Guide:Golem strategies

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This is a Guide page.
This is a Guide page.
This means the page will walk you through a specific task, strategy, or enemy/boss fight.
Status: Subject to revision (This Guide does not meet certain quality standards and may be heavily outdated.)
  • Issues:
    • Most likely outdated since 1.4. Remember not to delete pre-1.4 content; use {{eicons}} and {{eversions}}!
    • Golem Trophy.png “The stone-faced ritualistic idol of the lihzahrd tribe.” Golem Trophy.png

    Golem is a Hardmode boss, found at the end of the Lihzahrd Temple. It has high HP, high defense, and multiple limbs and phases, however it is easy to defeat as it is not very mobile and its attacks are easy to dodge.

    GolemHardmode exclusive
    Golem.pngOld-gen console version and Nintendo 3DS version
    Map Icon Golem.png
    Map Icon
    Classic Mode.png Classic
    Expert Mode.png Expert
    Master Mode.png Master
    Statistics
    Type
    Boss
    Environment
    Jungle Temple
    AI TypeGolem Body AI
    Max Life6000090000114749 (total)
    250003750047812 (head)
    150002250028687 (body)
    100001500019125 (each fist)
    Immune toPoisonedOn Fire!Confused
    Inflicts debuff
    Inflicts debuff
    Inflicts debuff
    DebuffOn Fire!On Fire!
    Debuff tooltipSlowly losing life
    Chance50% (Fireball)
    Duration5–7 seconds10–14 seconds15–21 seconds
    Drops
    Coins15 GC37 GC50 SC

    Spawn Condition

    Golem can be summoned by using the Lihzahrd Power CellLihzahrd Power Cell at the Lihzahrd AltarLihzahrd Altar.

    The Fight

    Golem has a total of four attackable targets, but only two are necessary to defeat:

    • Golem Head - This is the main target during the first form. It will frequently spew two fireballs that bounce. At half health, it will begin to fire lasers that increase in frequency when its HP lowers.
    • Golem Body - This is the main target during the second form. Its main attack is a jump attack.
    • Right Arm - This is an optional target. It uses a punch attack with a reach that can extend across the arena. It is recommended that you take these out first because they will become brutal if you leave them on for the third and fourth phases.
    • Left Arm - This is an optional target with the same move-set as the Right Arm. It uses a punch attack with a reach that can extend across the arena.

    First Form

    Once summoned, Golem will move around while slowly attacking with its fists. The head will continuously spit two fireballs that will bounce around the arena. Dodging the fireballs is your priority, as they will inflict On Fire! and prevent health regeneration. The head (25000/37500/47812 HP) and arms are the targets during this phase, with the head being the main target. Destroying the arms is not strictly necessary, but recommended to make the next phase much easier. Note that Lihzahrd enemies can still spawn in the arena.

    When Golem's head HP reaches 50% (12500 / 18750 HP), it will begin using Eye lasers. They start at an average interval, but as the head's HP is reduced, the frequency of the lasers will increase. When the head's hit points reach zero the second form begins. The lasers signal a DPS race and all focus should be concentrated on getting through each laser phase. These eye lasers can pass through blocks.

    Second Form

    Destroying the head stops the laser assault and reveals Golem's true form. The body (15000/22500/28687 HP) is the main target and destroying it will end the fight. The body will jump around and if the arms still exist, they will punch devastatingly faster compared to phase one. The head will be attacking while flying around. Note that the Head can pass through blocks.

    The head will continue firing lasers at a reset frequency, which, similar in the first form, will increase as the body's hit points decrease.

