Terraria 1.4.5 Summoner Overview
Terraria 1.4.5 significantly improves the Summoner class by adding summon specific modifiers, expanding whip options, and smoothing out progression. The class still plays the same at its core, but damage scaling is better, reforging finally matters, and quality of life is noticeably improved. This guide explains what actually changed in 1.4.5 and how to use those changes correctly.
This guide applies to Terraria version 1.4.5.
What Changed For Summoner In Terraria 1.4.5
The update does not redesign Summoner, but it fixes several long standing weaknesses. Minions now scale better through reforging, whips are more balanced, and progression gaps are filled with new tools. Summoner feels more consistent from early game to endgame without relying on gimmicks.
Summoner Modifiers Explained
The most important change in 1.4.5 is the addition of summon exclusive weapon modifiers. These modifiers apply only to minions and sentries. Whips still roll melee modifiers and are unaffected by summon rolls.
There is no modifier that grants extra minion slots. That rumor is incorrect.
Summon modifiers focus on damage, armor penetration, knockback, and summon tag damage. These stats scale extremely well on minions, especially ones with low base damage or fast hit rates.
Best Overall Summon Modifier
Fabled is probably the strongest all around modifier for most summon weapons.
It provides increased damage, knockback, armor penetration, and summon tag damage. This combination improves raw DPS, hit consistency, and performance against armored enemies across all stages of the game.
Other Strong Summon Modifiers
Loyal is a slightly weaker but still excellent alternative to Fabled. It offers a balanced mix of offensive stats and works well on most minions.
Worthy is best for summons that do not benefit much from knockback or summon tag damage. The armor penetration and damage make it very reliable.
Eager provides very high armor penetration. This is powerful on low damage summons but can overcap against early and midgame enemies.
Ballistic focuses on summon tag damage. It performs best on fast hitting minions that constantly apply whip marks.
Negative modifiers should always be reforged away. Summoner damage relies too heavily on consistency to justify keeping bad rolls.
Armor Penetration And Summon Tag Damage
Armor penetration reduces enemy defense before damage is calculated. Since defense reduces damage at a two to one ratio, armor penetration often acts like flat damage. This makes it extremely valuable for minions.
Summon tag damage is applied when enemies are marked by whips. In 1.4.5, whip stacking has been reduced or removed. This shifts more damage responsibility back to minions, which is why summon modifiers matter much more than before.
Whips In Terraria 1.4.5
Several new whips are added across progression, including Corruption, Crimson, and boss themed options. Whips are still an important part of Summoner gameplay, but their role has changed slightly.
Important things to know:
Whips still use melee modifiers
Summon modifiers do not affect whips
Whips are now more about marking enemies and utility than raw DPS
This creates healthier balance where minions do most of the damage instead of whips doing everything.
Advanced Whip Interaction
Some whips apply short buffs. For example, Snapthorn grants a temporary attack speed bonus. You can apply this buff, then swap to another whip like Starcrash to benefit from faster hits.
This is optional optimization and not required for normal progression or casual play.
Pre Boss And Early Game Notes
There are a few early progression details worth knowing.
Some new whips can be crafted before bosses by mining Demonite or Crimtane with a Gold or Platinum Pickaxe. This allows earlier access to certain Summoner tools, but it requires extra time and biome exploration.
This is optional and not needed to progress normally.
New Minions And Sentries
Terraria 1.4.5 adds several new summon weapons that expand playstyle options.
New early and midgame minions
New sentries designed for area control
Utility focused summons that do more than pure damage
These additions help smooth Summoner progression without changing how the class fundamentally works.
Summoner Quality Of Life Changes
Several smaller changes greatly improve usability.
Minion count is now clearly displayed under buff icons. Reforging feedback is clearer when rolling high tier modifiers. Visual updates improve readability of summon related buffs and weapons.
These changes reduce confusion and make the class easier to manage.
Important Crafting Change
Spider Armor now requires a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil to craft. This is a Hardmode progression change that Summoner players should plan around when upgrading gear.
How Summoner Feels After 1.4.5
Summoner damage scales more smoothly throughout the game. Minions matter more, reforging feels meaningful, and the class no longer relies on heavy whip stacking to stay competitive.
The result is a cleaner and more reliable playstyle that rewards good modifier choices and positioning without excessive micromanagement.
Final Blurb
Terraria 1.4.5 strengthens the Summoner class by fixing long standing weaknesses rather than reinventing it. New summon modifiers, better progression tools, and quality of life improvements make Summoner one of the most consistent and enjoyable classes to play in this update.
FAQ
Do summon modifiers affect whips
No, whips still use melee modifiers only.
Is there a modifier that adds extra minion slots
No, that modifier does not exist.
Is armor penetration good for Summoner
Yes, it is extremely strong for low damage and fast hitting minions.
Is Summoner stronger in 1.4.5
Yes, the class is more consistent, smoother to play, and better balanced across progression.
More Terraria Guides
