Unlocking the Power of Pygmy Summons: A Comprehensive Guide to the Terraria Pygmy Necklace
In the vast and intricate world of Terraria, players are constantly seeking ways to enhance their combat prowess and overcome the game’s numerous challenges. Among the many accessories available, the Terraria Pygmy Necklace stands out as a crucial item for summoner builds. This seemingly simple necklace packs a significant punch, enabling players to summon an additional pygmy minion to fight alongside them. This guide will delve deep into the intricacies of the Terraria Pygmy Necklace, exploring its acquisition, benefits, and strategic applications within the game.
What is the Terraria Pygmy Necklace?
The Terraria Pygmy Necklace is an accessory that increases the player’s maximum number of minions by one. Specifically, it allows players to summon one additional Pygmy minion when used in conjunction with the Pygmy Staff. Pygmies are a type of minion that attacks enemies with short-range spears, making them effective for both single-target damage and crowd control. The Terraria Pygmy Necklace is a vital component of any summoner build, particularly in the later stages of the game when facing tougher enemies and larger hordes.
How to Obtain the Pygmy Necklace
Acquiring the Pygmy Necklace in Terraria requires a bit of luck and persistence. The necklace is exclusively dropped by the Witch Doctor NPC, but only under specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the acquisition process:
- Unlock the Witch Doctor: The Witch Doctor NPC will only move into your town after you have defeated Queen Bee in the Jungle biome.
- Jungle Biome Housing: The Witch Doctor must be housed in a valid house within the Jungle biome. This is crucial because the items he sells and drops are biome-dependent.
- Nighttime Drop: The Terraria Pygmy Necklace has a 12.5% (1/8) chance of being dropped by the Witch Doctor when he is killed at night while living in the Jungle biome. This means you’ll need to repeatedly defeat him to obtain the necklace.
Defeating the Witch Doctor is relatively straightforward, especially with mid-to-late game gear. However, the low drop rate can make the process time-consuming. Players often resort to creating automated farms to efficiently spawn and eliminate the Witch Doctor, maximizing their chances of obtaining the Terraria Pygmy Necklace.
Strategic Uses and Synergies
The true power of the Pygmy Necklace lies in its synergy with other summoner items and strategies. Here are some key considerations for maximizing its effectiveness:
Minion Capacity
The Terraria Pygmy Necklace stacks with other minion-boosting accessories, such as the Papyrus Scarab and the Necromantic Scroll. These items collectively increase your minion capacity, allowing you to summon a formidable army of Pygmies and other minions. Managing your minion capacity is crucial for optimizing your damage output and survivability.
Pygmy Staff
The Pygmy Staff is the primary weapon for summoning Pygmy minions. It is obtained by defeating Plantera in the Jungle Temple. The Terraria Pygmy Necklace directly enhances the Pygmy Staff by allowing you to summon an additional Pygmy, significantly increasing your overall damage potential. Combining the Pygmy Staff with the necklace is a cornerstone of any Pygmy-focused build.
Armor Sets
Several armor sets complement the Pygmy Necklace and the Pygmy Staff. The Tiki Armor, for instance, provides a substantial boost to minion damage and capacity. Similarly, the Spooky Armor offers a combination of minion damage and critical strike chance. Choosing the right armor set can drastically improve your summoner build’s effectiveness.
Buffs and Potions
Utilizing buffs and potions can further enhance the performance of your Pygmy minions. The Summoning Potion increases your maximum number of minions, while the Wrath Potion boosts your damage output. Additionally, using a Bewitching Table can grant you an extra minion slot. These buffs, combined with the Terraria Pygmy Necklace, can transform you into a formidable summoner.
Advanced Strategies and Tips
Beyond the basics, several advanced strategies can help you optimize your Pygmy build:
- Minion Targeting: While Pygmies generally attack the nearest enemy, some situations require more precise targeting. Using the Staff of Light or other targeting tools can help you focus your minions on specific threats, such as bosses or high-priority targets.
- Mobility: Summoner builds often require high mobility to avoid enemy attacks. Items like the Wings, Boots, and Hooks are essential for maneuvering around the battlefield and positioning yourself strategically.
- Defense: While minions provide a significant offensive advantage, summoners are often vulnerable to damage. Prioritizing defensive accessories and armor can help you survive longer in combat.
- Arena Setup: When fighting bosses, creating a well-designed arena can significantly improve your chances of success. Consider incorporating platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns to provide additional mobility and healing.
The Pygmy Necklace in Different Stages of the Game
The usefulness of the Terraria Pygmy Necklace varies depending on your progression through the game:
Early Game
In the early game, before defeating Plantera, the Pygmy Necklace might seem less crucial. However, even with weaker minions, having an extra minion can provide a significant advantage in combat. It’s worth farming the Witch Doctor early if you’re planning a summoner build.
Mid-Game
Once you’ve defeated Plantera and acquired the Pygmy Staff, the Terraria Pygmy Necklace becomes much more valuable. The Pygmy minions provide a substantial damage boost, making it easier to tackle tougher enemies and bosses.
Late Game
In the late game, the Pygmy Necklace is an indispensable component of any summoner build. Combined with powerful armor sets, accessories, and buffs, the Pygmy minions can deal massive damage to even the most challenging bosses, such as Moon Lord.
Alternatives and Complementary Items
While the Terraria Pygmy Necklace is a powerful accessory, it’s essential to consider alternative and complementary items:
- Papyrus Scarab: Increases minion damage and capacity, making it a valuable addition to any summoner build.
- Necromantic Scroll: Further increases minion damage and capacity, synergizing well with the Papyrus Scarab and the Pygmy Necklace.
- Hercules Beetle: Boosts minion knockback, helping to control crowds of enemies.
- Summoning Armor Sets: Tiki Armor and Spooky Armor provide significant bonuses to minion damage and capacity.
Choosing the right combination of accessories and armor depends on your play style and the specific challenges you’re facing. Experimenting with different setups can help you find the optimal build for your needs.
The Importance of the Pygmy Necklace for Summoner Builds
The Terraria Pygmy Necklace is more than just an accessory; it’s a cornerstone of summoner builds in Terraria. Its ability to increase your minion capacity, particularly with Pygmy minions, significantly enhances your damage output and survivability. Whether you’re a seasoned summoner or just starting out, understanding the value of the Terraria Pygmy Necklace is crucial for mastering the summoner class.
By understanding how to obtain the Terraria Pygmy Necklace, strategically combining it with other items, and adapting your build to different stages of the game, you can unlock the full potential of the summoner class and conquer even the most formidable challenges that Terraria has to offer. So, gear up, head to the Jungle, and start farming that Witch Doctor – the power of the Pygmies awaits!
[See also: Terraria Summoner Guide]
[See also: Best Terraria Accessories]
[See also: Terraria Witch Doctor NPC]