    General Strategies

    General Tips

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

    • For nocturnal bosses, starting the battle just after the sun sets (7:30 PM) will provide the maximum amount of time to defeat the boss. In Hardmode, the Moon CharmMoon Charm and/or Moon StoneMoon Stone and their upgrades are also useful at night.
    • 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, CampfireCampfires and Heart LanternHeart Lanterns for health regeneration, and Star in a BottleStars in Bottles for mana regeneration if you use magic. Bast StatueBast Statues(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will provide a significant defensive boost. Garden GnomeGarden 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. HoneyHoney pools can also be used for extra health regeneration.
    • (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) SunflowerSunflowers provide the Happy!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 PotionLesser Healing Potions or HoneyfinHoneyfins. On the Desktop version Desktop, Console version Console, and Mobile version Mobile versions, Restoration PotionRestoration Potions are healing potions with a shorter cooldown.
    • It is suggested to build houses for the DryadDryad and the NurseNurse NPCs in your arena. The former casts the Dryad's BlessingDryad'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 Silver Coincoins.
    • 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 MechanicMechanic in the Dungeon, you can use WireWire to enhance your arena with Dart TrapTraps and helpful Heart StatueHeart and Star StatueStar 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 1 Second Timertimers to activate them infinitely.
    • 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 take up a big chunk of the spawnable healing Hearts, which will cause Heart Statues to not spawn as many/any Hearts.
    • Remember to use the Sharpening StationSharpening Station(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Ammo BoxAmmo Box(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions), Crystal BallCrystal Ball, Bewitching TableBewitching Table(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), War TableWar Table(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and Slice of CakeSlice 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 SharpenedSharpened(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), Ammo Box (buff)Ammo Box(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions), ClairvoyanceClairvoyance, BewitchedBewitched(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), StrategistStrategist(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and Sugar RushSugar Rush(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), respectively.

    Terrain Preparation

    If this is your first encounter with Golem, then you will not possess the PicksawPicksaw capable of shaping the Lihzahrd BrickLihzahrd Temple's blocks, so your customization is limited.

    • (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) In 1.4 Golem can pass through walls, so dividing the arena vertically is much less useful. Also, it can follow you downwards, even into very small openings. The best way to avoid contact with the body is to place a row of platforms about 25-30 blocks from the ground, as Golem is still unable to jump that high.
      • If you decided to fight Golem in the temple, then Lihzahrd BannerLihzahrd and Flying Snake BannerFlying Snake Banners would be useful because they will still keep spawning during the fight. It'll be much easier to get rid of them.
    • TeleporterTeleporters can be used for dodging the attacks and move safely and instantly from side to side when fighting outside the temple.
    • (Old-gen console and 3DS versions) actuators can be used to make tiles inactive, allowing more room to move around in the arena.

    For safety reasons, you should remove all the pressure plates in the temple or on Old-gen console version Old-gen console version and Nintendo 3DSNintendo 3DS version version remove all of wires, as these can be hazardous in the fight.

    Gearing up

    Armor

    • The best set for a melee user consists of a Chlorophyte MaskChlorophyte Mask, Monk's ShirtMonk's Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), and Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), which together provide the best offensive bonuses available, and also provide higher defense than Chlorophyte armor.
    • For ranged characters the best offensive set consists of Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask, Shroomite BreastplateShroomite Breastplate and Mythril GreavesMythril Greaves.
    • Shroomite armorShroomite armorShroomite armorShroomite armor isn't recommended since there is no way to safely activate stealth during a boss fight in singleplayer, unless using the Piranha GunPiranha Gun or playing in a multiplayer server and there's a player aggroing the boss which then becomes the strongest armor available.
    • A magic user should use Spectre armorSpectre armorSpectre armor and keep the Spectre hood in the social slot and quickly change to it when getting close to dying.
    • For summoners the Tiki armorTiki armor is a great choice.
    • Spooky armorSpooky armor is the best choice available for summoners if the Pumpkin Moon has been completed.

    Weapons

    All classes can fare well against Golem.

    For Melee users:

    • Terra BladeTerra Blade is the best weapon for Golem, especially when using the blade itself to damage the fists.
    • Scourge of the CorruptorScourge of the Corruptor is also extremely useful as it does good damage, splits into three and is homing.
    • The Eye of CthulhuThe Eye of Cthulhu(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) with the Yoyo Bag, it can kill the Golem within a minute.
    • Vampire KnivesVampire Knives is a great support weapon, as its lifesteal can quickly heal the player when they're low on HP.

    For Ranged users:

    • Nail GunNail Gun(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is expensive to use, but more powerful than other weapon unlocked at this stage.
    • Piranha GunPiranha Gun can utilize Shroomite's armor stealth while moving, easily shredding the boss.
      • (Old-gen console and 3DS versions)Piranha GunPiranha Gun will entirely prevent Golem's fists from attacking, making the fight much easier. After destroying the fists, you may have to redirect the piranha to Golem's head while dodging his lasers and fireballs. As long as you can dodge the lasers, this weapon will do a lot of damage to Golem.
    • Venus MagnumVenus Magnum coupled with Crystal BulletCrystal Bullets is also a great weapon .
    • Sniper RifleSniper Rifle is a fairly consistent and good damaging weapon with Chlorophyte Bullets, or Crystal Bullets if you are able to aim it.

