What Sells for the Most Platinum in Terraria?
The simple answer to what sells for the most platinum in Terraria is the Companion Cube, an item with a whopping sell price of 10 platinum coins! This item is a rare find from the Traveling Merchant and is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the popular game Portal. However, obtaining one is difficult since the Traveling Merchant appears randomly. While the Companion Cube holds the top spot, relying on it for consistent income isn’t feasible. This article will delve deeper into what you can sell for substantial profit, particularly in the early game and beyond, along with additional insights into Terraria’s economy.
Early Game Money Making
While the Companion Cube is the holy grail, you need viable income strategies to obtain it. In the early game, your focus should be on accumulating gold coins, which can then be converted to platinum. Here are some methods and items to sell for quick profits in pre-Hardmode:
Mushrooms and Dyes
- Mushrooms: These ubiquitous fungi are a great source of early-game cash. They sell for 25 copper coins each, which adds up when you’re exploring and farming. They are easy to find and farm, making them reliable income.
- Dye Ingredients: Flowers and other items used for making dyes can be sold for 20 copper coins each, whether they’ve been crafted into dyes or not. Focus on collecting these during exploration.
Mining and Ores
- Ores: Mining is another fundamental way to earn money. Iron, Silver, and Gold ores can all be sold for a decent profit. While you’ll need some for crafting, selling the excess is a great way to generate funds.
- Gems: Gems found while mining can also be sold, with prices varying depending on the gem type. However, it’s usually more profitable to turn excess gems into Stained Glass and sell that.
Stained Glass and Sauteed Frog Legs
- Stained Glass: If you find excess gems, craft them into stained glass. Stained glass sells for a surprisingly good price, making it one of the better early game money makers if you have a gem tree farm.
- Sauteed Frog Legs: This rare food item sells for a good price and can be a decent way to profit if you’ve obtained the required ingredients.
Farming for Profit
- Glowing Mushrooms: These mushrooms, found in underground mushroom biomes, have a decent sell price and can be farmed for consistent income.
- Daybloom: This herb can be found growing above ground and is another decent item to farm for sale.
Transitioning to Mid and Late Game
As you progress through Terraria, your ability to earn money will increase. Here are some valuable items to sell as you reach the mid to late game:
Rare Drops
- Rare Enemy Drops: Certain enemies drop rare items that can be sold for high prices. Keep an eye out for rare drops from bosses and other difficult enemies.
- Biome Keys: Biome keys have decent sale values and can be sold if you are not looking to open the locked chests in the Dungeon.
Excess Crafting Materials
- Excess Ores: As you find more and better ores and bars, you may have an excess of old bars, these can be sold for a fair price.
- Excess Furniture and Materials: Once you are set up, extra furniture or building materials can be sold to gain funds.
Platinum’s Real Use
It’s important to note that while amassing platinum is fun, it’s also important for practical use. Platinum Ore is the counterpart to Gold Ore, and it’s used to craft Platinum Bars. These bars form a critical part of several early-to-mid tier equipment and items. Platinum can be found rarely as a bonus drop from slimes, or in place of gold in certain worlds.
Strategic Selling vs. Use
While you can sell valuable items, remember that some items are more important for crafting than selling. For instance, platinum bars should be used to create Platinum Armor, which is better than gold armor. As a player, you will have to strike a balance between selling for immediate profit and keeping items to improve your gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about making money in Terraria:
1. Is Gold Equal to Platinum in Terraria?
No, gold and platinum are not equal in value. They are considered alternate ores, where only one can appear in any given world. Platinum is generally regarded as better due to its higher defense values and slightly better pickaxe statistics.
2. How Rare is Platinum Compared to Gold in Terraria?
Platinum is not inherently rarer than gold in Terraria’s game mechanics, it simply generates in place of it in some world seeds. However, in real life platinum is significantly more rare than gold.
3. What Pickaxe Can Mine Platinum in Terraria?
Any pickaxe capable of mining gold can mine platinum. This includes early-game pickaxes like the Iron or Copper pickaxes.
4. Why Can’t I Find Platinum in Terraria?
If you can find gold ore naturally in your underground/cavern, this means platinum will not spawn in that world. The game generates a world with either gold or platinum ore. If you don’t find gold, then platinum will be there.
5. What is the Best Sword in Terraria?
The most powerful sword in Terraria is the Zenith. It is crafted from a number of strong swords from throughout the game, and can obliterate most enemies.
6. What is the Best Armor in Terraria?
The Solar Flare Armor is widely considered the best armor in the game, offering superior stats for melee characters.
7. Is Tungsten Better than Platinum in Terraria?
No, platinum is generally better than tungsten, as its pickaxe is more powerful.
8. Why is Platinum Armor Better than Gold Armor in Terraria?
Platinum Armor provides more defense than Gold Armor. When combined with its set bonus, it offers a total of 20 defense, compared to the Gold Armor’s 16, making it notably stronger.
9. What Should I Buy in Terraria?
Accessories are crucial in Terraria. Some of the best include the Cloud in a Bottle, Magic Mirror, PDA, Ankh Shield, Celestial Shell, and Lavaproof Tackle Bag.
10. What Does Crimtane Ore Look Like?
Crimtane Ore emits a faint red glow, similar to Demonite Ore. It’s usually found in worlds with Crimson biomes.
11. How Do You Farm Gemcorns?
Gemcorns need to be planted in a space where no water is present, and where the backgrounds walls are removed. They cannot grow in the underground desert because of background walls.
12. Where Can I Find the Best Loot in Terraria?
Loot can be found in chests, pots, and from defeating enemies. Exploring the Underground and caverns will also give you more opportunities to find loot.
13. What is the Rarest Loot in Terraria?
Some of the rarest drops include the Nymph Banner, Blessed Apple, Rod of Discord, Biome Keys, Lucky Coin, Coin Gun, Discount Card, and Slime Staff.
14. What is the Rarest Thing that Could Happen in Terraria?
Finding certain rare events or items, and having particular combinations of rare events happen.
15. What is the Most Expensive Item to Sell in Terraria?
The most expensive item to sell in Terraria is the Companion Cube, at 10 platinum coins. However, it is a rare drop and not a reliable income source.
Conclusion
While the Companion Cube reigns supreme in selling price, you can see how amassing a large amount of platinum involves a combination of strategic farming, mining, and selling, particularly in the early game. Knowing the value of different items, and being aware of their best strategic use, allows you to make smart decisions about your inventory. Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate the world of Terraria’s economy and achieve financial prosperity.