Guide:Goblin Army strategies

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This means the page will walk you through a specific task, strategy, or enemy/boss fight.

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Status: Revised (This Guide got revised and is up to date!)

The Goblin Army is an event that can be fought once a Shadow Orb/Crimson Heart is smashed or a Goblin Battle Standard is used. The event consists of goblin-like enemies. Once initiated, the event will continue until enough enemies are defeated.

The Event

Goblin WarlockHardmode exclusive

 Classic

 Expert

 Master

Statistics

Type	Goblin
Environment	Goblin Army
AI Type	Fighter AI
Damage	80/160/240
Max Life	2000/3400/5100
Defense	26
KB Resist	85%/87%/88%
Banner	Goblin Warlock Banner(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
Immune to

Drops

Coins	50 SC1 GC25 SC

• Item (Quantity)Rate
• Shadowflame Bow(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
  16.7%33.3%
• Shadowflame Hex Doll(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
  16.7%33.3%
• Shadowflame Knife(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
  16.7%33.3%

Sounds

Hurt
Killed
Attack
Idle

• Internal NPC ID: 471

Pre-Hardmode

The event enemies consists of Goblin Peons, Goblin Thieves, Goblin Sorcerers, Goblin Archers, and Goblin Warriors. Each enemy does what its name describes (except thieves and peons). The enemies can also break down doors to attack NPCs, stressing the player. When an enemy is defeated, it can drop Spiky Balls and the Harpoon.

Hardmode

In Hardmode, a new enemy, the Goblin Warlock(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), can spawn. This enemy attacks by conjuring Shadowflame Apparations and Chaos Balls. Defeating the Summoner can result in it dropping the Shadowflame Knife(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Shadowflame Bow(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), or the Shadowflame Hex Doll(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions).

Preparation

General Tips

This content is transcluded from Guide:Practical tips § Combat.

• Boss battles can be won or lost before the battle ever starts. Choose your equipment and have it ready; find and/or make potions and placed buffs; use the highest-tier food you have available; set up an arena appropriate to the boss; learn the strategies for the boss you're facing.
• Prepare your Boss-fighting arena with adequate lighting, Campfires and Heart Lanterns for health regeneration, and Stars in Bottles for mana regeneration if you use magic. Bast Statues(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will provide a significant defensive boost. Garden Gnomes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (if underground) proper torch placement will reduce damage taken and increase damage dealt due to the luck. The Torch God's Favor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) helps with this. Honey pools can also be used for extra health regeneration.
• (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Sunflowers provide the Happy!(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) buff to nearby players, which grants a +10% movement speed bonus and 17% reduction in enemy spawn rate.
• Always carry around a stack of the highest-tier healing potion available, as relying only on natural Health Regeneration is not a good idea. Depending on the game stage, this can include items such as Lesser Healing Potions or Honeyfins. On the  Desktop,  Console, and  Mobile versions, Restoration Potions are healing potions with a shorter cooldown.
  • Likewise carry mana potions, if you use Magic.
  • The Strange Brew(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is also an option, which yields very similar healing abilities to Healing Potion with added chances to trigger periods of invulnerability upon consumption.
  • On the  Old-gen console version and Nintendo 3DS version, Restoration Potions can save a slot, but will likewise trigger both cooldowns.
• It is suggested to build houses for the Dryad and the Nurse NPCs in your arena. The former casts the Dryad's Blessing(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) buff, which increases your defense and provides you with a thorns-like effect, while the latter can heal and remove debuffs instantly, at the cost of some coins.
• Bosses are displayed on the Minimap: Follow the boss's icon to track it when you're struggling to find it. You can identify the boss icons by checking their respective wiki pages.
• Once you have freed the Mechanic in the Dungeon, you can use Wire to enhance your arena with Traps and helpful Heart and Star Statues. The former helps to damage the enemies, though be careful to set them up correctly in order not to hurt yourself during the battle. The latter will spawn heart and star pickups, respectively. Connect these devices to timers to activate them infinitely.
• In Hardmode, the Brand of the Inferno(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and Sergeant United Shield(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) can be used to parry incoming contact damage.
• It may be useful to summon and kill the Eye of Cthulhu or King Slime before summoning any harder boss in order to spawn an extra one-use pool of Hearts. Note that this will prevent any Heart Statues from spawning new Hearts.
• Remember to use the Sharpening Station(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Ammo Box(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions), Crystal Ball, Bewitching Table(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), War Table(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and Slice of Cake(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) before you go to explore or battle bosses/invasions. These will give boosts that are useful to have, with the first five being class-specific. They give Sharpened(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Ammo Box(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions), Clairvoyance, Bewitched(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Strategist(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and Sugar Rush(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), respectively.