    For Magic users:

    • The Spectre StaffSpectre Staff and Inferno ForkInferno Fork are the best magic weapons for Golem.
      • (Old-gen console and 3DS versions) the Inferno Fork is useful for attacking Golem's head as the explosion radius will stop the fists from attacking you while damaging Golem heavily.
    • Magnet SphereMagnet Sphere and Rainbow GunRainbow Gun will allow for great sustained healing when using the Spectre Hood and are also great support Weapons overall.
    • Golden ShowerGolden Shower is the best support weapon as it gives +15 armor penetration.
    • Toxic FlaskToxic Flask(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is a good alternative for the beginning of the fight, as it does a good amount of splash damage. Be mindful of its high mana cost.

    For Summoners:

    • The Desert Tiger StaffDesert Tiger Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) does excellent damage against Golem when combined with the FirecrackerFirecracker(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions).
    • The Raven StaffRaven Staff is amazing for this fight, as the ravens can easily stay on top of Golem thanks to its slow movement.
    • The Morning StarMorning Star(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is incredible for the second phase of this fight.
    • The Dark HarvestDark Harvest(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is great for the first phase of the fight, and is also a good choice for whip stacking.
    • The Staff of the Frost HydraStaff of the Frost Hydra is a great sentry for this fight.
    • The Queen Spider StaffQueen Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is the best sentry available if the player is using whipstacking, due to its extremely good synergy with whip tag damage.
      • Note that the Staff of the Frost Hydra has i-frame issues with itself so only 1 sentry slot should be used on it and the others used on Queen Spider Staff.

    Accessories

    • Frozen WingsWings are especially useful for this fight due to the large number of projectiles. The HoverboardHoverboard is a strong choice for its horizontal speed.
    • The Charm of MythsCharm of Myths is useful for potion cooldown reduction and regeneration.
    • The Yoyo BagYoyo Bag(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is highly effective for yoyo builds.
    • The Putrid ScentPutrid Scent(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) offers decent damage and crit boosts, but requires access to The Corruption
    • The Celestial EmblemCelestial Emblem(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is the best magic-damage accessory.
    • The Mana CloakMana Cloak(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is helpful for managing mana with high-cost weapons.
    • The Frozen ShieldFrozen Shield(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) provides crucial knockback immunity that will allow you to avoid being thrown around by enemy attacks. It also provides a nice 25% damage reduction when below half health as well as 6 defense.
    • The Cross NecklaceCross Necklace / Star VeilStar Veil can be used to extend the invulnerability period after being attacked. This can prove to be useful during the second phase due to the large amount of projectiles.
    • In Expert Mode:
      • The Worm ScarfWorm Scarf(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will reduce the amount of damage taken.
      • The Brain of ConfusionBrain of Confusion(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) can prevent the player from taking damage and increase their DPS for 4 seconds, making it an excellent accessory all around.

    Potions

    Specific Strategies

    Spiky Balls Strategy (Not Desktop Compatible)

    Grab all of the spike ball traps and wire from the temple as you pass through it, then when you get to the chamber at the end follow these instructions. Feel free to build a short wall in the entryway to the Golem's summoning chamber to block off the temple's monster spawns from interrupting your fight. Build a vertical wall halfway through the room with three holes in it big enough for you to pass through (3 blocks high). Then build a horizontal walking path on the half of the room opposite from the half Golem's altar is on (as in, not on that side of the room) (One of your vertical wall holes should be level with your walking path, the other should be where your wall meets the ceiling, and the last should be where your wall meets the floor). Make sure there is one hole in it big enough for you to pass through (2 blocks wide) and also make sure you have a small pool space for honey (1 block high, 2 blocks wide). On the side of the room with the altar, build a ceiling using any block type straight across (make sure that your ceiling only covers the open space and not any nooks or crannies). Below the ceiling install as many spike ball traps as will fit, and then hook them up to a pressure plate which you will locate anywhere on your walkway for your convenience. Place a campfire and a heart lantern anywhere that makes sense, and be sure you've got the best armor you can get your hands on, plus as many speed increasing modifiers and at least the Lightning boots. Summon the Golem, then spend the first few minutes of the fight standing in the lower corner (away from the Golem) slashing/shooting/casting magic at the fist that can cross the room to punch you until it breaks. Then hop/fly onto your walkway and proceed to rain deadly spike balls upon the Golem. Focus on hitting your pressure plate as often as you can, while dodging the Golem's laser eyes (Phase 2) as best as you can by flying around your little corner of the room and dunking yourself in your honey pool as often as you can. When Golem's head detaches (Phase 3) be sure to hop over your ceiling hole to make it follow you there, then when you jump back to your walkway it should just hover overhead (instead of right next to you). Continue dodging, dunking, and stomping on your pressure plate until Golem is defeated. This works very effectively when trying to farm for the Picksaw or for money with above tier armor.

