What is Considered True Melee in Terraria?
When it comes to fighting in Terraria, there are various ways to take down enemies. One of the most fundamental and iconic ways is through melee combat, which is often considered the "classic" or "true" way to engage in combat. But what exactly makes a melee attack considered "true melee"?
What is True Melee Damage?
True melee damage refers to damage dealt by melee attacks that are not caused by projectiles. In other words, true melee damage comes from direct, manual contact between the player’s weapon and the enemy. This can include swings of a sword, strikes of a spear, and impacts from a flail. These attacks are typically done without the aid of any external projectiles, such as bullets, arrows, or other fired projectiles.
Which Weapons are Considered True Melee?
So, which weapons in Terraria are considered true melee? According to the game’s community, the following weapons are typically considered true melee:
- Swords: The basic sword, great sword, and even the demon/slayer sword are all considered true melee.
- Spears: Whether they’re wooden, metal, or enchanted, spears are generally considered true melee.
- Flails: While flails often have a more explosive attack, they still qualify as true melee.
On the other hand, the following weapons are NOT considered true melee:
- Boomerangs: As projectiles, boomerangs don’t count as true melee attacks.
- Bows: Similar to boomerangs, bows fire projectiles and therefore don’t meet the true melee criteria.
- Glaives: Although glaives can have a melee component, their primary attack mode involves launching projectiles, which disqualifies them as true melee.
Exception to the Rule: Yoyo
One notable exception to this rule is the Yoyo, which is technically a projectile-based weapon. However, its unique "piercing" property allows it to deal melee damage as it ricochets between enemies. As such, Yoyos can be considered true melee, as their damage is caused by the weapon’s manual swing, rather than any external projectiles.
Grave Robber and Glaive Combo
Speaking of glaives, combining the Grave Robber accessory with a Glaive can create a fascinating strategy. The Grave Robber boosts melee damage while the Glaive launches its projectile. While not technically a true melee weapon on its own, this combination allows for some unique, projectile-based melee opportunities.
Zenith and Other Powerhouse Swords
Moving on to more advanced weaponry, the Zenith is arguably the most powerful sword in Terraria. Its true melee damage potential makes it a fan favorite among players. The Zenith’s damage is significantly amplified by its manual swings, making it a go-to choice for tackling tougher foes.
What Does it Mean for a Sword to be Considered True Melee?
To answer the original question, being considered true melee means that the sword deals damage solely through manual contact with the enemy, without any reliance on projectiles. True melee damage is often seen as a hallmark of the "classic" Terraria experience, evoking memories of pixelated sword fights in older RPGs.
In summary, true melee Terraria involves the use of swords, spears, and flails that deal damage solely through manual contact, without projectiles. This distinct characteristic makes these weapons particularly memorable and enjoyable to play with in the world of Terraria.