Summon weapons

  

This is the main page whose information applies to the Desktop, Console, and Mobile versions of Terraria.
For the differences of this information on Old-gen console and 3DS, see Legacy:Summon weapons.

Summon weapons are weapons dealing summon damage. Summon weapons are categorized into minion summon items, sentry summon items, and whips.

Minion- and sentry summon items spawn secondary characters that automatically attack enemies. Minions follow the player, while sentries are stationary. They only consume mana upon use, with no continuous cost while existing.

Whips swing in an arc and do not consume mana, functioning similar to melee weapons though dealing summon damage. Whips set the target of minions and sentries on the hit enemy and often increase summon damage on the target.

There are 47 summon weapons.

The following lists present all summon weapons, along with their damage and how to obtain them. The weapons are roughly ordered by their intended stage of game progression.

Pre-Hardmode

Minions

Item		Minion	Damage	Source	Notes
	Abigail's Flower(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Abigail	6	Found on grass near placed Tombstones.	The flower on top of Abigail's head changes shape and/or color every time she is summoned.
	Finch Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Finch	7	Found in Living Wood Chests.
	Flinx Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Flinx	8	Crafted: 6  + 10  ( @  ) or 6  + 10  ( @  )
	Slime Staff	Baby Slime	8	Dropped by most slime types and Slimed Zombie.
	Vampire Frog Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Vampire Frog	11	Dropped by Zombie Merman and Wandering Eye Fish.
	Hornet Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Hornet	12	Crafted: 14  ( @  /  )	Inflicts the Poisoned debuff.
	Imp Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Imp	17	Crafted: 17  ( @  /  )	Inflicts the On Fire! debuff.

Sentries

Standard

Item		Sentry	Damage	Source	Notes
	Houndius Shootius(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Houndius Shootius	24	Dropped by Deerclops.

Tavernkeep's sentries

Item		Sentry	Damage	Source	Notes
	Lightning Aura Rod(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Lightning Aura (tier 1)	4	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (50000*5 ).	Ignores all defense stats of its targets, except for enemies with more than 999 defense.
	Flameburst Rod(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Flameburst Tower (tier 1)	17	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (50000*5 ).	Inflicts the On Fire! debuff.
	Explosive Trap Rod(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Explosive Trap (tier 1)	24	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (50000*5 ).
	Ballista Rod(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Ballista (tier 1)	30	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (50000*5 ).

Whips

Item			Damage	Source	Notes
	Leather Whip(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		14	Purchased from the Zoologist (10 GC).	4 summon tag damage. Damage reduced by 50% each hit in a single swing.
	Snapthorn(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		18	Crafted: 15  + 3  + 12  ( @  /  )	6 summon tag damage. Hitting enemies increases attack speed with the Jungle's Fury buff. May inflict the Poisoned debuff. Damage reduced by 40% each hit in a single swing.
	Spinal Tap(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		27	Crafted: 90  + 55  ( @  )	7 summon tag damage. Damage reduced by 10% each hit in a single swing.

Hardmode

Minions

Item		Minion	Damage	Source	Notes
	Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Spider	26	Crafted: 16  ( @  /  )	Inflicts the Acid Venom debuff.
	Sanguine Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Sanguine Bat	35	Dropped by Dreadnautilus.	Stays in the same position in relation to the player.
	Pirate Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Pirate	40	Dropped by Pirates and Flying Dutchman.
	Blade Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Enchanted Dagger	6	Dropped by Queen Slime.	Ignores 25 defense. Stays in the same position in relation to the player, flies through blocks to attack enemies.
	Optic Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Twins	24	Crafted: + 2  + 12  + 20  ( @  /  )	Both Twins are spawned as 1 minion.
	Pygmy Staff	Pygmy	40	Dropped by Plantera.	Inflicts the Acid Venom debuff.
	Desert Tiger Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Desert Tiger	41	Found in Desert Chest.	Will change form at 4 and 7 summoned minions. It will increase the tiger's damage and speed for each summon for up to 9 summons. Zap through blocks to attack enemies.
	Deadly Sphere Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Deadly Sphere	40	Dropped by Deadly Sphere.
	Raven Staff	Raven	55	Dropped by Pumpking.
	Xeno Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	UFO	36	Dropped by Martian Saucer.	Attacks are instantaneous and cannot miss.
	Tempest Staff	Sharknado	50	Dropped by Duke Fishron.	Both Sharknado and Mini Sharkrons can hit an enemy.
	Stardust Dragon Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Stardust Dragon	40	Crafted: 18  ( @  )	Each extra minion summoned adds a segment to the main Dragon, increasing damage. Flies through blocks to attack enemies.
	Stardust Cell Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Stardust Cell	60	Crafted: 18  ( @  )	Launches additional projectiles at enemies the player hits.
	Terraprisma(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Terraprisma	90	Dropped by Empress of Light if all damage is dealt during the day.	Stays in the same position in relation to the player, flies through blocks to attack enemies.