    Small Space Strategy

    Make a vertical wall, but put a 3 block gap at the bottom and top so you can get in and out. Also build a horizontal line (with blocks, not platforms) with a 3 block gap somewhere along with it. The horizontal line should stop at the vertical line. When Golem spawns, he should jump up on the horizontal platform, but not go back down. This allows you to hit him continuously (Death Sickle highly approved), without taking too many potions (max 2-3). This also allows you to kill him fast. Also, someone on top of the vertical line shooting on Golem is very helpful. This strategy does not seem to work on console.

    Static Hook

    With a static hook, the player can grapple onto a wall of the arena and move side to side to dodge most of Golem's projectiles. Firing an Onyx Blaster with Chlorophyte bullets can rip through the boss and keep the fists at bay.

    Bunny Cannon

    The Bunny Cannon works well against Golem: set it up in an area Golem cannot reach (if the blocks are set just right, Golem will not be able to chase you), and fire away. Calculate Golem’s health and divide it by the bunny cannon’s damage (350), and that should give an approximate number of explosive bunnies to use.

    (Old-gen console and 3DS versions) Slime Mount + Target Dummies

    Place two target dummies next to one another, and then placing some blocks 5 tiles above the top tile of the dummy. Next get the slime mount and activate it in front of the dummies, then just jump. You’ll notice that your character is going to bounce rapidly up and down, and will also have immunity due to the slime mount. If this is paired with summons it can result in the player taking no damage at all during the fight. It is not recommended to use any actual weapons if you are building this above golem as weapons could interrupt the dummies and break the immunity. This can lead to the golem taking priority damage over the dummies and result in you taking damage.

    Teleporter Method

    For this method, place 2 Teleporters on opposite ends of Golem's chamber and wire them together. Make sure to have some sort of device such as levers or Pressure Plates to activate them. Summon Golem and teleport rapidly, Golem will have trouble hitting you if you teleport fast enough. This is an effective manner of beating Golem quickly as it nullifies the damage that he can deal, however this method becomes less effective as Golem takes more damage since he fires his lasers more frequently.

    Nimbus Rod (Old-gen console and 3DS versions)

    ‎

    Safe way to kill Golem using a Nimbus Rod.

    Heart Arrow & Frost Armor Method(3DS version)

    Nintendo 3DS version
    3DS-Only Content: This section's information applies only to the 3DS version of Terraria.

    You Will Need:

    Preparation

    Excavate an area that allows running and jumping around, and add 3 to 5 layers of platforms. If needed, also add Honey pools, Heart Lanterns, Heart Statues and Campfires.

    The Battle

    Spawn Golem while standing on the platforms. Aim and stun his head, but when he punches you, you can stun his arms. In the second form, his head can shoot lasers rapidly and cannot be stunned, so just use a high damage weapon, like a Terra Blade or a Paladin's Hammer to destroy his body. The Frost armor will make the fight a lot faster, allowing Golem to be defeated in less than 2 minutes. For a video tutorial, see Merrick's Terraria Mobile: Heart Arrows VS Golem Video.

    1. ↑ Information taken from the Desktop version Desktop 1.4.0.5 source code, method RegisterBoss_Golem() in Terraria.GameContent.ItemDropRules.ItemDropDatabase.cs. There may be inaccuracies, as the current Desktop version Desktop version is 1.4.4.9.
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