What’s the Rarest Crate in Terraria? Unearthing the Secrets of Terrarian Treasures
The simple answer to the question of the rarest crate in Terraria is: it depends on what you mean by “rarest.” While Golden/Titanium Crates are the hardest to obtain among the standard crates due to their low catch rate, they are still relatively common compared to some of the biome-specific and Hardmode crates. This article will break down the rarity of different crates in Terraria, helping you understand which ones are truly the most elusive, and what valuable treasures they hold.
Standard Crate Rarity vs. Biome and Hardmode Crates
Understanding the Basics of Crate Catch Rates
In Terraria, fishing is a rewarding activity that can yield various items, including crates. There are three standard types of crates: Wooden/Pearlwood, Iron/Mythril, and Golden/Titanium. These are available in both pre-Hardmode and Hardmode, with each tier becoming harder to obtain, and the loot becoming more valuable. While the biome-specific crates are rarer than standard crates, the Golden/Titanium Crate remains a highly sought-after prize amongst the standard crate family.
- Wooden/Pearlwood Crates: The most common.
- Iron/Mythril Crates: Less common than Wooden/Pearlwood.
- Golden/Titanium Crates: The rarest among the standard types, especially in pre-Hardmode where they are considered relatively rare.
The catch rate for these standard crates varies based on fishing power and the use of a Crate Potion. A higher fishing power, combined with a Crate Potion significantly increases the chance of catching the better crates.
Biome-Specific Crates
Beyond standard crates, each biome in Terraria has a unique crate that can only be obtained by fishing within that specific environment:
- Sky Crate: Fished in Space, e.g. in Floating Lakes. Contains standard crate items plus items normally found in Skyware Chests.
- Oasis Crate: Fished in the Desert biome. Contains standard crate items plus items from Sandstone Chests in the Underground Desert.
- Frozen Crate: Fished in the Snow biome. Contains standard crate items plus items from Frozen Chests.
- Crimson Crate: Fished in the Crimson biome. Contains standard crate items and an item normally found by breaking a Crimson Heart. (Pre-Hardmode)
- Obsidian Crate: Fished in lava. Contains items normally found in standard crates, plus items from Shadow Chests.
Hardmode Crates
The Hardmode counterparts to the pre-Hardmode biome-specific crates are:
- Boreal Crate: Hardmode counterpart to the Frozen Crate, fished in the Snow biome.
- Hematic Crate: Hardmode counterpart to the Crimson Crate, fished in the Crimson biome.
- Hellstone Crate: Hardmode counterpart to the Obsidian Crate, fished in lava.
These Hardmode crates typically offer more valuable loot, including Hardmode ore and unique items, making them highly desirable.
The Rarity Showdown: Which is the Rarest?
While the Golden/Titanium crates have the lowest drop rates amongst standard crates, the biome-specific Hardmode crates, especially the Hellstone Crate, tend to be the rarest due to their restricted fishing location (lava) and the fact that it unlocks items only otherwise available in locked Shadow Chests.
It’s important to note that “rarity” can depend on the stage of the game. In early pre-Hardmode, the Golden Crate might seem exceptionally rare, but after the player upgrades equipment, the likelihood of encountering it increases, however, the most difficult to acquire throughout the game are the biome specific crates that require specific biomes to obtain as well as Hardmode variants. The Hematic Crate and Hellstone Crate specifically are highly coveted due to their contents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Terraria Crates
1. What items can I get from a Golden Crate in Terraria?
Golden Crates can contain the top tier of pre-Hardmode ores, bars, potions (including Greater Healing and Mana Potions), and other useful items. They also have a chance to drop some Hardmode ores once Hardmode has been reached.
2. How do Crate Potions affect crate drop rates?
A Crate Potion doubles the chance of catching a crate, increasing both the number of crates you catch as well as the likelihood of finding rarer varieties.
3. Is fishing power the only factor that impacts crate rarity?
Fishing power is a primary factor, but biome and time of day also affect fishing quality. Furthermore, the use of a Crate Potion significantly improves the rarity of the crates that are caught.
4. Can I get Hardmode ores from Golden Crates?
Yes, Golden Crates can yield some Hardmode ores, making them useful even in Hardmode. However, Titanium Crates are more efficient at providing Hardmode ores.
5. What items are exclusive to Obsidian Crates?
Obsidian Crates exclusively drop Obsidian Lock Boxes, which contain Underworld-exclusive items normally found in locked Shadow Chests.
6. How do I get a Hematic Crate?
Hematic Crates are obtained by fishing in the Crimson biome during Hardmode.
7. What can I find in a Sky Crate?
Sky Crates contain items found in standard crates, and items normally found in Skyware Chests, making them a reliable source of Sky-related loot.
8. What are the most common items I’ll find in Wooden and Pearlwood Crates?
Wooden and Pearlwood Crates contain common items, such as ores, basic potions, and occasionally accessories such as the Aglet. Pearlwood Crates can drop the Enchanted Sundial, a rare item.
9. Does luck affect crate drop rates?
No, luck does not affect crate drop rates. Luck only impacts the drop rates of items from enemies.
10. Can the Sonar Potion help me find crates?
Yes, the Sonar Potion will highlight crates in the water, making them easier to spot while fishing.
11. What makes the Titanium Crate so desirable?
The Titanium Crate is the highest tier standard crate in Hardmode, and offers the most valuable rewards, including Hardmode bars and ores, as well as selling for the most to NPCs.
12. How do I fish in lava for Obsidian and Hellstone Crates?
To fish in lava, you need specific equipment: either a Hotline Fishing Hook, Lavaproof Tackle Bag, or Lavaproof Fishing Hook, or by using lava-resistant bait like a Magma Snail, Lavafly, or Hell Butterfly.
13. Are biome-specific crates worth the effort to get?
Yes, biome-specific crates are generally worth the effort, as they contain valuable items specific to those biomes, which can be hard to obtain otherwise.
14. Are the Hardmode versions of Biome-specific crates more rare?
Yes, the Hardmode variants are rarer than their pre-Hardmode versions, and also have loot specific to the biome they are fished in, along with a chance for Hardmode-tier gear.
15. Is the Slime Staff more rare than any crate?
The Slime Staff is the rarest item in the game and is significantly rarer than even the hardest to catch crate.
Conclusion
While the Golden/Titanium Crates are certainly the rarest among the standard types, the biome-specific and Hardmode crates often prove to be the most elusive and rewarding. Understanding the specifics of each crate’s drop rate, location, and loot will help you efficiently explore Terraria’s fishing mechanics and unearth its hidden treasures. Happy fishing, and may your line catch the rarest of crates!