The Ultimate Guide to Hardmode Guns in Terraria: Finding the Best
The question of what constitutes the best gun in Terraria Hardmode is a popular one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. While the S.D.M.G (Space Dolphin Machine Gun), dropped by the final boss, Moon Lord, is generally considered the pinnacle due to its high damage and fire rate, this title may not be relevant to players who are just starting out in Hardmode. Therefore, the “best” gun depends heavily on your current progression, the enemy you are fighting, and your available resources. However, if we’re talking about raw power and late-game capabilities, the S.D.M.G undeniably reigns supreme. With its impressive 85 damage and rapid-fire capability, it truly shreds through bosses and enemies.
Early Hardmode Gun Options
For players just entering Hardmode, the Quad-Barrel Shotgun or Molten Fury are excellent starting points, as suggested in the text. These weapons are achievable early in Hardmode and can provide a significant power boost. The Star Cannon is also a powerful option if you have access to Fallen Stars.
However, focusing solely on these initial options limits understanding. For early-Hardmode, one can make use of the Uzi, which deals more damage per round and, particularly with Crystal Bullets, can out-perform other guns on enemies with higher defense. Although the Megashark offers superior ammo conservation, the Uzi’s raw damage output is often preferable.
Mid-Hardmode Powerhouses
As you progress through Hardmode, weapons like the Vortex Beater become available after defeating the Golem. The Vortex Beater is a versatile choice as it fires both bullets and rockets, offering adaptability in combat situations. The Xenopopper, found in the Martian Madness event, also provides great damage and is a solid choice for mid-game players.
The Chain Gun, which boasts the fastest rate of fire is a viable choice. However, its spread may not make it as accurate as some other guns. While it is fast and can shred enemies, the large spread can be a problem at range. The upside is that it has a 50% chance to not consume ammunition.
The Late-Game King: S.D.M.G and Sniper Rifle
The S.D.M.G stands out with its remarkable damage and fire rate. It truly shines when battling tougher foes like bosses and late-game enemies. Its ability to rapidly fire makes it a DPS powerhouse. It’s important to note that despite its dominance, obtaining it requires defeating the Moon Lord, making it an endgame goal.
Meanwhile, the Sniper Rifle is exceptional for its high damage output and significant knockback at longer ranges. While slower, the single, devastating shots are powerful and its 29% critical hit chance is valuable. This is the long-range champ.
Ammo Considerations
The type of ammunition used significantly impacts a gun’s performance. Crystal Bullets are often the preferred choice at the start of Hardmode due to their shards dealing extra damage. Chlorophyte Bullets with their homing capability are great for negating gun spread. Ultimately, the combination of gun and ammunition is what dictates the overall effectiveness, and the synergy between the two must be considered when choosing your weapon.
Final Verdict
While the S.D.M.G is objectively the most powerful gun overall, it’s not obtainable until the very end of the game. For most of Hardmode, weapons like the Uzi, Vortex Beater, and Xenopopper offer strong performance and are easier to acquire. Remember that your best weapon choice will ultimately depend on the specific situation and your current progress in the game. Always consider factors like range, damage type, enemy weaknesses, and the ammunition you have available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hardmode Guns
What is the most powerful ranged weapon in Terraria?
The S.D.M.G is the most powerful ranged weapon, offering the highest damage and rapid fire capabilities among guns in the game, especially effective against bosses after defeating the Moon Lord.
What is the fastest firing gun in Terraria?
The Chain Gun holds the title for the fastest firing gun in Terraria. It has a 50% chance to not consume ammunition, but fires in random directions with a 30-degree spread.
Is the Uzi a good weapon in Terraria?
Yes, the Uzi is a good weapon, especially for enemies with higher defense. It deals more damage per shot than other early-Hardmode options and can be particularly effective with Crystal Bullets.
Is the Uzi or Megashark better?
The Uzi is better for enemies and bosses with high defense, while the Megashark excels against smaller and weaker foes. The Megashark is also more ammo-efficient.
What gun should I get at the start of Hardmode?
For early Hardmode, consider the Quad-Barrel Shotgun or Molten Fury for solid damage. The Star Cannon is also viable if you have Fallen Stars available.
What is the best bullet to use in Hardmode?
Crystal Bullets are excellent at the start of Hardmode, as they produce shards that deal extra damage upon impact. Chlorophyte Bullets are also very good due to their homing capabilities.
What guns don’t require ammo in Terraria?
Several items are referred to as “guns” but do not require ammunition, such as the Piranha Gun, Space Gun, and Water Gun.
What is better for bosses, the Uzi or Megashark?
The Uzi is generally better for bosses due to its higher damage output per shot, especially when using Crystal Bullets.
Is the Coin Gun good in Terraria?
The Coin Gun is incredibly powerful when used with Platinum Coins, but it’s very expensive. Combining it with items that generate more coins can help offset that cost.
Which gun is the best for long-range combat?
The Sniper Rifle stands out as the best long-range gun due to its high damage and substantial knockback.
What is the best weapon to beat mechanical bosses?
While not a gun, the Ice Sickle is a good choice for all mechanical bosses. However, for guns, the Megashark is a good option at this stage if you have access to it.
What is the best way to conserve ammunition?
The Megashark and weapons with a chance to not consume ammunition, such as the Chain Gun, are good for conserving ammo. An Endless Musket Pouch is useful in most cases.
What gun should I use against The Destroyer?
The Ice Sickle is often recommended. For guns, the Megashark with Crystal Bullets, or even the Uzi with Crystal Bullets, work well. The large hit-box makes high damage and piercing more valuable.
How does the S.D.M.G compare to other guns?
The S.D.M.G has the highest damage per second potential of all guns in the game because of it’s high base damage and rate of fire.
What is the key to maximizing a gun’s effectiveness?
The key to maximizing a gun’s effectiveness lies in the combination of the gun itself, its ammunition, the player’s gear, and the type of enemy being fought.