Medusa

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Desktop/Console/Mobile-Only Content: This information applies only to the Desktop, Console, and Mobile versions of Terraria.
MedusaHardmode exclusive
Medusa.gif
Medusa Stare.gif
Medusa attack
Classic mode icon.png Classic
Expert mode icon.png Expert
Master mode icon.png Master
Statistics
Type
Environment
AI TypeFighter AI
Damage30/60/90
Max Life400/800/1200
Defense20
KB Resist85%/87%/88%
BannerMedusa BannerMedusa Banner(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
Immune toConfused
Inflicts debuff
Inflicts debuff
Inflicts debuff
DebuffStonedStoned(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
Debuff tooltipYou are completely petrified!
Duration1–4 seconds
Drops
Coins10 SC25 SC
  • Item (Quantity)Rate
  • PizzaPizza(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
    2%
  • Medusa HeadMedusa Head(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
    4%
  • Pocket MirrorPocket Mirror(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
    2.5%5%
Medusa turning a player into stone.
Not to be confused with Mechdusa, a secret world seed-exclusive boss.

Medusa is a Hardmode enemy found near Marble Caves. She is a relatively fast-moving melee attacker who has the unique ability to inflict the Stoned debuff through her gaze. This debuff deals 20 / 40 / 60 damage to the player[1] and turns the player to stone:

  • The player will be unable to move or use items for the duration of the debuff, similar to the Frozen debuff.
  • Fall damage-negating accessories are disabled, fall damage is increased, and the minimum distance for fall damage to occur is reduced.

The debuff's onset is marked by Medusa's snake hair (as well as Medusa herself) lashing out red tongues, accompanied by a unique noise and particle effect, giving players notice before they are petrified. Players can avoid getting Stoned by facing the other direction when the animation completes, or by having Medusa's line of sight blocked by solid blocks.

The less health Medusa has, the faster she will move, similar to Mummies. Her speed increases linearly from 8 mph at full health to 18 mph just before dying.[2]

She is one of the few entities that can be detected by the Lifeform Analyzer or its upgrades.

Notes

  • While Stoned, the player can still consume recovery potions, via Quick Heal.
  • If Stoned while grappling or riding a Minecart, the player will disengage and fall.
  • Only one Medusa can spawn in the world at a time, unless a Medusa Statue is used.
  • In rare cases, a naturally generated Medusa Statue overlaps with a functional trap. This allows them to be spawned pre-Hardmode when the trap is activated; however, they will only drop the Medusa Banner.

Tips

  • Being inflicted with the Stoned debuff is very dangerous: If the initial fall does not kill the player, the few seconds of stun time could be long enough for Hoplites, Cave Bats, Giant Bats, and other cavern enemies to finish the job.
    • Be wary of large, vertical areas in the caverns (such as the Underground Jungle and player-made hellevators), especially when there is a Marble Cave nearby. The potential fall damage by itself can easily kill an endgame player.
  • Note that attacking Medusa with most weapons will cause the player to turn towards her. Try not to engage her until she is within range or use a very accurate ranged weapon, so that she will become stun-locked before she has a chance to attack.
  • Facing away from Medusa while fighting off other enemies is recommended.
  • Yoyos, the Magic Missile, and the Flying Knife make great weapons against Medusa as they can be used from behind, and around corners, out of her line of sight. White String will extend the reach of yoyos by 4 or 5 tiles.
    • Ironically, the Medusa Head is also a great weapon against Medusa, as the player can use its "stare" while looking the other way.
  • Using the Featherfall Potion or equipping Djinn's Curse can still protect the player from taking fall damage, even when they are Stoned.

Trivia

  • In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone.
  • The word marble is of Greek origin, as are Medusa and hoplite. In Terraria, Medusas and Hoplites both spawn in Marble Caves.
  • The banners of Medusa and the Hoplite do not show the image of the enemy on their corresponding banners. Instead, the Medusa and Hoplite Banners display a snake and helm, respectively, with golden Greek-style patterns.
  • Although having a similar name, Medusa does not have any connection with Mechdusa.
  • The BestiaryBestiary entry for Medusa: "An ancient monster with a petrifying gaze. The snakes which grow from her scalp like hair grant her these powers."

History

  • Desktop 1.3.1:
    • Health increased from 200 to 400.
    • Defense increased from 10 to 20.
    • Can no longer petrify players above her.
    • Is now exclusive to Hardmode but still spawnable on pre-Hardmode by wiring and activating Medusa Statues but will not drop loot.
  • Desktop 1.3.0.4:
    • Now requires unobstructed line of sight to petrify, preventing hidden or offscreen Medusa from petrifying players.
    • Now makes sound and emits particles when attempting petrification.
  • Console 1.0.1372.5:
    • Health increased from 200 to 400.
    • Defense increased from 10 to 20.
    • Can no longer petrify players above her.
    • Is now exclusive to Hardmode but still spawnable on pre-Hardmode by wiring and activating Medusa Statues but will not drop loot.

References

  1. Information taken from the Desktop version Desktop 1.4.4.9 source code, method Update() in Terraria.Player.cs.
  2. Information taken from the Desktop version Desktop 1.4.4.9 source code, method AI_003_Fighters() in Terraria.NPC.cs. The formula for her pixels-per-tick velocity is 1.5 + (1 - healthPercent) * 2, with healthPercent being a decimal between 1 and 0.