Sentries

Standard

Item		Sentry	Damage	Source	Notes
	Queen Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	Spider Turret	26	Crafted: 24  ( @  /  )	Spiders accumulate, inflicts the Acid Venom debuff.
	Staff of the Frost Hydra	Frost Hydra	100	Found in Ice Chest.	Inflicts the Frostbite debuff.
	Lunar Portal Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Lunar Portal	100	Dropped by Moon Lord.	Pierces infinitely.
	Rainbow Crystal Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Rainbow Crystal	130	Dropped by Moon Lord.

Tavernkeep's sentries

Item		Sentry	Damage	Source	Notes
	Lightning Aura Cane(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Lightning Aura (tier 2)	11	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (150000*15 ).	Ignores all defense stats of its targets, except for enemies with more than 999 defense.
	Flameburst Cane(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Flameburst Tower (tier 2)	42	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (150000*15 ).	Inflicts the Hellfire debuff.
	Explosive Trap Cane(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Explosive Trap (tier 2)	59	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (150000*15 ).
	Ballista Cane(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Ballista (tier 2)	74	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (150000*15 ).
	Lightning Aura Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Lightning Aura (tier 3)	34	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (600000*60 ).	Ignores all defense stats of its targets, except for enemies with more than 999 defense.
	Flameburst Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Flameburst Tower (tier 3)	88	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (600000*60 ).	Inflicts the Hellfire debuff.
	Explosive Trap Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Explosive Trap (tier 3)	126	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (600000*60 ).
	Ballista Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Ballista (tier 3)	156	Purchased from the Tavernkeep (600000*60 ).

Whips

Item			Damage	Source	Notes
	Firecracker(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		37	Dropped by Wall of Flesh.	Instead of increasing minion damage, a struck enemy is surrounded by fiery energy which explodes the next time a minion attacks it, which deals 2.75× the minion's usual damage. Inflicts the Hellfire debuff. Damage reduced by 33% each hit in a single swing.
	Cool Whip(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		45	Crafted: 8  + 8  + ( @  /  )	6 summon tag damage. Hitting enemies summons a snowflake minion that attacks that enemy and any nearby enemies, doing 15 damage. It has 30 armor penetration. Inflicts the Frostbite debuff. Damage reduced by 30% each hit in a single swing.
	Durendal(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		55	Crafted: 12  ( @  /  )	9 summon tag damage. Hitting enemies increases attack speed with the Durendal's Blessing buff. Damage reduced by 20% each hit in a single swing.
	Dark Harvest(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		100	Dropped by Pumpking.	Hitting an enemy adds dark energy to it. When minions attack an enemy with dark energy, the dark energy flares, and damages nearby enemies and the original target for 10 damage per hit. It has 50 armor penetration. Hitting enemies increases attack speed with the Harvest Time buff. Damage reduced by 10% each hit in a single swing.
	Morning Star(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		165	Dropped by Blue Armored Bones, Hell Armored Bones, and Rusty Armored Bones.	8 summon tag damage. 12% summon tag critical strike chance. Damage reduced by 5% each hit in a single swing.
	Kaleidoscope(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)		180	Dropped by Empress of Light.	20 summon tag damage. +10% summon tag critical strike chance. Damage reduced by 10% each hit in a single swing.

Armor summons

Certain armor sets will summon a unique minion when the full set is worn:

• Each player can only have one armor minion that remains active as long as the armor is worn.
• They do not count against either minion or sentry caps.

Item	Minion	Damage	Notes	Source
Forbidden armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Forbidden Sign(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	20	Double-press ▼ Down/▲ Up to send out an Ancient Storm to attack enemies.	Crafted: 3 + 46 ( or )
Stardust armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Stardust Guardian(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	30	The Stardust Guardian will automatically seek enemies and attack them rapidly.	Crafted: 36 + 45

Boost gear

The following items will boost the stats of summon weapons.

