiate this event.
12. Are Solar Eclipses a good way to farm money?
Yes. While not as consistent as certain other farming methods, Solar Eclipses can be very lucrative due to the valuable drops from the unique enemies, which can be sold for a good price.
13. Can Solar Eclipse enemies spawn near NPCs?
Yes, during a Solar Eclipse, the unique enemies will spawn even close to NPCs, so ensuring the safety of your base and the town is very important during this event.
14. Do Solar Eclipses have any unique background music?
Yes, Solar Eclipses have their own unique, more sinister background music. This enhances the tense and challenging nature of the event.
15. Does the day/night cycle affect the Eclipse?
Yes, the Solar Eclipse is tied to the normal day/night cycle. The eclipse will end at the start of the night, so ensure you complete what you need to do by then.
Conclusion
Triggering a Solar Eclipse in Terraria is a strategic way to farm unique items, challenge yourself, and advance through the game. By understanding how to obtain Solar Tablets and activating them correctly, you can summon this event at will and reap the rewards. Remember to be prepared, as the enemies spawned during a Solar Eclipse are among the toughest in the game. Good luck, and happy farming!