Preparing for Hardmode in Terraria is crucial for survival and progression. Hardmode introduces significantly stronger enemies, new biomes, and challenging bosses that can easily overwhelm unprepared players. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure you’re ready to face the dangers that await. We will cover pre-Hardmode preparations, gear upgrades, building strategies, and early Hardmode priorities.
**I. Understanding Hardmode**
Before diving into preparations, it’s essential to understand what Hardmode entails.
* **Increased Difficulty:** Enemies become much stronger, with higher health, damage, and new attack patterns. Many pre-Hardmode strategies become ineffective.
* **New Biomes:** The Corruption/Crimson will begin to spread more rapidly, and the Hallow biome will generate, adding new enemies and resources.
* **New Ores:** Defeating the Wall of Flesh unlocks new ores that are essential for crafting Hardmode weapons and armor.
* **New NPCs:** Some new NPCs become available after certain milestones are reached.
* **New Bosses:** Hardmode introduces a range of powerful bosses that offer valuable loot and progression opportunities.
**II. Pre-Hardmode Preparations: The Checklist**
These are the critical tasks to complete before defeating the Wall of Flesh and triggering Hardmode.
1. **Gear Upgrades:**
* **Armor:** Obtain the best pre-Hardmode armor available. Options include Molten Armor (melee), Necro Armor (summoner), Jungle Armor (magic), or a hybrid set depending on your preferred playstyle. Farm for the armor and accessories that suits your gameplay.
* **Molten Armor:** Requires Hellstone Bars, obtained from mining Hellstone in the Underworld. Provides excellent defense and melee damage bonus. The best pre-Hardmode melee armor.
* **Necro Armor:** Crafted from Bones and Silk. Provides a substantial boost to summon damage and minion capacity. The best pre-Hardmode summoner armor.
* **Jungle Armor:** Requires Jungle Spores and Stingers, found in the Jungle biome. Provides a significant magic damage boost and mana reduction. The best pre-Hardmode magic armor.
* **Weapons:** Acquire powerful pre-Hardmode weapons of your chosen class. Consider weapons that can deal damage over a distance, as some Hardmode enemies can be overwhelming up close.
* **Melee:** Night’s Edge (crafted from Light’s Bane/Blood Butcherer, Muramasa, Blade of Grass, and Fiery Greatsword), Cascade (from Underworld), Dark Lance(Corruption chest).
* **Ranged:** The Bee’s Knees, Molten Fury (from Shadow Chests in the Underworld), Star Cannon (requires Fallen Stars).
* **Magic:** Demon Scythe (from Demons in the Underworld), Water Bolt (found in Dungeon), Space Gun (requires Meteorite Armor to be effective).
* **Summoning:** Imp Staff (from Shadow Chests in the Underworld), Hornet Staff (from Queen Bee).
* **Accessories:** Equip accessories that boost your survivability and damage output. Focus on defense, mobility, and damage.
* **Shield:** Obsidian Shield (crafted from Obsidian Skull and Cobalt Shield). Provides knockback immunity and defense.
* **Boots:** Lightning Boots (crafted from Frostspark Boots or Hermes Boots and Anklet of the Wind and Aglet, and Rocket Boots). Provides increased movement speed and flight.
* **Wings:** Obtain wings if possible. Angel Wings or Demon Wings are good pre-Hardmode options, crafted from Souls of Light/Night and Feathers.
* **Other Useful Accessories:** Ranger Emblem, Sorcerer Emblem, Warrior Emblem, Summoner Emblem, Celestial Magnet, Magic Cuffs, Amaterasu.
* **Potions:** Stock up on essential potions to aid you in combat and exploration. These can provide temporary buffs to your stats.
* **Healing Potions:** Greater Healing Potions are essential for survivability. Craft using Bottled Water, Pixie Dust, and Crystal Shards.
* **Buff Potions:** Ironskin Potion, Regeneration Potion, Swiftness Potion, Archery Potion, Magic Power Potion, Mana Regeneration Potion, Thorns Potion, Endurance Potion, Lifeforce Potion.
2. **Base Preparation:**
* **Reinforce Your Base:** Hardmode enemies can easily break through walls. Reinforce your base with stronger materials like stone brick or dungeon bricks. Adding extra layers of walls can also help.
* **NPC Housing:** Ensure all your NPCs have suitable housing. Happy NPCs sell items at a lower price. Proper housing includes a table, chair, light source, and enclosed walls.