Armor sets

Appearance	Set	Defense				Summon Bonuses	Source
		Head	Chest	Legs	Total
	Flinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	n/a	1	n/a	1	+1 minion capacity +5% summon damage	10 Silk 8 Flinx Fur(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) 8 Gold Bar / Platinum Bar Crafted at Loom
	Obsidian armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	4	6	5	15	+1 minion capacity +16% summon damage Set Bonus: +15% whip speed, +30% whip range, +15% summon damage (+31% total)	60 Obsidian 30 Silk 20 Shadow Scale / Tissue Sample Crafted at Hellforge
	Bee armor(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	4	5	4	13	+2 minion capacity +13% summon damage Set Bonus: +10% summon damage (+23% total)	30 Bee Wax(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Crafted at Iron Anvil / Lead Anvil
	Forbidden armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	6	12	8	26	+25% magic damage +25% summon damage +2 minion slot +40 maximum mana Set Bonus: (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Double tap {0} to call an ancient storm to the cursor location	46 Adamantite Bar or Titanium Bar 3 Forbidden Fragment(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crafted at Mythril Anvil / Orichalcum Anvil
	Squire armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	13	27	18	58	+1 sentry capacity +30% summon damage +15% melee damage +15% melee critical strike chance +20% movement speed Increased life regeneration Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Ballista pierces more targets and panics when you take damage	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 450000*45 (set)
	Monk armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	8	22	16	46	+1 sentry capacity +30% summon damage +20% melee damage +20% melee speed +15% melee critical strike chance +20% movement speed Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Lightning Aura can now crit and strikes faster	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 450000*45 (set)
	Huntress armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	7	17	12	36	+1 sentry capacity +30% summon damage +20% ranged damage +10% ranged critical strike chance +20% movement speed 10% chance to not consume ammo Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Explosive Traps recharge faster and oil enemies Set oiled enemies on fire for extra damage	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 450000*45 (set)
	Apprentice armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	7	15	10	32	+2 sentry capacity +30% summon damage +20% magic damage +20% magic critical strike chance -10% mana cost Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Flameburst field of view and range are dramatically increased	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 450000*45 (set)
	Spider armor(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)	5	8	7	20	+3 minion capacity +16% summon damage Set Bonus: +12% summon damage (+28% total)	36 Spider Fang(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Crafted at Iron Anvil / Lead Anvil
	Hallowed armor(with Hood, interchangeable with Ancient Hallowed armor)	1	15	11	27	+1 minion capacity +10% summon damage +7% damage Set Bonus: +2 minion capacity (+3 total)	54 Hallowed Bar Crafted at Mythril Anvil / Orichalcum Anvil
	Tiki armor	6	17	12	35	+3 minion capacity +30% summon damage +10% whip range Set Bonus: +20% whip range (+30% total), +1 minion capacity (+4 total)	Sold by Witch Doctor after Plantera has been defeated.
	Spooky armor	9	11	10	30	+4 minion capacity +33% summon damage +20% movement speed Set Bonus: +25% summon damage (+58% total)	750 Spooky Wood Crafted at Work Bench
	Valhalla Knight armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	20	24	24	68	+2 sentry capacity +60% summon damage +10% melee damage +20% melee critical strike chance +30% movement speed Massively increased life regeneration Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Greatly enhances Ballista effectiveness	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 1500000*150 (set)
	Shinobi Infiltrator armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	10	26	18	54	+2 sentry capacity +60% summon damage +20% melee damage +20% melee speed +25% melee critical strike chance +30% movement speed Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Greatly enhances Lightning Aura effectiveness	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 1500000*150 (set)
	Red Riding armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	8	24	16	48	+2 sentry capacity +60% summon damage +25% ranged damage +20% ranged critical strike chance +20% movement speed 20% chance to not consume ammo Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Greatly enhances Explosive Traps effectiveness	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 1500000*150 (set)
	Dark Artist armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	7	21	14	42	+2 sentry capacity +60% summon damage +25% magic damage +25% magic critical strike chance +20% movement speed -15% mana cost Set Bonus: Increases your max number of sentries Greatly enhances Flameburst effectiveness	Sold by the Tavernkeep for 1500000*150 (set)
	Stardust armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	10	16	12	38	+5 minion capacity +1 sentry capacity +66% summon damage +30% whip range Set Bonus: A stardust guardian will protect you from nearby enemies	36 Luminite Bar(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) 45 Stardust Fragment(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crafted at Ancient Manipulator(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)

Accessories

Note that melee speed also increases whips attack speed, but other melee accessories' effects are not applied to whips, e.g. Titan Glove's increase in size.

