Guide:Enemy farming

Monster farming is an essential part of Terraria. Some items have a very low drop rate; the way to get around this problem is to build a system that will constantly kill monsters until the desired item is obtained.

Monster farming basics
The most essential part to monster farming is knowing the basics of NPC spawning. Monsters will always spawn off screen, their spawn rates can be manipulated, and there is a limit to how many monsters can spawn in an area at one time.

Spawn rates can be changed by a number of factors. First, spawn rates are different depending on the biome and the time of day. Also, spawning is different depending on what depth layer you are in (e.g. dirt layer, stone layer). These factors also change what type of monsters spawn, so make sure you know the environment well before you start farming for a specific type of monster.

A few other effects will modify spawning rates: If there is a Blood Moon, the spawn rates will dramatically increase, and monsters will spawn even near your house. Water Candles and Battle Potions also greatly increase spawning rates. Both these items are recommended if you are farming monsters.

Another very important detail is that no monsters will spawn around a House if there are NPCs housed there currently. Note, a Blood Moon will override the no-spawning zone around houses.

Lava Trap
Lava traps are traps that use lava to kill monsters. Because of the high amount of damage done by the lava and the moderate ease to get the materials, a lava trap can make a very cost effective farm. Lava traps can be built by pouring a thin layer of lava into a pit (the thin layer of lava lets monsters be damaged while the drops remain undestroyed by the lava). A collection area below the pit is recommended for easy access to dropped items without having to go outside.

Lava traps can be used to farm a variety of monsters, but usually become outdated as the game progresses, due to more diverse monster types. Because there are a few types of monsters that farm exceptionally well with this type of trap, it should not be overlooked just because of its simple design.

However, if you build this farm near your home (with NPCs), it will no longer work, because monsters do not spawn near your home. Blood Moons cancel this effect, so a substantial amount of loot can still be collected on those nights.

Picking a Location
Lava traps can be placed nearly anywhere, so you can build one where you need the items. For an in-depth look at what items will be dropped from what locations, check their respective pages. Keep in mind that enemies that pass through tiles will not be affected, and flying enemies will only be lured in if you wait directly below the trap. Additionally, enemies with the Caster AI will not walk into the trap.

Deep Lava Traps
While deep lava will burn and destroy most items, making a farm out of deep lava may have some advantages. Only items of white rarity will be burned and destroyed, leaving behind only rarer items. Because items will despawn if there are too many items in the world at once, the destruction of unimportant items can be handy. These traps are useless for getting money, as even Gold Coins are white rarity.

Mechanism Traps
Using mechanisms can be a good way to take out enemies that won't be killed by lava traps. Use Dart Traps, Super Dart Traps, Flame Traps, Spear Traps, or Spiky Ball Traps. To trigger them, use a Timer or a Crab Engine

Statue Farms
So, you've beat the dungeon, saved the mechanic, and got the statues inside, great! But what's even better is putting them to use! Building a simple trap is really easy.

Here's a map for building a lava farm. X = Wall M = Lava K = Statue (Any Spawning One) L = Wire 5 = Timer Note: For a smaller trap, cut it in half. Here's a map for a dart trap. D = Dart Trap (Or any other projectile-spewing block) I = Wire 2 = Timer J = Statue K = Block Note: Don't forget the collection tunnel!!! Here's a map for a goldfish farm: Note: This does nothing, unless its a Blood Moon... Or it rains.

G = Goldfish Statue I = Block W = Wire J = Timer D = Door Note: This can be underwater or on land. B = Corrupt Goldfish (If underwater)