* **Farm Setup:** Build dedicated farms for essential resources such as: Gems, Souls, and Crystals. Place the farms far enough from your town to avoid annoying mobs.
3. **Biome Control:**
* **Contain Corruption/Crimson:** The Corruption/Crimson spreads rapidly in Hardmode, potentially consuming your world. Create barriers to prevent its spread.
* **Dig Trenches:** Dig 3-block-wide trenches around your base and important areas, extending down to the Underworld. These trenches prevent the spread of Corruption/Crimson/Hallow.
* **Use Non-Corruptible Materials:** Line the trenches with non-corruptible materials such as wood, grey brick, or ash blocks.
* **Clentaminator:** Purchase the Clentaminator from the Steampunker NPC after defeating a Mechanical Boss. Use it with Green Solution to purify corrupted areas, or Hallow Solution to convert areas to the Hallow.
* **Create Artificial Biomes:** Build small artificial biomes for fishing and farming specific resources.
* **Hallow:** Create an artificial Hallow biome by placing Pearlstone Blocks. This can be useful for farming Souls of Light and Hallowed enemies.
* **Corruption/Crimson:** Create artificial Corruption/Crimson biomes using Corrupt/Crimson Seeds. Useful for farming Souls of Night and Corrupt/Crimson enemies.
4. **World Exploration:**
* **Explore the Dungeon:** Fully explore the Dungeon before entering Hardmode. Obtain rare weapons and accessories such as the Magic Missile, Water Bolt, and Cobalt Shield.
* **Explore the Jungle:** Obtain Jungle Spores, Stingers, and Life Fruits. These are essential for crafting Jungle Armor and increasing your maximum health.
* **Explore the Underworld:** Obtain Hellstone Ore, Shadow Scales/Tissue Samples, and powerful weapons such as the Molten Fury and Imp Staff.
5. **Miscellaneous Tasks:**
* **Complete Angler Quests:** Complete as many Angler Quests as possible before Hardmode. This will reward you with useful fishing accessories and equipment.
* **Collect Life Crystals:** Maximize your health by collecting Life Crystals throughout the world. This will provide a significant boost to your survivability.
* **Stockpile Resources:** Gather large quantities of essential resources such as wood, stone, iron, and gel. These will be needed for crafting and building.
**III. Early Hardmode Priorities: What to Do First**
Once you’ve defeated the Wall of Flesh and entered Hardmode, focus on the following priorities:
1. **Smash Demon/Crimson Altars:**
* **Ore Generation:** Smashing Demon/Crimson Altars generates new Hardmode ores in your world: Cobalt/Palladium, Mythril/Orichalcum, and Adamantite/Titanium.
* **Caution:** Smashing Altars also spawns Wraiths, which can be dangerous early in Hardmode. Be prepared to fight them.
* **Ore Distribution:** The first Altar you destroy will spawn Cobalt/Palladium, the second will spawn Mythril/Orichalcum, and the third will spawn Adamantite/Titanium. The order is fixed. After the third altar, the sequence repeats in a similar way, but the chance for ore generation is reduced.
* **Quantity and World Size**: The quantity of ores generated depends on the size of the world. Larger worlds have more ore veins.
2. **Obtain Hardmode Ores:**
* **Mining:** Search for and mine the new Hardmode ores. Start with Cobalt/Palladium, then progress to Mythril/Orichalcum, and finally Adamantite/Titanium.
* **New Pickaxes:** You’ll need a pickaxe capable of mining each tier of ore. A Cobalt/Palladium Pickaxe can mine Mythril/Orichalcum, and a Mythril/Orichalcum Pickaxe can mine Adamantite/Titanium.
* **Fishing:** Alternatively, you can obtain Hardmode ores by fishing in the Hallow or Corruption/Crimson biomes. This requires a decent fishing rod and bait.
* **Crates:** Hardmode ores can be found in crates obtained from fishing.
* **Biome Specificity:** Hallow fishing yields ores in Pearlwood Crates, while Corruption/Crimson fishing yields ores in Corrupt/Crimson Crates. The ores will be of the type found in your world.
3. **Craft Hardmode Armor and Weapons:**
* **Armor Progression:** Craft armor from the Hardmode ores to improve your defense and damage output. Start with Cobalt/Palladium Armor, then upgrade to Mythril/Orichalcum Armor, and finally Adamantite/Titanium Armor.
