Hey Terraria adventurers! Ready to dive deep into one of the most exciting and challenging events in the game? Let's talk about the Old One's Army. This event is not just another monster bash; it's a full-blown strategic defense mission that will test your skills and reward you handsomely. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, understanding the Old One's Army is crucial for progressing through Terraria's many challenges and claiming some awesome loot.

What is the Old One's Army?

So, what exactly is the Old One's Army? Imagine a horde of enemies from another dimension bursting into your world, all set on destroying the Eternia Crystal. That's basically it! This event is triggered by placing an Eternia Crystal Stand and inserting an Eternia Crystal. Once you do, prepare for waves of enemies, each tougher than the last, trying to smash your crystal. Think of it as a tower defense mini-game within Terraria, where you need to strategically place defenses and fight off the invaders to protect your crystal and earn valuable rewards.

Why Should You Care About the Old One's Army?

Okay, why should you bother with this Old One's Army, you ask? Simple: the loot! This event is the primary way to get your hands on some seriously powerful items, especially those related to the Dungeon Defenders 2 crossover. We're talking about weapons, armor, and accessories that can significantly boost your character's abilities. Plus, it's a fun challenge! If you're tired of the same old grind, the Old One's Army offers a unique and engaging experience that will keep you on your toes. Successfully defending against the waves gives you Defender Medals, which you can then exchange for valuable gear. Who doesn't want a shiny new sword or a cool set of armor?

Pre-Hardmode vs. Hardmode

One key thing to remember is that the Old One's Army changes dramatically when you enter Hardmode. In pre-Hardmode, it's a manageable challenge that can help you gear up. However, once Hardmode hits, the difficulty ramps up significantly, introducing new enemies and tougher waves. The rewards also get better, so it's worth mastering both versions of the event. Knowing when to trigger the event and how to prepare for each stage is essential for maximizing your rewards and not getting completely overwhelmed.

How to Trigger the Old One's Army

Ready to call in the troops? Here's how to get the party started. First, you'll need to acquire the necessary items:

1. Eternia Crystal: This is the key item that starts the event. You can purchase it from the Tavernkeep NPC.
2. Eternia Crystal Stand: This is where you place the Eternia Crystal. Also purchased from the Tavernkeep.

Finding the Tavernkeep

To even think about starting the Old One's Army, you need to find the Tavernkeep. This special NPC arrives after you defeat the Eater of Worlds or the Brain of Cthulhu. Once you've taken down one of these bosses, the Tavernkeep will appear somewhere in your world, usually in a secluded spot. He's not hard to spot – just look for a guy in tattered clothes with a weary expression. Talk to him, and he'll explain his situation and offer his services.

Setting Up the Arena

Once you have the Eternia Crystal and the Eternia Crystal Stand, find a suitable location. A flat, open area is ideal. Place the stand, and then interact with it to insert the crystal. Boom! The event begins. Make sure you have enough space to move around and set up your defenses. A well-prepared arena can make a huge difference in your success rate. Consider adding platforms, traps, and strategic lighting to give yourself an edge.

Preparing for Battle: Essential Tips and Strategies

Alright, the crystal is set, and the hordes are coming. Now what? Preparation is key. Here's how to get ready for the onslaught:

Gear Up!

Make sure your gear is up to par. Use the best armor and weapons you have available. For pre-Hardmode, consider using gear obtained from the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu. In Hardmode, you'll want to upgrade to Hardmode-tier armor and weapons. Don't underestimate the power of accessories either. Items that boost your damage, defense, and mobility can be lifesavers.

Building Defenses

The Old One's Army is all about defense, so make good use of traps and minions. Place traps strategically to damage enemies as they approach the crystal. Minions can help distract and damage enemies, giving you more breathing room. Consider using summons like the Imp Staff or the Flinx Staff in pre-Hardmode, and upgrade to stronger summons in Hardmode.

Understanding Enemy Waves

The event comes in waves, each with progressively tougher enemies. Learn the attack patterns and weaknesses of each enemy type. Some enemies are resistant to certain types of damage, so switch up your weapons accordingly. Knowing what's coming allows you to adapt your strategy and prioritize your targets. Focus on taking down the most dangerous enemies first to minimize the damage to the Eternia Crystal.

Managing Resources

During the event, you'll need to manage your health, mana, and ammo. Keep plenty of potions on hand to heal yourself and restore mana. If you're using ranged weapons, make sure you have an ample supply of ammo. Running out of resources in the middle of a wave can spell disaster. Consider setting up a small base nearby with chests full of supplies, so you can quickly replenish your resources as needed.

