Dirt Block

Dirt Blocks are the second most common block type in the game, covering a huge chunk of the world's surface. They are almost surely all new players' first seen and most accessible block, which makes them useful to build a rudimentary shelter to refuge into during the first night if the player isn't willing to fight. May be covered by grass or corruption, which spread from adjacent dirt blocks. It can be moved around freely with a Dirt Rod.

Dirt blocks are one of the most fragile blocks in the game. A single hit from most Pickaxes will successfully mine them, but dirt blocks with grass or corruption on them may take two.

As natural caverns close to the surface are made of dirt, NPCs currently won't accept a house made of dirt blocks and walls.