* **Armor Sets:** Each armor set has different variations based on your playstyle (melee, ranged, magic, summoner). Choose the set that best suits your needs.
* **Weapon Upgrades:** Craft weapons from the Hardmode ores to increase your damage output. Focus on weapons that can deal damage at a safe distance.
4. **Explore the Underground Hallow and Underground Corruption/Crimson:**
* **New Enemies:** These biomes contain powerful new enemies that drop valuable loot.
* **Crystal Shards:** The Underground Hallow is the primary source of Crystal Shards, which are used in crafting powerful weapons and potions.
* **Souls of Light/Night:** Defeating enemies in the Underground Hallow/Corruption/Crimson yields Souls of Light/Night, which are essential for crafting many Hardmode items.
* **Mimics:** Be wary of Mimics, which are disguised treasure chests that attack when opened. They drop valuable accessories and weapons.
5. **Tackle Mechanical Bosses:**
* **Summoning Items:** The Mechanical Bosses are summoned using crafted items. The Destroyer is summoned with the Mechanical Worm, the Twins are summoned with the Mechanical Eye, and Skeletron Prime is summoned with the Mechanical Skull.
* **Arena Setup:** Build a suitable arena for each boss. A large, flat area with campfires, heart lanterns, and honey pools can greatly improve your survivability.
* **Boss Strategies:** Research strategies for each boss to understand their attack patterns and weaknesses. Use appropriate weapons, armor, and accessories to maximize your damage output and survivability.
* **Hallowed Armor/Weapons:** Defeating mechanical bosses lets you harvest Hallowed Bars, which are used to craft powerful Hallowed Armor and weapons. This is the next upgrade after Adamantite/Titanium gear.
6. **Post Mechanical Boss Progression:**
* **Plantera:** After defeating all mechanical bosses, you can obtain Plantera’s Bulb in the underground jungle. Defeating Plantera is the next major progression step.
* **Jungle Temple:** After Plantera, the Jungle Temple becomes accessible. This is where you can fight the Golem boss and obtain powerful endgame items.
* **Lunar Events:** The final stage of Terraria involves triggering the Lunar Events, which culminate in the Moon Lord boss fight.
**IV. Specific Strategies and Tips**
* **Fishing for Ores:** Fishing is a safe way to obtain Hardmode ores early on. Create a fishing pond in the Hallow or Corruption/Crimson and use a high-quality fishing rod and bait.
* **Potion Management:** Always have a supply of healing and buff potions on hand. Use them strategically during combat to maximize their effectiveness.
* **Mobility:** Mobility is key to surviving Hardmode. Use wings, boots, and grappling hooks to avoid enemy attacks and navigate the terrain quickly.
* **Defense:** Prioritize defense in your armor and accessories. High defense reduces the damage you take from enemy attacks.
* **Weapon Choice:** Choose weapons that are effective against a variety of enemies. Weapons that deal damage over time or pierce through multiple enemies can be particularly useful.
* **Lighting:** Ensure that your base and surrounding areas are well-lit to prevent enemy spawns. Use torches, lanterns, and other light sources to illuminate the area.
* **Minions:** Summoner builds can be very effective in Hardmode. Use minions to deal damage while you focus on dodging enemy attacks.
* **Arena Building:** Building arenas for boss fights can greatly improve your chances of success. Include features such as campfires, heart lanterns, honey pools, and platforms for maneuverability.
* **Event Preparation:** Be prepared for random events such as Goblin Invasions, Blood Moons, and Solar Eclipses. These events can spawn powerful enemies and disrupt your progress.
* **Learn Enemy Patterns:** Understanding enemy attack patterns is crucial for survival. Observe enemy behavior and learn how to dodge their attacks.
* **Use the Wiki:** The Terraria Wiki is an invaluable resource for information on items, enemies, bosses, and strategies. Use it to your advantage.
**V. Biome Preservation: Advanced Techniques**
Controlling the spread of the Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow becomes increasingly important as you progress through Hardmode. Here are some advanced techniques:
* **Hellevators:** Hellevators are vertical shafts that extend from the surface to the Underworld. They can be used to quickly travel between layers of the world and can also serve as barriers to biome spread if properly constructed.
* **Width:** Make sure Hellevators are at least 3 tiles wide to prevent thorns and vines from growing across them and spreading the Corruption/Crimson/Hallow.
* **Lining:** Line the walls of Hellevators with non-corruptible materials such as wood or grey brick to further prevent biome spread.
