Pre-Hardmode
For the differences of this information on Old-gen console and 3DS, see Legacy:Pre-Hardmode.
Pre-Hardmode is the initial state of the player's world. It is essentially an "easy" version of the world, featuring enemies and items appropriate for new characters. Pre-Hardmode begins at world creation and ends with the defeat of the Wall of Flesh. Defeating the Wall of Flesh will irreversibly turn the world to Hardmode which adds more content and makes the game more difficult. This is part of systematic game advancement.
The term pre-Hardmode refers both to the pre-Hardmode world itself and to content accessible in pre-Hardmode worlds.
There is little reason to keep a world pre-Hardmode as Hardmode does not remove pre-Hardmode content (with a few exceptions). Reasons for postponing Hardmode include having an easier game experience, or to make extra preparations (such as building houses secure against enemies, or digging tunnels to protect biomes) before Hardmode begins.
Pre-Hardmode features vs. Hardmode features
Some items and enemies are not available in Hardmode, or lose a source of attainability.
| Pre-Hardmode | Hardmode |
|---|---|
 Shurikensare dropped from Pots
|
 Grenadesare dropped from Pots
(Shurikens can be obtained from other sources.)
|
 Silver Bulletsare only sold during a Blood Moon
|
Silver Bulletsare sold anytime
|
 Meteor Headsdrop loot
|
Meteor Headsdo not drop loot
|
 Cascade
|
 Hel-Fireis dropped instead of Cascade
|
 Gray Zapinator
|
 Orange Zapinatoris sold instead of Gray Zapinator
|
   Pre-Hardmode crates
|
   Hardmode cratesare fished instead of pre-Hardmode crates
(Pre-Hardmode crates can be obtained from other sources.)
|
Pre-Hardmode content
As mentioned, these features (aside from the exceptions shown above) are still available in Hardmode.
Pre-Hardmode items, items that can be obtained prior to Hardmode
Pre-Hardmode enemies, enemies that can be encountered prior to Hardmode
Pre-Hardmode bosses, bosses that can be fought prior to Hardmode