Who Drops Tattered Cloth in Terraria? Your Ultimate Guide
The answer is straightforward: The Tattered Cloth in Terraria is exclusively dropped by Goblin Scouts. These mischievous little blighters are the only source, and thankfully, they have a 100% drop rate. This means every Goblin Scout you vanquish will gift you with at least one, and sometimes up to four, pieces of this vital crafting material. But where do you find these pesky Scouts, and what’s the best way to farm them? Let’s delve into the details!
Understanding the Goblin Scout
Before we dive into farming strategies, let’s understand our quarry. The Goblin Scout is an uncommon surface enemy found lurking at the furthest edges of your Terraria world. Specifically, they inhabit the easternmost and westernmost sixths of the map. They’re not particularly tough, but their rarity and specific spawn conditions can make them a bit elusive.
Goblin Scouts won’t spawn just anywhere. They’re quite picky about their habitat. You won’t find them cavorting in the Corruption or the Crimson, and they only appear during the daytime. So, keep that in mind as you plan your scouting expeditions.
Why Farm Tattered Cloth?
The Tattered Cloth itself serves a singular, but crucial, purpose: crafting the Goblin Battle Standard. This banner, when used, manually triggers a Goblin Army invasion. Goblin Armies are not just a chaotic nuisance; they’re essential for acquiring specific items and triggering progression within the game. Defeating a Goblin Army is also the only way to unlock the Goblin Tinkerer NPC, a key figure who sells valuable items and provides the incredibly useful Reforge function. The work done at educational organizations such as the Games Learning Society highlights how such mechanics can enhance player engagement and strategic thinking.
Finding and Farming Goblin Scouts
Now that we know what we’re after and why, let’s talk tactics.
Optimal Locations
While Goblin Scouts can technically spawn in the outer sixths of your world, some locations are more fruitful than others. The Jungle biome is often touted as a prime hunting ground, thanks to its inherently higher monster spawn rate. The dense foliage can make spotting them a bit tricky, but the increased frequency makes it worth the effort.
Boosting Spawn Rates
If you’re serious about farming Tattered Cloth, you’ll want to maximize your spawn rates. Here’s how:
- Water Candle: Placing a Water Candle in your vicinity significantly boosts spawn rates of all enemies, including Goblin Scouts.
- Battle Potion: Consuming a Battle Potion has a similar effect to a Water Candle, stacking the increase for even more frequent spawns.
- Luck Potions: Using a Luck Potion can increase your chances of better enemy spawns.
- Time of Day: While not definitively proven, some players report increased Goblin Scout spawns between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in-game time. This may be anecdotal, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
The Lifeform Analyzer
One invaluable tool for hunting Goblin Scouts is the Lifeform Analyzer, or any of its upgrades (like the PDA or Cell Phone). This handy gadget detects rare creatures in your vicinity, making it much easier to pinpoint the elusive Scouts. Equipping it is highly recommended for efficient farming.
Basic Farming Setup
A simple farming setup can dramatically increase your yield of Tattered Cloth. Designate an area in the outer sixths of your world, preferably in the Jungle, as your hunting ground. Flatten the terrain slightly to improve visibility, and place Water Candles liberally. Consume a Battle Potion, equip your Lifeform Analyzer, and patrol the area during the day. With a bit of patience and persistence, you’ll soon have a stockpile of Tattered Cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Tattered Cloth, Goblin Scouts, and Goblin Armies:
1. Can any NPC sell Tattered Cloth?
No, Tattered Cloth is exclusively dropped by Goblin Scouts. No NPC in Terraria sells it.
2. Can I get Tattered Cloth from any other enemy?
Absolutely not. Goblin Scouts are the sole source of this crafting material.
3. What is the sole purpose of Tattered Cloth?
The Tattered Cloth is used exclusively to craft the Goblin Battle Standard at a Loom.
4. How do I summon a Goblin Army manually?
Craft a Goblin Battle Standard using Tattered Cloth and Wood at a Loom, and then use the item.
5. What are the conditions for a Goblin Army to spawn naturally?
A Goblin Army can spawn naturally if:
- It is daytime (after 4:30 AM).
- At least one Shadow Orb or Crimson Heart has been destroyed.
- At least one player has 200 health or more.
- There is no ongoing Goblin Invasion.
6. Where can Goblin Scouts not spawn?
Goblin Scouts will not spawn in the Corruption or the Crimson.
7. Do Goblin Scouts spawn at night?
No, Goblin Scouts only spawn during the daytime.
8. How rare are Goblin Scouts?
Goblin Scouts are considered an uncommon enemy that can only be found in the outermost regions of your world.
9. What does the Goblin Scout drop besides Tattered Cloth?
Besides Tattered Cloth, Goblin Scouts drop varying amounts of coins.
10. Is there a way to prevent a Goblin Army once the message appears?
No. Once the message announcing a Goblin Army appears, the invasion is inevitable. Leaving and rejoining the world won’t stop it.
11. What happens if I skip the Goblin Army invasion?
You cannot skip a Goblin Army invasion once it begins. You can, however, wait to initiate one until you are better prepared. You are also preventing the Goblin Tinkerer from spawning if you don’t defeat it.
12. How do I get the Goblin Tinkerer to spawn?
The Goblin Tinkerer spawns randomly in the Cavern layer (Underground layer) after you’ve defeated a Goblin Army.
13. Can the Goblin Army spawn in Hardmode?
Yes, the Goblin Army can spawn in Hardmode. The chance of a natural spawn is lower than in pre-Hardmode.
14. Does defeating the Goblin Army have any other benefits?
Aside from unlocking the Goblin Tinkerer, defeating the Goblin Army can also yield other useful items dropped by the various goblin enemies. Defeating it also allows for the chance of a natural army spawning, but with lower chances in Hardmode.
15. How can I learn more about Terraria game design?
If you are interested in the mechanics of Terraria game design, or are curious about game design in general, you can find more information through the GamesLearningSociety.org.