Terraria is one of the most intensive sandbox games around. Not only is it a survival game, Terraria also features exploration similar to Metroidvania games, and Combat also has a difficulty curve, as a basic hack-and-slash strategy can only get you so far.
Where the game truly shines, though, is in building magnificent structures. Like everything in Terraria, you are not given any restrictions regarding structure design, and you can go as far as your imagination can take you. Here are a handful of building tips you need to keep in mind if you wish to construct a truly epic megastructure.
8 The Right Tools For The Job
Since Terraria’s main crux is building and crafting, having the right tools for every situation will make creating seamless and efficient.
While the basic tools are self-explanatory, such as the Work Bench and Copper Pickaxe, some tools and accessories that can be obtained later in the game will prove invaluable as you create more complex structures.
Here are some essential accessories that you should get as soon as they are available:
- Toolbelt
- Toolbox
- Extendo Grip
- Paint Sprayer
- Portable Cement Mixer
- Brick Layer
- Architect Gizmo Pack
- Presserator
- Ancient Chisel
- Hand of Creation
With all of these in your inventory, you have all the tools needed to create and polish all manner of structures in Terraria.
7 Construction Proficiency Tips
Placing down tiles can take up a lot of time, so upgrading this particular mechanic whenever possible is essential.
There are several accessories you can obtain to speed up your tile placement capabilities. Purchase the Toolbelt from the Goblin Tinkerer for 10 Gold. The Toolbelt increases block placement by one tile, a handy feature to make building higher structures faster and easier.
Afterward, you can stack up its benefits by getting your hands on a Toolbox which is obtainable during the Chirstmas event. Additionally, an Extendo Grip which is purchasable from the Traveling Merchant will further improve your building efficiency. Setting blocks can be a monotonous chore in Terraria, so how does increasing block placement speed by up to 50 percent sound? A Brick Layer accessory will be able to provide you with that boost for 10 Gold at the Traveling Merchant.
This is a mandatory tool that you can get early on and will still be incredibly useful throughout the game. It is quite cheap, too. So, you don't have a reason not to get the Brick Layer the moment it becomes available for purchase.
6 Sprucing Up Defense For Your Impregnable Fortress
Terraria also has some slight Tower Defense mechanics thrown in, as your bases can be subject to outside threats such as enemy mobs as well as Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow biome infection. Taking the necessary precautions against these hazards should be at the top of your priority list if you want your structure to stand the test of time.
One particular material that you should consider incorporating into the design of your structure is the Lihzahrd Brick. This is the toughest Brick in Terraria and can only be mined with a Pickaxe that has 210 percent power or higher, such as the Picksaw.
Evil biomes like Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow can pose a significant threat to your base if they manage to infect the area. Besides eliminating evil biomes from the world and keeping the area purified, there are several handy ways to keep them at bay.
Place non-corruptible blocks or open-air pits around your structure that cover at least three tiles wide. Incorruptible blocks such as Clay, Silt, Ash, and Bricks will stop Corruption and Hallow from spreading further. Sunflowers are also effective in preventing the spread of evil biomes, as they block infection two tiles down from where they are planted. In addition, every Sunflower planted can reduce the area’s Corruption rating by five tiles.
5 Utilize References To Stoke Your Imagination
A simple yet effective way for you to get a handle on how your base will appear is by basing it off an image or other bases made by other players. Using reference images will help you plan out the construction properly and efficiently. There is nothing wrong with following others' footsteps, plus, you can even enhance the design with your own personal tweaks.
4 Landscaping The Area Around Your Base
The area surrounding your base can further add to the atmosphere that you are aiming for and accentuate your structure even more. First off, it is crucial that you do not break any natural decorations such as small boulders, gems, or piles of bones as much as possible. These objects cannot be crafted unless you use a mod and leaving them will give the area a unique visual flair.
If they are within your base's construction area, simply build around them. Deviating a bit from your blueprint can even result in some happy accidents that will improve the aesthetics of your base.
3 Subtle Touches Can Go A Long Way
When creating the skeleton frame of your base, most will simply use one material such as wood and that's it. However, a simple tweak can give your structure more depth. One way to do this is by using wood for the interior and incorporating Gray Brick on the outside to give the building a nice contrast for the borders. A simple technique, but aesthetically pleasing.
Utilizing different blocks in the construction can give you amazing results. So, while following the basics is a good start, you should only use those guides as a foundation. Terraria rewards creativity and there really are no set rules when it comes to creating structures. Practice makes perfect, so take your time in building your base.
2 Creating A Contained Eco System
Did you know that you can effectively create mini biomes around your base? Like compact zoos, these mini biomes can bring in environments exclusive to specific locations to your doorstep. You will need glass materials to create the sphere or bubble where you will place the biome of your choosing. If you are having trouble creating a smooth circle, you should search "Pixel Circle" online as there are tons of guides that you can use. Of course, you can build whatever shape you want for the mini biome container.
If you ever wanted to be like Brainiac and have your own collection of "different worlds," then building mini biomes is as close you will get in Terraria. Just remember to leave a space of one screen in between your mini biome and your base to prevent overlapping.
1 Thinking Outside The Box
Creating a truly stunning and jaw-dropping building in Terraria will take practice and experimentation. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there are several basic tips that you can utilize to give depth and character to your structures.
Symmetry is fine, but it can severely hamper your creativity in Terraria, to the point that it can leave your buildings looking drab and boring. Create rooms with different sizes and floor heights. These are small and easy-to-make changes that can significantly enhance the interior aesthetics of a structure when combined. Don’t be afraid to mix up the placement of rooms; this is a simple and easy way to give your structure a complex appearance.
Giving depth to specific structures such as foundations and pillars will require mixing bricks with varying degrees of shading. For example, building a column from Sandstone Brick and adding an Iridescent Brick on one side will give it a weathered appearance. Finish it off with a Palladium Column to give it a jagged edge. Go wild with experimenting with your base, and make sure to check out helpful guides to further optimize your Terraria run.