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Status: Subject to revision (This Guide does not meet certain quality standards and may be heavily outdated.)
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    • 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.Guide:Practical tips

    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, unless you use Actuatoractuators to disable the blocks under the altar. The arena that the fight occurs in is also varied in width/height. There are a few ways you can customize the default arena to make the fight much easier. *Note* (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Actuators will not disable the blocks under the altar in 1.4.

    • Create a small wall dividing the entrance and the arena, leaving an opening for your projectiles to get through. This becomes difficult to build if your default layout has the entrance in the ceiling.
    • Create a much larger wall that divides the arena on either side of the altar leaving an opening at the top for you to leap through post-spawn and a spot for your weapons.
    • An assortment of small walls scattered throughout the arena.
    • A small pit that you can leap into while Golem stomps and punches. This will allow you to deal heavy damage, but you have to be cautious about his eye lasers and fireballs. A heart statue in the pit with you can be useful in keeping you alive.
    • TeleporterTeleporters can be used for dodging the attacks and move safely and instantly from side to side when fighting outside the temple.
    • 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.
    • (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.
    • (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

    • At minimum, players should use at least Hallowed armorHallowed armorHallowed armorHallowed armorHallowed armor or Chlorophyte armorChlorophyte armorChlorophyte armorChlorophyte armor, with the helmet to suit your class.
    • 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.
    • Ranged characters can use Shroomite armorShroomite armorShroomite armorShroomite armor, which is the strongest armor available. Ranged characters who are willing to use minions may want to substitute the Shroomite Leggings for Tiki PantsTiki Pants, since there is no way to safely activate stealth during a boss fight.
    • Frost armorFrost armor provides good stat bonuses to both melee and ranged players along with the Frostburn debuff, however you will need to be good at dodging as it provides lower defence than other armour.
    • A magic user should use Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear, Spectre RobeSpectre Robe, and Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions), switching to the Spectre HoodSpectre Hood and Spectre PantsSpectre Pants only when at low health to maximize damage output. The Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is a slightly weaker offensive option.
    • Due to Golem's stationary nature, the Forbidden MaskForbidden Mask(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) set bonus can be effective against it.
    • Squire armorSquire armor(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) provides high health regeneration and the ability to use 2 extra sentries, ideally Queen Spider StaffQueen Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions).
    • Tiki armorTiki armor is the standard choice for summoners. For those who have challenged the Pumpkin Moon, Spooky armorSpooky armor is a stronger choice.
    • Full Turtle armor will be very useful for players who prefer defense.

    Weapons

    All classes can fare well against Golem.

    For Melee users:

    • Death SickleDeath Sickle can easily defeat Golem, especially when hiding behind walls (as detailed above). The Chlorophyte PartisanChlorophyte Partisan and Mushroom SpearMushroom Spear are weaker alternatives.
    • StarlightStarlight(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) has extremely high DPS and immobilises the fists.
    • Vampire KnivesVampire Knives are another recommended melee item that deals middling damage, but makes it nearly impossible to die.
    • Scourge of the CorruptorScourge of the Corruptor is extremely useful as it does good damage, splits into three and is homing.
    • SeedlerSeedler(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) deals consistent damage rapidly at mid-range.
    • Paladin's HammerPaladin's Hammer is a very powerful choice if you manage to obtain it as it has high damage and its piercing is useful
    • The Eye of CthulhuThe Eye of Cthulhu(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) can be obtained by the first encounter (obtained during the Solar Eclipse, which can be easily summoned from items in the Jungle Temple), and with the Yoyo Bag, it can kill the Golem within a minute. The KrakenKraken(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is a viable alternative.
    • Terra BladeTerra Blade works well, especially when using the blade itself to damage the fists.
    • The Horseman's BladeThe Horseman's Blade can clear the fight with no dodging required if used with a Cross Necklace, Frozen Shield, and the best melee bonuses you have access to.

    For Ranged users:

    • MegasharkMegashark or Venus MagnumVenus Magnum coupled with Crystal BulletCrystal Bullets is recommended.
    • Candy Corn RifleCandy Corn Rifle will also work.
    • Chlorophyte ShotbowChlorophyte Shotbow is the best single-target arrow based weapon, dealing massive damage with Holy ArrowHoly Arrows or Ichor ArrowIchor Arrows.
    • Pulse BowPulse Bow(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) with Cursed ArrowCursed Arrows, Chlorophyte ArrowChlorophyte Arrows or Venom ArrowVenom Arrows is very effective in such an enclosed space, with arrows often hitting Golem many times.
    • Stake LauncherStake Launcher is extremely effective in the first part of the battle as its projectiles can deal high damage to all three attackable parts.
    • EventideEventide(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and TsunamiTsunami both deal out heavy amounts of damage if you can obtain them.
    • (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.
    • Tactical ShotgunTactical Shotgun is a powerful weapon when used with Chlorophyte or Crystal Bullets.
    • Onyx BlasterOnyx Blaster(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is effective with Ichor Bullets.
    • Rocket LauncherRocket Launcher or Grenade LauncherGrenade Launcher with Rocket IIIRocket III or Mini Nuke IMini Nuke I(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will tear through Golem's health and kill him very quickly. Both can deal dangerous splash damage to yourself, so Rocket IRocket I can be used if you prefer a longer but safer battle.
    • Snowman CannonSnowman Cannon is a stronger alternative that deals no splash damage and homes in on Golem.
    • Nail GunNail Gun(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is expensive to use, but more powerful and much safer than using the Rocket Launcher in an enclosed space.
    • Sniper RifleSniper Rifle is a fairly consistent and good damaging weapon with Chlorophyte, or Ichor Bullets if you have access to them.
    • If you have the fallen stars for it, Super Star ShooterSuper Star Shooter(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will shred the Golem asunder, even in expert mode.