Item		Boost(s)	Source
	Feral Claws	+12% melee speed (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Enables autoswing for melee weapons and whips(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Found in Ivy Chests, Jungle(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and Bramble Crates(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
	Pygmy Necklace	+1 minion capacity	Sold by Witch Doctor at night
	Squire's Shield(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 sentry capacity +10% summon damage	Dropped by Dark Mages
	Apprentice's Scarf(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 sentry capacity +10% summon damage	Dropped by Dark Mages
	Summoner Emblem(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+15% summon damage	Dropped by the Wall of Flesh
	Power Glove	+12% melee speed (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Enables autoswing for melee weapons and whips(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Feral Claws Titan Glove Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Moon Charm	At night (while not underwater): +5.1 melee speed	Dropped by Werewolfs
	Putrid Scent(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+5% damage -400 aggro	Dropped by Corrupt Mimics
	Berserker's Glove(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+12% melee speed Enables autoswing for melee weapons and whips +8 defense +400 aggro	Power Glove Flesh Knuckles(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Moon Stone	At night: +10% melee speed +10% damage +0.5 minion knockback	Dropped by Vampires
	Monk's Belt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 sentry capacity +10% summon damage	Dropped by Ogres
	Huntress's Buckler(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 sentry capacity +10% summon damage	Dropped by Ogres
	Avenger Emblem	+12% damage	Warrior Emblem or Ranger Emblem or Sorcerer Emblem or Summoner Emblem(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) 5 Soul of Might 5 Soul of Sight 5 Soul of Fright Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Mechanical Glove	+12% melee speed (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Enables autoswing for melee weapons and whips(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Power Glove Avenger Emblem Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Fire Gauntlet	+12% melee speed (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Enables autoswing for melee weapons and whips(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Magma Stone Mechanical Glove Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Hercules Beetle	+15% summon damage +2 minion knockback	Sold by Witch Doctor when spoken in the Jungle after Plantera has been defeated.
	Necromantic Scroll	+1 minion capacity +10% summon damage	Dropped by Mourning Woods
	Papyrus Scarab	+1 minion capacity +15% summon damage +2 minion knockback	Hercules Beetle Necromantic Scroll Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Sun Stone	At daytime: +10% damage +10% melee speed +0.5 minion knockback	Dropped by Golem
	Celestial Stone	+10% damage +10% melee speed +0.5 minion knockback	Moon Stone Sun Stone Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Celestial Shell(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+10% damage +10% melee speed +0.5 minion knockback At night (while not underwater): +5.1% melee speed	Moon Shell Celestial Stone Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop
	Destroyer Emblem	+10% damage	Avenger Emblem Eye of the Golem Crafted at Tinkerer's Workshop

Buffs

Buff		Boost(s)
	Well Fed	+5% damage +0.5 minion knockback
	Plenty Satisfied(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+7.5% damage +0.75 minion knockback
	Exquisitely Stuffed(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+10% damage +1 minion knockback
	Wrath	+10% damage
	Cute Fishron Mount(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+15% damage while below 50% health, during rain, underwater, or 6 seconds thereafter
	Feral Bite(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)(Expert Mode exclusive)	Decreased life regeneration May inflict Darkness, Cursed, Confused, Slow, Weak, Silenced debuffs +20% damage
	Damage Nebula(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	Up to +45% damage
	Cerebral Mindtrick(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)(Expert Mode exclusive)	+10% summon damage
	Bewitched(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 Minion capacity
	Strategist(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)	+1 Sentry capacity
	Summoning	+1 Minion capacity
	Weapon Imbue: Cursed Flames	Melee and whip attacks inflict Cursed Inferno debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Fire	Melee and whip attacks inflict On Fire! debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Gold	Melee and whip attacks inflict Midas debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Ichor	Melee and whip attacks inflict Ichor debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Nanites	Melee and whip attacks inflict Confused debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Poison	Melee and whip attacks inflict Poisoned debuff on enemies
	Weapon Imbue: Venom	Melee and whip attacks inflict Venom debuff on enemies

Notes

• It is possible to press ⚷ Open / Activate with a minion- or sentry-summoning item. This will direct the respective minion/sentry to target the entity nearest to the cursor. As long as the minions/sentries have their target within their line of sight, they will specifically attack it. The targeted enemy will show swirling white curves on it.

• 

  The targeting graphic after 1.4.0.1.
• 

  Pre-1.4.0.1 targeting graphic when target is moving.
• 

  Pre-1.4.0.1 targeting graphic when target is stationary.