Utilizing the Tavernkeep's Gear

The Tavernkeep sells unique items that are incredibly useful for the Old One's Army. These include sentry summons like the Ballista, Flameburst, and Lightning Auras. These sentries can provide invaluable support, dealing damage to enemies and slowing their advance. Experiment with different sentries to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and arena setup. Don't forget to upgrade your sentries as you progress through the event to maximize their effectiveness.

The Enemies of the Old One's Army

Knowing your enemy is half the battle. Here’s a rundown of some of the common foes you'll face:

• Goblins and Kobolds: Basic melee units. Not too tough, but they can overwhelm you in numbers.
• Dark Mage: A caster who throws powerful magic projectiles. Take him out quickly!
• Ogre: A large, slow-moving enemy with high health. He can deal massive damage to the Eternia Crystal.
• Betsy: A fearsome dragon that appears in the final wave of the Hardmode event. She's the toughest enemy you'll face, so save your strongest weapons for her.

Tips for Specific Enemies

• For Goblins and Kobolds, use area-of-effect weapons to clear them out quickly. Traps are also very effective against these swarms.
• The Dark Mage should be a high-priority target. Use ranged weapons or magic to take him down from a distance before he can unleash his powerful attacks.
• The Ogre is slow but deadly. Use high-damage weapons and focus your attacks on him. Sentry summons can help distract him and keep him away from the Eternia Crystal.
• Betsy is the ultimate challenge. Use your strongest weapons and armor, and be prepared to dodge her attacks. Consider using buffs and potions to increase your damage and defense. Teamwork is essential for taking down Betsy, so coordinate with your friends if possible.

Rewards: What You Get for Surviving

So, you've fought hard and defended the Eternia Crystal. What do you get for your efforts? Plenty of loot, that’s what! The main reward is Defender Medals, which you can exchange with the Tavernkeep for various items. These items include:

• Weapons: Powerful swords, bows, and magic weapons.
• Armor: Sets that provide unique bonuses and abilities.
• Accessories: Items that boost your stats and grant special effects.
• Sentry Summons: Upgrades for your Ballista, Flameburst, and Lightning Auras.

Maximizing Your Rewards

To get the most out of the Old One's Army, try to complete as many waves as possible. Each wave increases the number of Defender Medals you earn. Also, consider increasing the difficulty of the event by using higher-tier Eternia Crystals. The higher the tier, the tougher the enemies, but the better the rewards.

Key Items to Look For

Some of the standout items you can obtain from the Old One's Army include the Sky Dragon's Fury, a powerful magic weapon, and the Valhalla Knight Armor, a set that provides excellent defense and regeneration. The various sentry summons are also invaluable for defending against future invasions and bosses.

Advanced Strategies for Hardmode

Once you enter Hardmode, the Old One's Army becomes a whole new beast. Here are some advanced strategies to help you survive:

Optimize Your Arena

In Hardmode, you'll need to step up your arena design. Consider adding multiple layers of platforms, traps, and sentry placements. A well-designed arena can significantly increase your chances of survival. Use terrain manipulation to create chokepoints and funnel enemies into kill zones.

Teamwork is Key

Hardmode Old One's Army is much easier with a team. Coordinate with your friends to cover different areas of the arena and focus your attacks on the most dangerous enemies. Assign roles, such as tank, damage dealer, and healer, to maximize your effectiveness.

Mastering Sentry Placement

Sentry placement is even more critical in Hardmode. Experiment with different placements to find the optimal locations for your Ballista, Flameburst, and Lightning Auras. Consider using multiple types of sentries to cover a wider range of enemy types and attack patterns.

Using Buffs and Potions

Don't underestimate the power of buffs and potions. Use potions that increase your damage, defense, and regeneration to give yourself an edge. Buffs from campfires, heart lanterns, and other sources can also provide valuable bonuses. Stacking multiple buffs can significantly increase your survivability and damage output.

Conclusion: Mastering the Old One's Army

The Old One's Army is a challenging but rewarding event in Terraria. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your defenses, and mastering advanced strategies, you can conquer the hordes and claim valuable loot. So, gear up, gather your friends, and prepare for the ultimate defense mission! Whether you're in pre-Hardmode or Hardmode, the Old One's Army offers a unique and engaging experience that will test your skills and reward you handsomely. Good luck, and happy defending!