* **Purification with Clentaminator:**
* **Green Solution:** Use the Clentaminator with Green Solution to purify corrupted or hallowed areas.
* **Strategic Purification:** Focus on purifying areas around your base and important locations first. Then, gradually expand your efforts to contain the spread of the biomes.
* **Isolation Techniques:**
* **Floating Islands:** Consider building floating islands to isolate certain areas from the ground. This can be useful for creating safe zones or farming specific resources.
* **Sky Bridges:** Build sky bridges across the world to access different areas without having to traverse the dangerous surface. Sky bridges can also serve as barriers to biome spread if properly constructed.
* **Biome Sensors:** Use biome sensors to detect the presence of the Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow in specific areas. This can help you identify and address potential spread issues early on.
* **World Seeds and Biome Placement:** When creating a new world, consider the placement of biomes. Some world seeds may have more favorable biome layouts than others.
**VI. Hardmode Events: Preparation and Strategy**
Hardmode introduces several challenging events that require specific strategies and preparation. These events can provide valuable loot but can also overwhelm unprepared players.
* **Blood Moon:**
* **Preparation:** Reinforce your base with stronger walls and traps. Stock up on healing potions and powerful weapons.
* **Strategy:** Stay inside your base and use ranged weapons to defeat enemies. Avoid going outside unless necessary.
* **Notable Enemies:** The Bride, Clown, Drippler.
* **Goblin Army:**
* **Preparation:** Build a strong defense around your town. Place traps and summon your minions to help defend against the goblins.
* **Strategy:** Focus on defeating the Goblin Summoner, who can summon additional goblins. Use weapons that can pierce through multiple enemies.
* **Notable Enemies:** Goblin Peon, Goblin Thief, Goblin Warrior, Goblin Sorcerer, Goblin Summoner.
* **Frost Legion:**
* **Preparation:** Build a flat, open arena with campfires and heart lanterns. Stock up on healing potions and weapons that can deal damage to multiple enemies.
* **Strategy:** Focus on dodging the snowballs thrown by the Snow Balla. Use weapons that can pierce through multiple enemies to defeat the Frost Legionnaires.
* **Notable Enemies:** Snow Balla, Frost Legionnaire.
* **Pirate Invasion:**
* **Preparation:** Build a strong defense around your town, similar to the Goblin Army. Place traps and summon your minions to help defend against the pirates.
* **Strategy:** Focus on defeating the Pirate Captain, who can summon additional pirates. Use weapons that can pierce through multiple enemies.
* **Notable Enemies:** Pirate Deckhand, Pirate Corsair, Pirate Deadeye, Pirate Captain.
* **Solar Eclipse:**
* **Preparation:** Find a safe location to wait out the event, as the enemies are extremely dangerous. Stock up on healing potions and powerful weapons.
* **Strategy:** Use ranged weapons to defeat enemies from a distance. Avoid getting too close to the enemies, as they can inflict powerful debuffs.
* **Notable Enemies:** Frankenstein, Swamp Thing, Vampire.
**VII. Hardmode Fishing: Advanced Techniques and Rewards**
Fishing in Hardmode can be a valuable source of resources, including ores, crates, and rare items. Here are some advanced techniques and tips for Hardmode fishing:
* **Fishing Rod and Bait:** Use the best fishing rod and bait available to increase your fishing power. The Golden Fishing Rod (obtained from completing Angler Quests) is the best fishing rod in the game.
* **Fishing Gear:** Equip fishing gear such as the Angler Armor, Fishing Bobber, and Tackle Box to further increase your fishing power.
* **Fishing Location:** Fish in the Hallow or Corruption/Crimson biomes to obtain Hardmode crates. The biome you fish in will determine the type of crate you receive.
* **Crate Identification:** Pearlwood Crates are found in the Hallow, while Corrupt/Crimson Crates are found in the Corruption/Crimson.
* **Potion Use:** Use fishing potions such as the Fishing Potion, Sonar Potion, and Crate Potion to increase your fishing power and chances of obtaining crates.
* **Biome Specific Fish:** Certain fish can only be caught in specific biomes. These fish can be used in crafting recipes or sold for a profit.
**VIII. Final Thoughts**
Preparing for Hardmode in Terraria requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to face the challenges that await. Remember to prioritize gear upgrades, base preparation, biome control, and early Hardmode priorities. With the right preparation and strategy, you can conquer Hardmode and progress to the endgame content. Good luck, and have fun exploring the new world!