Snow biome



The Ice biome, also known as the Tundra, is a Surface biome that takes on an arctic appearance with its constant snowfall, its ground made of Snow and Ice Blocks, and its boreal trees. It can be of moderate difficulty in the early game, becoming relatively easy with some basic equipment. The biome is always found in the direction of the Dungeon, opposite the Underground Desert and Jungle. It extends Underground and transitions to the Ice biome in the Cavern layer.

Specific features of the Snow biome include a different water color and a snowscape background. Boreal trees and Shiverthorn frequently grow in the snow. Penguins wander the surface, and typical enemies include Ice Slimes, Frozen Zombies, and Demon Eyes. Stepping in water in the Snow biome in or  inflicts the player with the Chilled debuff until 5 seconds after they leave. During rain, the biome undergoes a blizzard, decreasing visibility.

The trees in the biome can appear to be pines, snowy evergreens, or leafless trees, but they always yield Boreal Wood when cut down. Acorns placed on Snow Blocks always grow into boreal trees.

A Snow biome is made of at least 1500 /  300 Snow or Ice Blocks nearby, causing the water color and the background to change, but Snow plants and enemies can spawn on even a single block of snow or ice.

The Corruption, Crimson, and Hallow can overtake this biome through its Ice Blocks, either upon world generation or thanks to improved biome spread in Hardmode.

During a Blood Moon, Penguins become Corrupt or Vicious.

In Hardmode, the Snow biome gets a bit of a boost. Ice Elementals and Wolves begin to spawn at night, and blizzards can spawn the rare Ice Golem, a recurring lumbering giant with a frost beam attack that chills and even freezes players. Also, any enemy killed in the Snow biome in Hardmode has a chance of dropping the Amarok, a powerful yoyo that inflicts the Frostburn debuff on enemies.

The Dungeon holds a single Ice Chest, which is unlocked with a Frozen Key, obtainable from the Snow biome at any time, but is only usable after Plantera is defeated. Any enemy killed in the Snow biome has a chance of dropping the Frozen Key (on ) or the Frozen Key Mold (on ). The Ice Chest holds the Staff of the Frost Hydra, a sentry summon weapon.

Fishing in the Snow biome has a chance of yielding Atlantic Cod,, and Frost Minnow. Atlantic Cod is used to craft Cooked Fish and Frost Minnow is used to craft Warmth Potions, which reduce damage from cold-themed enemies by 30% and are very useful in the Snow biome. Frost Daggerfish are ranged /  throwing weapons and can be useful at the beginning of the game. and can also be caught in the Snow biome in pre-Hardmode and Hardmode, respectively, and always include one item from Frozen Chests (alongside other loot).

Trivia

 * The Angler calls the Snow biome Tundra.
 * s are typically flat and rocky, get little precipitation, and are entirely devoid of trees. They are defined by their layer of year-round frozen soil, which prevents large plants from taking root and makes the ground marshy in the summer. Terraria's Snow biome is none of these things.
 * This may just be an example of the Angler's usual childish tendencies.
 * The Snow biome is the only biome that is required to craft an item, the Snow Cloud.
 * The Angler will still display quests for the Mutant Flinxfin, Pengfish, and Tundra Trout even if the world does not contain a Snow biome.
 * The name Boreal Wood implies it originates in the far north.