Terrain Preparation

Due to the Mechanic likely not being available and most enemies are grounded, a simple lava pit with a thin layer of lava is ideal. The lava should just thick enough to burn the enemies but not drops. Once hardmode is entered and the Goblin Tinkerer found, raise the lava levels so it burns copper coins but not silver. Don't worry about the spiky balls as you can buy them and there are better sources of damage. Make sure there are Town NPC's nearby if you wish to perform this strategy or the goblins will not spawn, and be wary of Goblin Sorcerers and the Goblin Warlock(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions). You can also add a roof in order to hang the relative Banner.

Gearing Up

Armor

Pre-Hardmode

• Crimson Armor should be used due to many armors being unavailable.
• Shadow Armor can also be used if one prefers mobility over defense.
• A mage can use the Wizard Set with the Meteor Leggings for magic damage.
• The Meteor Armor is also useful for mages.
• After the player has defeated Queen Bee, Summoners can use Bee Armor(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions).

Hardmode

• Palladium Armor can be used with the corresponding head piece for regeneration.
• Orichalcum Armor can be used with the corresponding head piece for crowd control.
• Titanium Armor gives the most defense and should be used with the corresponding head piece.
• If one does not mind hybrid sets, warriors and rangers should use the Frost Breastplate, Forbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and their corresponding Adamantite Head piece.
• A mage can use the Wizard Set with the Forbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), however, this is very frail. Otherwise, a wizard should use Adamantite armor if the other sets are unavailable.
• A summoner should use Spider Armor(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) with the Forbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions). Summon all your minions with Spider armor, then switch to the Treads for one more.

Weapons

Pre-Hardmode

For Melee Users

• The Enchanted Sword is useful as it has high damage for its obtainment and shoots a projectile. If it is unavailable, the Blood Butcherer can be used. If in a corruption world, the Phaseblade should be used, as it has more range and is only slightly slower than the Light's Bane.
• The Code 1(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is useful for dealing damage while under cover. If it has not been obtained, the Amazon(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is a good backup.
• As the goblins come in mass hordes, the Swordfish or The Rotted Fork can be used for piercing multiple enemies.
• The Thorn Chakram is useful for dealing with pesky Sorcerers and Archers from a distance.
• The Ball O' Hurt or The Meatball can be used to disrupt enemy lines. On the  Desktop version,  Console version, and  Mobile version, they can also be swung around to easily block attacks by Sorcerers.

For Ranged Users

• The best bows available are the Demon Bow and the Tendon Bow. However, if Queen Bee Has been defeated, The Bee's Knees(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is an excellent option.
• The Minishark should be used due to its rapid rate of fire. The Star Cannon is also useful due to its high damage.

For Magic Users

• The Ruby Staff or Diamond Staff are the best gem staves, but the Vilethorn is useful for piercing damage and the Crimson Rod can be used for damaging passing goblins.
• The Space Gun is useful due to its rapid rate of fire.
• The Water Bolt is useful for piercing damage.

For Summoners

Options are limited before Hardmode:

• The Slime Staff is rare and weak, but will at least allow attacking from shelter.
• After the player has defeated Queen Bee, the Hornet Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is quite useful.
• The Imp Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is even more powerful, but requires a dangerous trip down to the Underworld.

Hardmode

For Melee Users

• The Titanium Sword is useful as it has high damage. If it is unavailable, the Adamantite Sword can be used. The Ice Sickle is also useful.
• The Amarok(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is useful due to the Frostburn Debuff.
• The Adamantite Glaive and the Titanium Trident are good piercing weapons.
• The Flying Knife(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is useful for dealing with the Goblin Warlock as it can be controlled.
• The Dao of Pow can be used to disrupt enemy lines due to the Confused Debuff (although some goblins are immune).
• The Shadowflame Knife(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is very useful if one can acquire it during the event.