    For Magic users:

    Safe way to kill Golem using a Nimbus Rod.
    • Nimbus RodNimbus Rod will provide constant damage if the clouds are summoned above Golem's head.
    • The Spectre StaffSpectre Staff, Venom StaffVenom Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) and Unholy TridentUnholy Trident are all high-damaging weapons that can finish Golem quickly.
    • The NightglowNightglow(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) and Razorblade TyphoonRazorblade Typhoon are both high damage homing weapons that make quick work of Golem if you can obtain them.
    • Magnet SphereMagnet Sphere, Bat ScepterBat Scepter, and Rainbow GunRainbow Gun will allow for great sustained healing when using the Spectre Hood.
    • (Old-gen console and 3DS versions) Inferno ForkInferno Fork is useful for attacking Golem's head as the explosion radius will stop the fists from attacking you while damaging Golem heavily.
    • Rainbow RodRainbow Rod does great damage to every part of Golem due to the projectile homing and piercing.
    • Leaf BlowerLeaf Blower can be used as an accurate, high-DPS weapon.
    • 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 Queen Spider StaffQueen Spider Staff(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) is the best sentry available due to its extreme synergy with whip tag damage.
    • Raven StaffRavens or Deadly Sphere StaffDeadly Spheres(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) will work well.
    • The Desert Tiger StaffDesert Tiger Staff(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) does excellent damage against Golem.
    • The Dark HarvestDark Harvest(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is an excellent choice for this fight due to its dark energy effect flaring out to attack Golem's other pieces.

    Accessories

    • Angel WingsWings are especially useful for this fight, due to the large amount of attacks flying around the arena, the HoverboardHoverboard is an especially good choice thanks to its high horizontal speed.
    • Hermes BootsHermes Boots and its upgrades are not as crucial in this fight compared to other fights, and can be dropped if your movement speed has enough boosts, such as Swiftness PotionSwiftness Potions and the Slice of CakeSlice of Cake(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions).
    • Items that grant a dash, such as the Shield of CthulhuShield of Cthulhu(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) or Master Ninja GearMaster Ninja Gear, are helpful during this fight to avoid the Golem's stomps.
    • The Charm of MythsCharm of Myths is recommended since there is a lot of damage being passed around without a wall, so multiple potions may be necessary. The natural regeneration will also allow you to take advantage of easier phases of the fights.
    • The Warrior EmblemEmblems are some of the best offensive accessories available.
    • The Avenger EmblemAvenger Emblem and other damage increasing emblems/accessories such as the Moon StoneMoon Stone are excellent accessories, and lend themselves well to an offensive build.
    • The Fire GauntletFire Gauntlet is a great accessory for melee builds, especially ones using weapons that heavily benefit from melee speed such as the Terra BladeTerra Blade. It also stacks well with the Mechanical GloveMechanical Glove, as they give the exact same stat boosts.
    • The Yoyo BagYoyo Bag(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) is practically mandatory if using a yoyo, it gives an extremely large damage boost to them and outclasses every other offensive accessory.
    • The Sniper ScopeSniper Scope and Recon ScopeRecon Scope(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) are powerful ranged accessories that stack well, but requiring braving the post-Plantera Dungeon, which can be difficult.
    • The Celestial EmblemCelestial Emblem(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions)is a direct upgrade to the Sorcerer Emblem, and is the best accessory for mages in the game.
    • The Mana CloakMana Cloak(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) can be helpful if using a high mana cost weapon.
    • The Papyrus ScarabPapyrus Scarab and Necromantic ScrollNecromantic Scroll are the best accessories in the game for summoners, but require challenging the Pumpkin Moon, which can be difficult.
    • The Pygmy NecklacePygmy Necklace is helpful for summoners who have free accessory slots and/or don't have the above accessories.
    • The Squire's ShieldSquire's Shield(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)/Apprentice's ScarfApprentice's Scarf(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)/Huntress's BucklerHuntress's Buckler(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)/Monk's BeltMonk's Belt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) all offer solid summoner boosts, but cannot stack with each other.

    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.

    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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