Pre Hardmode Summoner Items

Pre Hardmode Summoner Items

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Starting a Summoner playthrough in Terraria can be both thrilling and challenging, especially during the pre-Hardmode phase. Unlike other classes, Summoners rely heavily on minions to deal damage while staying at a safe distance. This unique combat style demands specific gear that boosts minion damage, increases the number of summons, and supports survivability. Knowing which pre-Hardmode Summoner items to prioritize can make the early game much smoother and more fun. From summoning staffs to armor sets and accessories, each item plays a key role in shaping your strategy before Hardmode begins.

Best Pre-Hardmode Summoner Weapons

Slime Staff

TheSlime Staffis technically the earliest Summoner weapon available in Terraria. It summons a small Baby Slime to fight alongside you. While its damage output is relatively low, it can be obtained early in the game by defeating slimes, though it has a very rare drop rate.

  • Damage: 8 summon damage
  • Found by killing slimes, including King Slime
  • Very low drop rate (~0.01%) from regular slimes

Flinx Staff

TheFlinx Staffis a solid early-game option that summons a Flinx to attack enemies. It is much easier to obtain than the Slime Staff and does more damage, making it a better starting choice for most players.

  • Damage: 12 summon damage
  • Crafted at a workbench using Flinx Fur and Platinum or Gold Bars
  • Flinx Fur is obtained by killing Snow Flinxes in the Ice biome

Vampire Frog Staff

Introduced in the 1.4 update, theVampire Frog Staffoffers a more aggressive summon option. The summoned frog jumps and attacks enemies directly. It is obtained from fishing in the Jungle biome during a Blood Moon.

  • Damage: 11 summon damage
  • Acquired from Blood Moon fishing in Jungle waters
  • Fast and aggressive minion

Imp Staff

One of the most powerful pre-Hardmode Summoner weapons, theImp Staffsummons a fireball-throwing Imp. It’s the first real upgrade that feels impactful in boss fights.

  • Damage: 17 summon damage
  • Crafted using Hellstone Bars at a Hellforge
  • Minion shoots fireballs from range

Pre-Hardmode Summoner Armor Sets

Flinx Fur Coat

TheFlinx Fur Coatis not a full armor set, but it serves as an early chest armor piece for Summoners. It increases minion damage and allows one additional summon, which can make a huge difference early on.

  • +5% minion damage
  • +1 max minion
  • Crafted from Flinx Fur and Gold/Platinum Bars

Obsidian Armor

TheObsidian Armorset is arguably the best pre-Hardmode Summoner armor. It provides great offensive bonuses while maintaining decent defense. Unlike most Summoner gear, it’s crafted from materials found in the early game.

  • Full set bonus: +1 max minion
  • Increased minion damage (15% total)
  • Crafted from Obsidian, Silk, and Shadow Scales or Tissue Samples

Bee Armor

TheBee Armorset offers a balance of offense and minion slots, making it a reliable choice after defeating Queen Bee. It’s a mid-game armor that boosts Summoner stats significantly.

  • +23% minion damage
  • +2 max minions
  • Crafted from Bee Wax dropped by Queen Bee

Key Pre-Hardmode Summoner Accessories

Summoner Emblem

TheSummoner Emblemis technically obtained from the Wall of Flesh, placing it at the end of pre-Hardmode. It increases summon damage by 15% and becomes a must-have for future upgrades.

  • Drop rate: 1 in 4 from Wall of Flesh
  • +15% summon damage
  • Essential for all Summoner builds

Pygmy Necklace (Hardmode Only)

Although not available in pre-Hardmode, it’s worth noting that Summoners will benefit later from thePygmy Necklace, which boosts max minions by one.

Feral Claws (Support Option)

While not directly boosting summon damage,Feral Clawsincrease melee speed and can synergize with Whips, which are often used alongside summons to target enemies.

  • Found in Jungle Shrine chests
  • Enhances Whip usability

Shark Tooth Necklace

TheShark Tooth Necklaceincreases armor penetration by 5. This affects whip damage and allows minions to deal slightly more effective damage, especially against early-game armored enemies.

  • Obtained from Blood Moon enemies
  • Boosts damage indirectly for Summoners

Useful Whips for Summoners

Whips are unique Summoner weapons that allow players to directly influence which targets their minions attack. They also apply debuffs that increase minion effectiveness. During pre-Hardmode, there are several whips to look out for.

Leather Whip

Sold by the Zoologist after completing 10% of the Bestiary, theLeather Whipis the first whip available and helps improve minion control early on.

  • Tag bonus: +4 summon tag damage
  • Increases minion focus

Snapthorn

TheSnapthornis a great pre-Hardmode whip that can be crafted using Jungle resources. It applies a poison effect and increases attack speed.

  • +12 summon tag damage
  • Inflicts Poison on hit
  • Crafted from Stingers, Jungle Spores, and Vines

Spinal Tap

TheSpinal Tapis a powerful whip found in the Dungeon. It has high tag damage and summons are more aggressive toward marked enemies. It’s especially effective in group fights.

  • +14 summon tag damage
  • Shorter range but higher power
  • Crafted from Bone and Cobweb

Strategic Tips for Pre-Hardmode Summoners

Summoner builds in Terraria are more about preparation and positioning than brute strength. Here are some tips to make the most out of pre-Hardmode Summoner items:

  • Always summon your minions after equipping your best Summoner gear for maximum efficiency.
  • Use whips to tag enemies and direct minion attention, especially during boss fights.
  • Stack accessories that increase minion slots and damage before major fights like the Eye of Cthulhu or Skeletron.
  • Farm Queen Bee early to unlock Bee Armor and the Bee Staff, both of which are powerful upgrades.
  • Don’t forget to build arenas that support Summoner movement, since you’ll often need to dodge while your minions do the attacking.

Building a Strong Pre-Hardmode Summoner

The pre-Hardmode phase for Summoners can be challenging due to the limited selection of gear, but careful planning and smart equipment choices can lead to powerful builds. By focusing on effective summoning staffs like the Flinx Staff or Imp Staff, wearing armor sets like Bee Armor or Obsidian Armor, and using accessories and whips to boost minion efficiency, you can dominate early bosses and prepare for the challenges ahead. With the right strategy and gear, the Summoner path becomes one of the most satisfying and dynamic ways to experience Terraria’s early game.