• While minion- and sentry-summoning weapons can obtain the Mythical modifier, the Ruthless modifier offers the most effective boost by solely increasing hit damage. The reduced mana cost, increased speed, critical strike chance, and knockback provided by Mythical are less useful because these weapons use mana only once (on the initial summoning rather than the minion/sentry attacks themselves), boost to critical strike chance does not apply to minion- and sentry-summoning weapons, and their knockback is negligible even with modifiers. However, due to damage rounding, the Ruthless and Mythical modifiers provide an equal damage boost for every minion and sentry in pre-Hardmode. So, with the exceptions of the Blade Staff and Optic Staff, it is only worth going for the Ruthless modifier in Hardmode.
  • Weapon speed is not very useful for minion- or sentry-summoning weapons, as it will only decrease the time it takes to summon a minion/sentry. Minions/sentries will not attack faster with a speed-boosting modifier.
• Once summoned, minions' and sentries' stats will change dynamically if the player adds or removes boost equipment/buffs.
• Minions and sentries will never attack other players, making them nearly useless in PvP. Some minion/sentry weapons can still damage players if specifically targeted (Frost Hydra, Rainbow Crystal Staff, etc.), or if they deal incidental contact damage (Ravens, Sharknados, etc.).
• All mounts that can attack are classified as summon damage. This includes the following: Painted Horse Mount, Majestic Horse Mount, Black Studded Saddle, Golf Cart, Goat Mount, Pirate Ship Mount, Tree Mount, Santank Mount, Slime Mount, Winged Slime Mount, Basilisk Mount, Unicorn Mount, and Scutlix Mount.
• Only some minions/sentries have piercing attacks: Baby Slime, Imp, the Twins, the Stardust Dragon, Terraprisma, Frost Hydra, Lunar Portal and Ballistas. This may be relevant if a player is using other piercing weapons.
• Note that minions and sentries will attack slimes even during the day, when slimes are nominally "neutral".
• Minions and sentries vanish when their player leaves the world, and are not re-summoned when the player re-enters that or another world.
  • The only exception is the Finch Staff which summons one Baby Finch automatically upon entering a world when the player has it in their inventory.^[1]

Tips

• It is unnecessary to upgrade an Avenger Emblem to a Destroyer Emblem for the purpose of summon damage, as they cannot deal critical hits. However, the Destroyer Emblem may benefit players if they are using non-summon weapons. Players may also want to use a Destroyer Emblem if they want to stack its damage bonus with the bonus provided by an Avenger Emblem.
• Even if not playing as a summoner, it is always good to keep a minion or a sentry around to help pick off minor or weakened enemies. Having a minion taking out some of the passing bats, slimes, zombies, etc. can sharply improve the player's quality of life while wandering around in the world. Doubly so if the player is trying to build, fish, gather bait, chop wood, or otherwise do something besides fighting -- indeed, for such projects it may be worth adding a second minion or sentry to help fend off interruptions.
  • Minions and sentries provide an ongoing source of damage against enemies which requires little or no attention from the player. This can prove quite useful during boss fights as a "passive" source of damage. Sentries however are a bit weaker than minions in this case, as most sentries (e.g. Houndius Shootius, Flameburst Tower, or Spider Turret) shoot slow-moving projectiles which may not hit fast bosses, such as the Eye of Cthulhu in his second stage.

Maximizing minions

Minion count

• The maximum possible minion capacity is 11. It requires equipping Stardust armor (not counting its Stardust Guardian), the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace accessories while being under the effects of the Summoning Potion and the Bewitching Table.

Sentry count

• The maximum possible sentry count outside of Tavernkeep's sentries during the Old One's Army event is 5. It requires equipping either Valhalla Knight armor, Shinobi Infiltrator armor, Red Riding armor or Dark Artist armor, Squire's Shield, Apprentice's Scarf, Monk's Belt or Huntress's Buckler (their effects do not stack) and being under the effect of the War Table.

Trivia

• All minion-summoning items (with the exception of Abigail's Flower, Houndius Shootius, and the Terraprisma) and the Tavernkeep's tier three sentry summoning items have the word Staff in their names.
  • The Tavernkeep's tier two sentry summon items also all have the word Cane in their names. The same applies to the tier one items, which share the word Rod. This can be used to help tell the difference between the sentry tiers.
  • That said, a number of other magical weapons and tools are also called Staff or Rod, e.g. Frost Staff or Nimbus Rod.