Terraria Summoner Guide: Master the Art of Summoning
Understanding the Summoner Class
Basics
Embark on a journey into the fascinating world of Terraria, a realm teeming with dangers and wonders. Within this vast expanse, players have the opportunity to embrace diverse playstyles, from wielding mighty swords to harnessing the power of the elements. Among these, the summoner class stands out as a unique and engaging path. This guide will serve as your comprehensive companion, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to excel as a summoner in Terraria. Whether you are a newcomer venturing into the world for the first time, or a seasoned player looking to master a new challenge, prepare to delve into the world of summoning.
At the core, the summoner is a class that focuses on commanding minions, summoned creatures that automatically attack enemies. These minions are independent agents that do their work with minimal direct input from the player. You summon these allies to fight alongside you. You’ll be using weapons that summon such allies. Your influence comes in the form of whips, tools that allow you to focus your minions’ attacks. The number of minions you can have at any given time is capped, so it’s important to choose your equipment wisely. A good summoner is always mindful of the number of summons, the type of minions at their command, and the strategic positioning of these creatures.
Core Mechanics
Beyond the basics, the summoner class hinges on a few core mechanics:
Summoning Weapons
These are the primary tools of the summoner. These weapons are not for direct combat. They spawn the minions that do the fighting for you. Each weapon summons a specific type of minion. The different types of minions have their own attack style, damage type, and special abilities. Some may be better at dealing with specific types of enemies, while others are more versatile. The summoner must learn which summons are best suited for each challenge.
Whips
Whips are a unique weapon type specific to the summoner. Whips offer a key advantage to the class by enhancing the power of your minions. When you strike an enemy with your whip, your minions will focus their attacks on the target. Whips allow the summoner to exert control over their summoned army. Different whips provide varying speeds, ranges, and damage. This helps in controlling the battlefield and making sure that you are in command.
Armor
While the summoner can get by with a variety of armors, many sets provide bonuses that increase the number of minions you can summon, boost the damage of your summons, or improve your whip effectiveness. Armor choices are fundamental to the summoner’s build. Choosing the correct armor set can dramatically impact your success in Terraria.
Early Game Summoner
As you begin your journey as a summoner, your priority is survival and establishing a foundation for success.
Starting Out
The journey of a summoner begins with finding an early-game minion weapon, such as the Slime Staff or Flinx Staff. The Slime Staff is notoriously rare, often found by defeating slimes. The Flinx Staff is a slightly easier-to-obtain alternative, crafted from Flinx Fur. These early-game summons can turn the tide in the early part of the game. Starting with a staff helps to get your first summon out there.
Gear Progression
As you explore the world and defeat enemies, you’ll want to improve your gear.
Armor Sets
Obsidian Armor, Bee Armor, and Spider Armor are excellent choices for pre-Hardmode summoner builds. Obsidian Armor can be crafted using Obsidian, which is acquired by combining water and lava. Bee Armor is another powerful option that can be crafted after defeating the Queen Bee, providing a boost to minion damage and minion capacity. Spider Armor, one of the best armor sets in pre-hardmode, offers a significant bonus to summon damage and minion capacity.
Whips
As you progress, the Snapthorn is the first whip many summoners obtain. It provides a decent damage output and increased range. Spinal Tap is better, and you will find it by defeating enemies.
Accessories
Accessories amplify your strength. Summoner Emblem, boosts summon damage. Celestial Stone and Putrid Scent help further amplify the power of your summons. Fledgling Wings and Band of Starpower provides essential utility.
Boss Strategies
The early bosses of Terraria pose a manageable threat to the summoner, who can often defeat them while at a safe distance.
Eye of Cthulhu
The Slime Staff can be very effective, but will fall off as you progress. Using your whips and dodging are key.
Eater of Worlds/Brain of Cthulhu
These bosses are highly vulnerable to the Bee Armor. Focus on dodging and controlling the battle.