For Ranged Users

• The Marrow and the Ice Bow (with Cursed Arrows or Venom Arrows), and the Daedalus Stormbow(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (with Holy Arrows) are all good bows. Even the Hellwing Bow(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (with the Endless Quiver(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)) is still useful due to its infinite pierce.
• The Adamantite Repeater and Titanium Repeater (with the Endless Quiver(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)) can be used if one has not obtained them.
• The Clockwork Assault Rifle (with Crystal Bullets or Ichor Bullets), the Onyx Blaster(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (with Ichor Bullets), the Phoenix Blaster, the Star Cannon, and the Uzi (with the Endless Musket Pouch(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)) are excellent choices. The Megashark (with the Endless Musket Pouch(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)) is even better if you've beaten The Destroyer.
• The Dart Rifle(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)/Dart Pistol(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and the Toxikarp(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)are great for debuffs. Use Ichor Darts(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) for the Summoner, Cursed Darts(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) for singular enemies, and Crystal Darts(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) for crowds. The Flamethrower is also good if one has beaten Skeletron Prime.
• (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) if any of the Mechanical Bosses have been defeated, the Super Star Shooter(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is also useful.

For Magic Users

• The Flower of Frost is useful for debuffs. The Flower of Fire is a weaker version. The Life Drain(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is great against crowds, while the Clinger Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is useful for barriers. The Nimbus Rod can be used for damage for passerby. The Frost Staff is also good.
• The Golden Shower, the Cursed Flames, and the Crystal Storm are all good weapons for debuffs and rapid damage respectively. The Demon Scythe can be used for close combat.
• The Sky Fracture(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is a very powerful weapon and can decimate the goblin forces. However, it requires a Magic Missile, which the player may not have. The Medusa Head(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) can kill multiple goblins at once fully charged. However, it is a rare drop from Medusas(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) . The Spirit Flame(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is also good. The Crystal Serpent(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is good against crowds. The Unholy Trident is a good weapon, but it is dropped by deadly Red Devils.

For Summoners

• The Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is available early, and a solid improvement over the Pre-Hardmode options, especially with the spiders' ability to latch onto Summoners (putting walls behind your arena can make the spiders more mobile). Later staffs such as the Pirate Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) are also good.
• For sentries, one should use the Queen Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) as it is the best one available.

Potions

• Any food that gives the Well Fed buff gives minor stat buffs to everything. Good ones are the Bowl of Soup, Christmas Pudding(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions), and Pumpkin Pie.
• Ironskin Potions, Endurance Potions and Regeneration Potions will help tremendously with survivability.
• Swiftness Potions will aid in your dodging.
• Ammo Reservation Potions and Archery Potions are good for rangers.
• Magic Power Potions and Mana Regeneration Potions are must have for mages.
• If you already have a minion, a Summoning Potion lets you bring an extra one to the fight.
• Rage Potions or Wrath Potions are useful for almost all classes.

Accessories

Pre-Hardmode

• Any Cloud in a Bottle-like item is great for jump boosts. If you can, combine them with a Shiny Red Balloon.
• Hermes Boots are a great option, due to the speed increase.
• A Band of Regeneration can help with healing. It's best to put it in the Vanity Accessories slot until you need to heal.
• An Anklet of the Wind can help with evasion. An Aglet is easier to find, but doesn't work as well.
• A Frog Leg will give you improved jumping abilities, including increased height and automatic jumping but it can only be found by fishing, with an incredibly rare 1:500 chance to get it.
• If you're playing in Expert Mode, the the Shield of Cthulhu is a great choice for quick evasion and extra damage.
• If you've found the Goblin Tinkerer, Hermes Boots, an Anklet of the Wind, an Aglet, and purchased Rocket Boots, you can make Lightning Boots, or, if you have Frostspark Boots. If you have Lava Waders, you can make Terraspark Boots(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), which is even better, although only possible on the  Desktop version,  Console version, and  Mobile version.
• The Shark Tooth Necklace(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is a very good increase to DPS, especially on Expert Mode.
• If you are going for a melee approach, the Magma Stone is a slight increase to your DPS.
• The Worm Scarf(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will dramatically reduce damage.

Hardmode

• Wings are extremely useful in hardmode.
• Mobility accessories such as the Shield of Cthulhu(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) or Frog Leg are very useful as well.
• Damage increasing accessories such as any Emblem, the Mechanical or Fire Gauntlet and Magic Quiver are always a good choice.
• Variants of the Cobalt Shield and Cross Necklace can prevent hits.
• Magic Cuffs are still good for regaining Mana.

Strategies

• It is recommended that you build a sky base to keep your NPCs from ground troops.