Mastering Summons in Terraria: Unveiling the Ultimate Choice
So, you want to know the best summoning item in Terraria, eh? As a seasoned summoner, I can tell you the answer isn’t a simple one – it depends! However, if forced to pick a single item that offers the most potent combination of damage, utility, and accessibility at its respective stage of the game, I’d lean towards the Terraprisma.
The Terraprisma is undeniably the king of summoner damage. This post-Plantera, Hardmode weapon calls forth miniature versions of the Empress of Light, dealing massive DPS to enemies. The Terraprisma minions’ precise movements and concentrated attacks make them devastating against single targets and surprisingly effective against hordes when positioned correctly. This is especially useful for dealing large amounts of damage to bosses quickly. While its short range can be a limitation, its sheer power often compensates for this, making it a top-tier choice for players who prioritize maximum damage output.
While the Terraprisma is arguably the best choice overall, this decision is not without nuance. Different stages of the game demand different tools. A summoner’s progression is a carefully orchestrated dance of acquiring new weapons, armor, and accessories to maximize minion effectiveness and survivability. For example, in early Hardmode, the Blade Staff is a strong contender due to its armor penetration. The Stardust Dragon Staff is an excellent alternative due to its ability to attack enemies through walls and its reliable performance. And lastly, the Morning Star Whip is a worthy consideration, but is not as powerful as some of the other staffs. Ultimately, the “best” summoning item is the one that perfectly complements your playstyle, current gear, and the specific challenges you face.
Delving Deeper: Summoner Essentials
Minions vs. Sentries: Understanding the Difference
It’s crucial to distinguish between minions and sentries. Minions, like the ones summoned by the Terraprisma, are mobile entities that actively follow and attack enemies. Sentries, on the other hand, are stationary summons that remain in a fixed location and provide support, crowd control, or ranged attacks. Tavernkeep sentries (Ballista, Explosive Trap, Lightning Aura, Etherian Mana) each come in three tiers: Rod, Cane and Staff. Each sentry summon increases in price, but decreases in the amount of mana that it requires to be active. While sentries can be valuable additions to a summoner’s arsenal, they don’t directly compete with minions in terms of raw damage output.
Whips: The Summoner’s Support System
Whips are a unique weapon type exclusive to summoners. They don’t summon minions themselves but greatly enhance their effectiveness. Whips allow summoners to target specific enemies for their minions to focus on, increase minion damage, and apply debuffs. The Firecracker whip, for example, is a fantastic choice after defeating the Wall of Flesh. Whips are often crucial to the overall damage of the minion.
Accessories: Amplifying Your Summoning Prowess
Accessories are key to maximizing your minion count and damage. Here are a few essential ones:
- Pygmy Necklace: Increases your max number of minions by 1.
- Papyrus Scarab: Increases your max number of minions by 1 and boosts minion damage.
- Necromantic Scroll: Increases your max number of minions by 1 and boosts minion damage.
- Summoning Potion: Temporarily increases your max number of minions by 1.
- Bewitching Table: Temporarily increases your max number of minions by 1.
Combining these accessories with appropriate armor sets (like Stardust Armor) allows you to command a formidable army of minions.
FAQs: Addressing Your Summoning Queries
Here are some frequently asked questions about summoning in Terraria:
Q1: What armor gives the most minion slots?
The Stardust Armor set provides the highest base minion capacity increase (+4). Combined with accessories and buffs, it allows you to reach the maximum minion cap of 11.
Q2: What is the strongest early-game summon?
The Flinx Staff, obtained from Flinx fur in the Ice biome, is a solid early-game choice. The Imp Staff is also a strong option and deals a decent amount of damage. The Vampire Frog Staff is also a fantastic choice in early hardmode.
Q3: How do I increase my minion damage?
Several accessories boost minion damage, including the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Hercules Beetle. Certain armor sets, like Spooky armor and Tiki armor, also provide significant minion damage bonuses.
Q4: Is Stardust Dragon or Stardust Cell better?
The Stardust Dragon is generally considered superior due to its ability to attack through walls and its reliable AI. The Dragon will continue to damage whatever is in its path. The Stardust Cell, however, is another viable option and can be very effective in confined spaces.
Q5: What is the best summon for crowd control?
The Terraprisma, despite its single-target focus, can excel at crowd control with proper positioning. However, the Xeno Staff’s UFOs are another solid choice due to their ability to pierce through enemies.
Q6: Is the Blade Staff good?
Yes! The Blade Staff is an excellent option in early to mid-Hardmode. Its armor penetration makes it particularly effective against heavily armored enemies.
Q7: How many minions does Spooky armor give?
Spooky armor increases your minion capacity by 4. This is a significant boost and, combined with accessories, can allow you to command a substantial minion army.
Q8: Is Tiki armor worth it?
Tiki armor is a decent option but is generally overshadowed by Spooky armor due to the latter’s higher minion damage bonus. However, Tiki armor offers higher defense, making it a viable choice for players who prioritize survivability.
Q9: Where do I get the Bewitching Table?
The Bewitching Table is found in the Dungeon.
Q10: What is the rarest item in Terraria?
The article mentions a few rare items. However, the rarity can be subjective and depend on individual luck. Some notable examples include the Money Trough, Blessed Apple, and Terragrim.
Q11: What is the best light pet?
Light pets like the Fairy Princess, Toy Golem, and Jack ‘O Lantern provide illumination in dark areas and are great for exploring caves and the night.
Q12: What is the strongest weapon in Terraria?
This depends on what kind of damage you are looking to output. Each weapon is unique in its style, but the Terraprisma is arguably the highest DPS output.
Q13: How do I summon the Moon Lord?
Craft a Celestial Sigil using fragments from the four Celestial Pillars (Solar, Nebula, Vortex, and Stardust) at an Ancient Manipulator. Use the Sigil to summon the Moon Lord.
Q14: What is the best summon pet?
Pet preferences are subjective. The Baby Truffle, Red Panda, or Skeletron Jr. are a few fan favorites.
Q15: Where can I learn more about games and learning?
Check out the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to find resources on the intersection of education and video games.