Is the Hallow Bad 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.
The short answer? No, the Hallow is not inherently bad in Terraria. While it’s one of the biomes that spreads after defeating the Wall of Flesh and entering Hardmode, it’s far more nuanced than simply being an evil threat. Unlike the Corruption or Crimson, which are unequivocally considered “bad” by the game’s lore and mechanics, the Hallow provides a unique and often beneficial experience. Let’s delve into the specifics and understand why the Hallow is a fascinating and, dare we say, helpful biome in your Terraria world.
The Nature of the Hallow
Upon entering Hardmode, your world undergoes a dramatic transformation. Two diagonal strips in a “V” shape begin to spread. One will be the Hallow, a vibrant and colorful biome, while the other will be either the Corruption or Crimson, depending on your world’s generation. This spread is automatic and can feel overwhelming. The Hallow, with its Pearlsand, colorful Hallowed grass, and new enemies, might initially seem like just another threat to contain. However, it holds its own distinct advantages.
Hallow vs. Corruption/Crimson
The game itself subtly designates the Hallow as “good.” The Dryad, an important NPC in Terraria, considers the Hallow to be good, as opposed to the Corruption or Crimson, which she considers bad. Despite this designation, she won’t consider your world “pure” until all three are eradicated, indicating the necessity of containment regardless. This “good” designation is not just lore; it extends into gameplay. NPCs can happily live in the Hallow without moving out, unlike the Corruption or Crimson, which cause unhappiness and relocation. This makes it a fantastic option for building a base or town.
While the Hallow isn’t inherently aggressive toward NPCs, that doesn’t mean it is without danger. Its enemies are often quite challenging, making the Hallow a deceptively difficult biome to navigate and survive, particularly early in Hardmode. The unicorn, pixies, and other Hallow-exclusive creatures pack a punch and require players to adapt to their attack patterns.
The Benefits of the Hallow
The Hallow is more than just a pretty face. It contains unique resources and opportunities not found elsewhere. Here are some key benefits:
- Unique Biome-Specific Items: The Hallow, like the Corruption and Crimson, boasts its own unique items such as Crystal Shards, Hallowed Mimics, and various weapons. These items are crucial for crafting higher-tier equipment and progressing through the game.
- Hallow-Based Housing: As mentioned earlier, NPCs can live comfortably in the Hallow. This is incredibly useful in Hardmode, as you can effectively create a haven that doesn’t suffer from the spread of the “evil” biomes, ensuring your NPCs’ happiness and the prices they offer.
- Clentaminator Solution: The Steampunker NPC will sell Blue Solution when residing in the Hallow. This solution, when used with the Clentaminator, will actively spread the Hallow further. This gives players control over the biome’s growth and allows them to transform specific areas.
- Strategic Containment: Having a contained Hallow biome can be strategically advantageous, allowing you to farm its exclusive resources safely and without the fear of further biome spread.
Containment is Still Key
Even with the Hallow’s beneficial aspects, letting it spread uncontrollably is still problematic. While it won’t cause NPCs to leave, uncontrolled spread can transform areas you might prefer to keep natural. Therefore, it’s wise to contain any biome using techniques such as creating large trenches or using non-corruptable materials such as stone brick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Hallow in Terraria to help you further understand this complex biome.
How does the Hallow spread in Terraria?
The Hallow spreads by converting grass, sand, and stone blocks into Hallowed grass, Pearlsand, and Pearlstone respectively. This spread occurs at the same rate as the Corruption and Crimson. It can also spread through ice, creating pink-colored ice blocks.
Can the Hallow take over other biomes?
Yes, the Hallow can take over other biomes such as forests, deserts, and snow biomes, creating Hallowed Deserts and so on. The Hallow can also overtake Crimson grass but not the other way around.
Does the Hallow spread through Snow Blocks?
No, the Hallow cannot spread through regular Snow Blocks in the base game. However, the Hallow can convert ice into a pink-colored ice variant.
Can the Crimson take over the Hallow?
No, the Crimson and Hallow cannot convert each other. They will spread independently, but when they meet, they will form a border between the two.
Does the Hallow spread faster than Corruption or Crimson?
No, all three of these biomes (Hallow, Corruption, and Crimson) spread at the same rate. Therefore, there isn’t one that is inherently “faster” or “stronger” in terms of spread speed.
What gets rid of the Hallow?
The Clentaminator with Green Solution can remove Hallow. You can also use Vile Powder, which is craftable with vile mushrooms or purchased from the Dryad during a Blood Moon, to convert Hallow blocks into their Corrupted or pure counterparts.
Can you purify the Hallow with Purification Powder?
No, Purification Powder will not purify the Hallow. It only works on corrupted blocks.
Do Crystal Shards cause the Hallow to spread?
No, Crystal Shards do not contribute to the spread of the Hallow. They are simply a resource found within the biome.
Can NPCs live in the Hallow?
Yes, unlike Corruption/Crimson, NPCs can live in the Hallow without any negative consequences. In fact, it’s a safe haven, making it an excellent location for housing.
Do Sunflowers stop the spread of the Hallow?
Yes, Sunflowers placed on the surface will stop the spread of the Hallow. This is because they prevent the two tiles directly beneath them from being converted and reduce an area’s total corruption rating.
Does destroying Demon Altars spread the Hallow?
Yes, each time a Demon Altar or Crimson Altar is destroyed, there’s a chance that a random stone block in the Cavern layer will convert to Pearlstone, aiding the spread of the Hallow underground, so keep that in mind.
Can you create Hallow artificially?
Yes, you can create and spread the Hallow with Holy Water or by using the Clentaminator with Blue Solution bought from the Steampunker when she lives in the Hallow.
Will NPCs move out of the Hallow?
No, unlike Corruption and Crimson, NPCs will not move out of a Hallow biome. They are perfectly content living there.
Does the biome effect NPC happiness?
Yes, NPC happiness is significantly impacted by where they are housed. NPCs prefer to live near other NPCs they like and in their preferred biomes. The Hallow is generally well-received, especially for certain NPCs, which can impact vendor prices.
Can the Hallow spread in the Underground?
Yes, in Hardmode, the Hallow will spread through the underground, converting cave walls, ceilings, and floors. This includes background walls as well, so if you have a building in the Hallow underground, consider whether you want to keep the walls.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Hallow is not a force to be feared but rather an area to be explored and utilized. While it requires some management, its unique resources, beneficial living conditions for NPCs, and strategic importance make it a valuable part of any Terraria world. By understanding how it functions and what it offers, you can harness the Hallow to your advantage and thrive in the Hardmode landscape. So, embrace the pink and blue, but always remember: containment is key!