All Terraria Weapon Types

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In Terraria, you might begin with a simple pointed stick and a vision, but that initial state doesn’t last for long. You could find yourself hacking at slimes while wearing a copper helmet or annihilating interstellar threats with a vibrant laser cannon. The selection of weapons is the pulsing core of your Terraria journey.

With a multitude of choices available, ranging from close-combat swords to distant guns, summoned creatures, and even the mysterious Zenith, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. To help simplify things, this guide delves into every weapon category found in Terraria, providing essential information on their use, examples, and expert tips gained through countless encounters with King Slime.

Melee Weapons

In simpler terms, melee weapons are your go-to choices, particularly at the start of a game. They’re easy to handle as you just need to approach an enemy and strike it. However, don’t underestimate their power because they come in various forms, from basic short swords to massive yoyos that fill the screen, and deadly spinning projectiles. In the world of Terraria, melee weapons are far from ordinary!

The best melee weapon types:

  • Swords: Straightforward slashers like the Night’s Edge or Terra Blade. Some even fire projectiles at range in the late game
  • Spears: Great for crowd control and poking enemies through walls. The Dark Lance and Ghastly Glaive are top picks
  • Flails: Swingy, physics-based chaos machines. Classic examples include the Sunfury and Dao of Pow
  • Yoyos: Technically melee, but function like ranged tethered weapons. Particularly deadly with the right accessories (see: Yoyo Bag)
  • Boomerangs: Throw and pray. Some come back. Some explode. The Possessed Hatchet never misses

Pros:

  • No ammo or mana required
  • Usually highest defence synergy
  • Great for tight spaces or arena fighting

Cons:

  • Requires you to be in the danger zone.
  • Falls off slightly in late game unless paired with the best accessories or projectiles.

In the tougher stages of Melee combat, particularly after reaching Hardmode and acquiring weapons such as the Influx Waver or post-Moon Lord Meowmere, things can get lethal. However, don’t underestimate the simple yoyo. When wielded by a skilled player, they can be incredibly destructive.

Ranged Weapons

In the game Terraria, long-range battles revolve around maintaining a secure distance as you fire numerous shots. Be it shooting arrows with a wooden bow or blasting bullets from a machine gun, it’s all about accuracy, conserving resources, and expressing your personal flair.

The best ranged weapon types:

  • Bows and repeaters: From the early Iron Bow to the insane Phantasm, these are your bread-and-butter ranged weapons
  • Guns: Pistols, rifles, shotguns, and rapid-fire monstrosities like the Vortex Beater. Uses bullets or specialised ammo
  • Launchers: Rocket-based mayhem. Excellent for crowd control, but dangerous in tight spaces
  • Throwing weapons (Pre-Hardmode only): Shurikens, throwing knives, and grenades, which are soon outclassed but good fun while they last

Pros:

  • Great for boss fights and mobile enemies
  • Massive damage with the right ammo
  • Can exploit elemental or debuff-based ammo types

Cons:

  • Relies heavily on ammo (bring a stack or five)
  • Accessories and armour are crucial to reach full potential

After reaching Hardmode, Chlorophyte Bullets and Uzis become as familiar as common household items. Endgame players will discover unparalleled pleasure in the Vortex Beater, Sniper Rifle, or even the hybrid weapon known as the Space Dolphin Machine Gun (S.D.M.G.).

Magic weapons

Powerful magical artifacts allow you to unleash flames, conjure icy blizzards, hurl teleporting blades, and even manipulate time itself. They are impressive, adaptable, and incredibly potent when used skillfully; however, take heed, they consume vast amounts of mana and can be harsh if not properly prepared beforehand.

The best magic weapon types:

  • Tomes and staves: Fireballs, lasers, storms of crystal, you name it. The Razorblade Typhoon and Nebula Blaze top the charts
  • Area of effect (AoE) spells: Like the Nimbus Rod or Inferno Fork. Great for crowd control or passive DPS
  • Piercing beams and chains: Magnet Sphere, Life Drain, and Laser Machinegun. Stylish and surprisingly efficient
  • Support spells: Heal allies, grant buffs, or manipulate enemies. Niche but useful in multiplayer

Pros:

  • Excellent area damage and unique effects
  • Incredible endgame potential with the right loadout
  • Can be cast from safety

Cons:

  • Constant mana upkeep
  • Fragile armour; don’t expect to tank hits
  • Many spells require precise aim or timing

As a gamer, I’m always on the lookout for ways to maximize my magical prowess. That’s why I make sure to equip myself with the Mana Regeneration Band, Celestial Cuffs, and any celestial bodies I can find. With post-Moon Lord gear, there’s no telling how far I’ll go – I’m not just reaching for the stars, I’m becoming one in my cosmic warlock journey.