Skeletron
Utilize your minions to attack Skeletron while you dodge its attacks. Make sure you take out his arms first.
Queen Bee
The Bee Armor provides a substantial boost. Maneuver around the battlefield and use your summons to deliver damage.
Wall of Flesh
Ensure you have a long platform for dodging the Wall of Flesh’s attacks. Having an arena is a key to victory here.
World Building
World building is key to any successful playthrough. Creating a suitable arena provides space for summoning and dodging. Build platform arenas that allow for ease of movement and a safer environment.
Mid-Game Summoner
Entering Hardmode changes the rules of the game. Your gear and strategies must adapt.
Entering Hardmode
Before you break the crimson or corruption altars, make sure you are prepared.
Gear Progression
You should constantly be looking for better equipment.
Armor Sets
Transition from Spider Armor into Tiki Armor or Hallowed Armor for maximum effectiveness. The Tiki Armor can be purchased from the Witch Doctor NPC, while Hallowed Armor can be crafted using the souls of light.
Whips
The Spider Whip is a fantastic choice. It is a significant upgrade from your previous weapon.
Summoning Weapons
The Blade Staff, and Sanguine Staff provide significant advantages in battle.
Accessories
The Summoner Emblem, Celestial Stone, Putrid Scent all continue to be important additions. You’ll also want to consider the Wings, Charm of Myths, or Obsidian Shield.
Boss Strategies
Hardmode brings challenging boss fights.
The Destroyer
Build platforms. Your minion should handle the majority of the damage.
The Twins
Arena building is key, similar to the Destroyer. Prioritize dodging and controlling your summons.
Skeletron Prime
This is the most difficult of the mechanical bosses. You should repeat the strategy from the Destroyer to win this fight.
Plantera
Set up a large open arena, avoiding the jungle’s tight spaces. Use your whip.
Golem
Focus on dodging the Golem’s projectiles while your minions inflict damage.
Tips for Dealing With Hardmode Enemies and Events
The events and enemies become challenging. Set up bases to provide space for NPCs and use potions for buffs.
Late-Game Summoner
The late-game is the final chapter, a test of skill and strategy.
Gear Progression
Armor Sets
Tiki Armor is decent for most bosses. Eventually, move to Spooky Armor for maximum effectiveness.
Whips
The Firecracker or Durendal are important to have.
Summoning Weapons
Xeno Staff, Stardust Dragon Staff, and Terraprisma are the ultimate tools for a late-game summoner. These will give you the tools to conquer your foes.
Accessories
Maintain your essential accessories while looking for even better ones.
Boss Strategies
Empress of Light
This is a challenging fight. Use your best armor and accessories for the best outcome.
Duke Fishron
Dodge his attacks and focus your attacks on him.
Moon Lord
This is the final boss of the game, so make sure you go into the arena with a good weapon.
Endgame Content
Frost Moon
Build a massive arena with platforms.
Pumpkin Moon
This is similar to the Frost Moon.
Martian Madness
Use your whips and minions to defeat these enemies.
General Summoner Tips and Tricks
Arena Building
Arena is very important. Open spaces allow you to dodge while your minions do the work for you.
Potion Usage
Potions are a summoner’s best friend. Potions such as Regeneration, Ironskin, Endurance, and Swiftness are very important.
Buffs
Using buffs can give you the edge you need to defeat a boss.
Resource Management
Knowing how to manage your resources is important, and can affect your gameplay.
Movement and Positioning
Movement is a key to success. Dodge and use your summons.
Minion Management
Control your summons with your whips.
Class Synergy
Understanding how the classes work together is important to success.
Conclusion
The summoner class offers a distinct and rewarding experience in Terraria. We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge and strategies to thrive as a summoner. Remember to experiment, adapt, and learn from your experiences.
For further resources, consider consulting the Terraria Wiki and other communities.
Now, go forth, and command your legions!
