What Stops Crimson From Spreading in Terraria?
The relentless spread of the Crimson biome in Terraria can be a significant concern for any player, especially in Hardmode. Understanding how to contain and combat its expansion is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your world. So, what exactly stops the Crimson from spreading? The simple answer is a combination of specific materials, barriers, and game mechanics that, when used strategically, can halt the crimson’s relentless advance. Let’s dive into the details.
Barriers and Blocks
Resistant Blocks
Several block types are completely immune to conversion by the Crimson. These can be used to create barriers that the Crimson cannot cross. These blocks include:
- Wood: Regular wood is a reliable material to use as a barrier.
- Clay Blocks: These are crafted from clay and are a good early-game option.
- Ash Blocks: Crafted from ash, these provide another stable barrier option.
- Silt Blocks: Harvested from silt deposits, these also resist corruption.
- Obsidian: Formed when water and lava mix, obsidian is impervious to crimson spread.
- Ores and Gems: All ores and gems are immune to the Crimson’s influence.
- Bricks: Most crafted bricks, except for Pearlstone, are resistant. Examples include Gray Brick
- Other: You can also use things like furniture and other crafted items to stop the crimson spread.
The Importance of Gaps
Crimson, like the Corruption and Hallow, can spread up to three tiles from its existing blocks. To create an effective barrier, a gap of at least four tiles must be implemented. This ensures that even with the range of three tiles, the Crimson cannot reach the other side. This gap can be filled with air, but an air gap may be bridged by plant growth like thorns, therefore it is recommended you use resistant blocks. The larger the gap the safer you are.
How Vines Can Spread Crimson
Crimson vines can grow from Crimson grass and spread the biome to nearby blocks (in Hardmode). These vines grow from the underside of grass blocks, allowing the spread to reach to further areas. To prevent this, make sure there are no blocks immediately below the crimson that it can grow down and create vines on. Note that the vines themselves cannot be converted unless the block they are connected to is converted.
Game Mechanics and Strategies
The Significance of Sunflowers
Sunflowers possess an interesting effect on biome spread. Not only do they prevent the two tiles directly beneath them from converting to Crimson, but they also reduce an area’s total Crimson rating. Sunflowers are a good pre-Hardmode way to mitigate spread and even help limit the area that the Crimson is in, but note that it will still spread.
Journey Mode
In Journey Mode, players have the power to control biome spread. By toggling the Biome Spread option in the Power menu to the Disabled state before the Crimson expands, you can prevent the biome from spreading altogether.
Lava
Placing lava can be effective, especially in the early game in pre-hardmode, as it will burn grass that the crimson will need to spread. It is a good method to get a small area contained, however it will not stop it from spreading through blocks like dirt and stone.
The Role of Background Walls
Crimson can indeed spread through background walls in Hardmode. Therefore, these should be replaced with non-corruptible walls to provide a stronger defense.
Pre-Hardmode Preparation
Before entering Hardmode, it is crucial to prepare your base. Creating large gaps and using resistant materials to create barriers is key. This helps reduce the damage when the Crimson starts to spread at an accelerated rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Crimson Spread Through Gray Brick?
Yes, Gray Brick is resistant to the spread of Crimson. It is a reliable building material that can be used to create Crimson-proof structures.
2. Does Crimson Spread From Grass?
Yes, absolutely. Crimson spreads from Crimson Grass and Crimson Thorns, growing in any direction. Crimson vines will also grow from the bottom of crimson grass blocks if there is space below.
3. Can Crimson Spread Through Wood?
While it was resistant previously, now in Expert Mode (and applicable to all difficulties), Crimson can spread through Wood. Be sure to utilize the 4-tile gap technique mentioned above.
4. Can Crimson Spread to Ice?
Yes, in Hardmode, Crimson can spread through Ice. It generates Red Ice Blocks as it does so.
5. Can Crimson Spread Over the Jungle?
Yes, Crimson can spread through the Jungle, making it more difficult to acquire necessary items. Protect your jungle by making barriers.
6. Does Destroying Demon Altars Spread Crimson?
Yes, destroying Demon/Crimson Altars has a chance to spread crimson in the underground cavern. Specifically, it has a 2/3 (66.67%) chance of converting one stone block in the cavern layer to a crimstone block, which will then spread if not contained.
7. Is Crimson Better Than Corruption?
Whether Crimson is better than Corruption depends on your playstyle. Crimson offers stronger loot, but has more annoying enemies early in the game.
8. Can The Hallow Stop Crimson?
The Hallow can convert Crimson to hallowed grass, but it cannot convert blocks already claimed by the Crimson. However, this can result in areas of interwoven crimson and hallow.
9. How Many Blocks Does it Take to Stop Crimson Spread?
Crimson can spread up to 3 blocks away, so you need a gap of 4 blocks to stop its spread.
10. Can Crimson Spread Through Background Walls?
Yes, the Crimson can spread through background walls, therefore you should make these walls out of non-corruptible materials.
11. Do Sunflowers Stop Corruption?
Yes, Sunflowers stop both Corruption and Crimson, preventing them from converting the two tiles directly below, and reducing the overall influence by 5.
12. Can Crimson Infect Snow?
No, Crimson cannot spread through Snow Blocks. However, it can spread through ice to create red ice.
13. How Do You Get Rid of Crimson Walls?
You can destroy Crimson Walls using a hammer, but they will not drop anything. There is no other method of getting rid of them other than removing them by hand.
14. What Are Non-Corruptible Walls?
Non-corruptible walls are walls that cannot be infected by Crimson, Corruption, or the Hallow.
15. Can Water Stop Crimson Spread?
Water itself cannot be converted by the crimson. If the water creates a sufficiently large gap, it might slow or stop the spread.
By understanding the weaknesses of the Crimson and using the right blocks, barriers, and strategies, you can effectively stop its spread, and preserve the integrity of your world. Remember to prepare before Hardmode, and keep vigilant against the relentless crimson. Good luck!