Summoner Weapons

In Terraria, Summoners have a challenging initial phase. The early game offers few choices, and your first pet (a somewhat puzzled flying slime) isn’t particularly devastating. However, don’t be misled by this. By the endgame, Summoners transform into commanding military strategists, orchestrating armies of chaos.

The best summoner weapon types:

  • Minions: Persistent followers that attack enemies independently. From Imps and Twins to UFOs and dragons
  • Sentries: Stationary turrets you can plop down to guard a location. Think Ballistas and Flame Traps
  • Whips: Directs your minions to target specific enemies, while dealing respectable damage themselves

Pros:

  • DPS continues while you dodge or run away
  • Great synergy with other classes
  • Can overwhelm enemies with sheer volume

Cons:

  • Fragile armour sets
  • Early game options are underwhelming
  • Buffs require constant upkeep (hello, Summoning Potion)

In Hardmode, Summoners truly come into their own, particularly when they acquire items such as the Papyrus Scarab accessory and armor sets like Stardust or Spooky. Utilize weapons like the Morning Star or Kaleidoscope to identify targets, then let your summoned forces take care of the rest.

Rogue Class

For those tinkering with the Calamity mod, take note that if you’re engaged in gameplay, you’ll stumble upon an additional character class – the Rogue. Picture it as a stealth-centric revival of the once vanished throwing class, but with enhanced utility and intricate mechanics.

Weapons labeled as rogue are renowned for delivering massive damage in quick succession, employing stealth tactics, and featuring unusual effects. These weapons may not be found in the original Terraria game, but for those venturing into modifications, they’re definitely worth investigating further.

Hybrid and Miscellaneous Weapons

Certain weapons can’t be neatly labeled into a single category. Terraria abounds with hybrid weapons and unusual items that challenge the boundaries between classifications.

  • The Star Wrath and Zenith: Technically melee, but their projectiles dominate the screen.
  • Rainbow Gun: Fires a lingering beam of rainbow energy, which is obviously magic but functions more like a trap.
  • Slime Gun: Does no damage. Exists purely for griefing your friends.

Additionally, there’s the Category Without Class: instruments such as the Rod of Discord (transports you) and the Magic Conch (also transports you… again), which aren’t weapons by definition, but are essential for mobility and battle situations due to their ability to facilitate movement.

Weapon Progression

Terraria’s weapon system isn’t just wide; it’s deep. You’ll constantly trade up as you progress:

  • Early game: Swords, bows, wands, and grenades. Pick what feels right.
  • Mid game (Pre-Hardmode bosses): Start leaning into class identity, such as Molten Fury for rangers, Water Bolt for mages, Hornet Staff for summoners.
  • Hardmode: The real class builds begin here. Farms, reforging, and loadouts become essential.
  • Endgame: Nebula, Vortex, Solar, and Stardust weapons lead the charge, depending on your class. Mixing is encouraged, especially in multiplayer.

The key lies in trying out different things. Terraria doesn’t impose rigid class restrictions. You can wield both a sword and a gun, resort to magic when things get tough, and even conjure up a minion for some fun.

Choose Your Weapon

In Terraria, the weapons serve as tools, but they also reflect your unique style. Do you like to stay firm with a fiery sword or keep your distance by shooting bosses with arrows tipped with ichor? Prefer to cover the screen with celestial starstorms while your Stardust Dragon feasts on enemies out of sight? There’s no incorrect way to play, just various ways to meet an exciting demise.

Create the Night’s Edge weapon. Gather resources for the Daedalus Stormbow. Call forth a swarm of bees. Regardless of your selected route, ensure it’s boisterous, dazzling, and excessively powerful. The Terraria bosses won’t stand a chance against your onslaught.

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2025-07-14 14:11