The Xeno Staff: Unraveling the Mystery of Terraria’s UFO Summon
The Xeno Staff is a Hardmode, post-Golem summoning weapon in Terraria that summons a miniature UFO to fight alongside you. This isn’t just any minion; it’s a technologically advanced extraterrestrial ally that teleports above enemies and unleashes a barrage of energy bolts upon them. Dropped by the formidable Martian Saucer during the Martian Madness event, the Xeno Staff is a coveted prize for summoner builds seeking a blend of speed, accuracy, and raw power.
Decoding the Xeno Staff’s Power
The Xeno Staff’s appeal lies in its unique attack pattern. Unlike some minions that simply rush at enemies, the UFO exhibits intelligent behavior. When an enemy approaches, the UFO swiftly teleports itself roughly three blocks above the target. From this elevated position, it unleashes a rapid-fire stream of blue energy lasers downward, dealing consistent damage.
This teleporting ability and the consistent barrage of energy make the Xeno Staff a formidable weapon in many situations. Its guaranteed hits and high attack speed often translate to superior damage per second (DPS) compared to other summoning options available at the time. The ability to move through blocks at long range enhances its utility in varying combat scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Xeno Staff
Is the Xeno Staff considered a good weapon?
Absolutely. While some might argue other options have higher raw damage numbers, the Xeno Staff shines in its reliability and accuracy. The UFO minion’s targeting speed is excellent, and the consistent, guaranteed hits result in a higher overall DPS in many situations.
When can I obtain the Xeno Staff?
The Xeno Staff becomes available after defeating the Golem boss. This unlocks the Martian Madness event, where you’ll have a chance to encounter and defeat the Martian Saucer, the source of the Xeno Staff.
How do I trigger the Martian Madness event?
The Martian Madness event is triggered by encountering a Martian Probe in the outer thirds of the map, with a higher chance in the Space layer. Let the probe scan you! The event will start soon after. Be prepared for a challenging invasion.
Which modifier is best for the Xeno Staff?
The consensus is that the Ruthless modifier is the best for the Xeno Staff. While the Mythical modifier offers a wider array of stat bonuses, most of those benefits primarily affect the initial summon, not the minion’s attacks. The Ruthless modifier provides a significant damage boost. Minions cannot deal critical hits, diminishing the value of Critical Hit Chance.
Is the Xeno Staff better than the Tempest Staff?
In most scenarios, the Xeno Staff outperforms the Tempest Staff. While the Tempest Staff’s Sharknados can hit multiple targets, their erratic movement and lower accuracy often result in less consistent damage. The Xeno Staff’s speed, guaranteed hits, and targeting make it a superior choice for single-target DPS.
How does the Xeno Staff compare to the Raven Staff?
The Raven Staff may appear more powerful at first glance due to its higher base damage. However, Ravens sometimes get distracted and stop chasing enemies. The Xeno Staff’s consistent targeting and faster attacks often compensate for the lower damage, especially when combined with a tag-damage whip and debuffs like Ichor to reduce enemy armor.
Is the Stardust Cell Staff an upgrade to the Xeno Staff?
While the Stardust Cell Staff is generally considered an upgrade, the Xeno Staff still holds its own. The Stardust Cells are prone to target switching delays after defeating an enemy, which can be detrimental in hordes. The Xeno Staff’s rapid targeting makes it highly effective in chaotic battles.
How does the Xeno Staff’s UFO attack?
The UFO minion summoned by the Xeno Staff uses a unique teleporting and firing sequence. When an enemy is nearby, the UFO instantly teleports roughly three blocks directly above the target. It then unleashes a rapid stream of blue energy lasers downwards at the enemy.
Can the Xeno Staff’s UFO move through blocks?
Yes! The UFO minion has the ability to move through blocks when it is a significant distance away from the player character. This makes the Xeno Staff helpful in battles where there are walls or other obstacles that would otherwise obstruct the attacks of minions.
Is the Xeno Staff good for fighting bosses?
Yes, the Xeno Staff is especially effective for bosses that have predictable and relatively slow movement patterns. The high damage output and laser-focused attack will help you to defeat the bosses.
What are the best accessories for the Xeno Staff?
The best accessories for the Xeno Staff include those that increase minion damage, minion count, and overall summoner stats. Some good options include:
- Summoner Emblem: Increases minion damage.
- Papyrus Scarab: Increases minion damage and minion count.
- Necromantic Scroll: Increases minion damage and minion count.
- Spooky Armor Boosts minion damage and minion count.
- Stardust Armor Is the ultimate summoner armor.
What is the best reforge for Xeno Staff?
Ruthless is considered the best reforge for the Xeno Staff, as the primary benefit is the enhanced damage output, which is always an asset with summoner weapons. While Mythical is still a good choice, it is best to go with Ruthless.
Where can I find the Martian Saucer?
The Martian Saucer is the final boss of the Martian Madness event. It spawns during the event and is a challenging fight, so be prepared with good gear and a well-designed arena.
How rare is the Xeno Staff?
The Xeno Staff has a drop chance of 100% from Martian Saucer, meaning one is guaranteed to drop per kill.
What are some alternative summon weapons to the Xeno Staff?
Some alternative summon weapons that are comparable to the Xeno Staff include:
- Stardust Cell Staff: An upgrade to the Xeno Staff, offering high single-target damage.
- Stardust Dragon Staff: Summons a powerful dragon that pierces enemies.
- Terraprisma: A challenging but incredibly powerful summon weapon obtained from the Empress of Light.
- Blade Staff An effective pre-Golem summon weapon that can deal large amounts of damage in a single attack.
Embracing the Extraterrestrial Power
The Xeno Staff is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of ingenuity and adaptability in the face of extraterrestrial invasion. Its unique mechanics and consistent damage output make it a valuable addition to any summoner’s arsenal. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses allows you to harness its full potential and conquer the challenges of Terraria.
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