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{{desktop only}}
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{{all versions}}
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[[Duke Fishron]] is a tough [[Hardmode]] flying [[boss]] with very high movement speed and high damage, making it the one of the most difficult bosses in the game. It is advised to use life-draining weapons on him and high movement speed.
{{About|updates to the desktop version of Terraria|console updates|Console Version history|mobile updates|Mobile Version history|future updates|Upcoming features}}
 
   
  +
== Gearing up ==
The '''Desktop version''' of ''Terraria'' refers to the PC, Mac, and Linux desktop computer versions. These versions are produced entirely by [[Re-Logic]], ''Terraria's'' original developer (whereas the {{Console version}}s and {{Mobile version}}s are ported by ''505 Games'', a third-party developer).
 
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=== [[Armor]] ===
  +
* For magic it is advisable to equip the [[Spectre Armor]] with the Spectre Hood to drain health, or Spectre Mask if one desires more damage.
  +
* For melee characters the [[Beetle Armor]] with Scale Mail are recommended as they give decent defense paired with attack buffs which stacks as the player damages the boss or the Sharknados. If the player desires high defense, [[Beetle Armor]] with Shell or [[Turtle Armor]] are recommended.
  +
* For ranged characters the [[Shroomite Armor]] is highly recommended.
  +
* For summoner characters having both the [[Spooky Armor]] and the [[Tiki Armor]] is highly recommended, using the Spooky Armor to summon all but the last minion, and wearing the Tiki Armor for the additional minion and higher defense.
  +
* If the [[Moon Lord]] has been defeated, armors constructed from [[Lunar Fragments]] may be preferable: [[Solar Flare armor]] for melee characters; [[Vortex armor]] for ranged characters; [[Stardust armor]] for summoners; and [[Nebula armor]] for magic or, due to the booster buffs, possibly for any character.
   
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=== Weapons ===
All three desktop versions are on the same update path and are updated together, sharing a common version number, though each has its own installation package. All can be purchased/downloaded through [http://store.steampowered.com/app/105600/ Steam] or [http://www.gog.com/game/terraria GOG.com].
 
   
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==== Summoner ====
Mac and Linux versions became available starting with version [[1.3.0.8]], released on August 12, 2015. All prior versions were PC-only (with the exception of [[1.3.0.7]], for which Mac & Linux beta test packages were made available).
 
  +
* Due to the ability to always have at least one [[minion]], or two with access to a [[Bewitching Table]], summoning a minion prior to Duke Fishron may be helpful. However, due to his significant defense, weaker minions should be avoided; and due to his extreme speed, slower minions or those who use slower projectiles will be similarly ineffective. The [[Optic Staff]], [[Xeno Staff]], and especially the [[Deadly Sphere Staff]] can be quite helpful, where the otherwise impressive [[Stardust Dragon Staff|Stardust Dragon]] can have difficulty keeping up with the Duke.
  +
* Maximize summon damage with buffs from food and potions, armor, and accessories when summoning minions, as the minions retain the increased damage even if the equipment is removed, until the minions are unsummoned or replaced.
   
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==== Magic ====
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;"
 
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* Homing weapons like [[Bat Scepter]] or [[Spectre Staff]] will let you focus on dodging.
|-
 
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* Rapid weapons like [[Razorpine]] or [[Leaf Blower]], rapidly recover health, which is extremely helpful for the fight. [[Razorblade Typhoon]] if you have already defeated the Duke, will let you focus on dodging as well, if you have decent enough aim. The only problem with [[Razorblade Typhoon]] is that the homing shots cannot keep up with him when he is rushing.
! style="width:5%;" | Version
 
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* It is possible to outheal Duke Fishron if one has equipped a [[Mana Flower]], A few stacks of [[Greater Mana Potion]]s (Can get from [[Wizard]]), and a high rate of fire Magic Weapon (the [[Laser Machinegun]] proves useful in this situation).
! style="width:12%" | Release date
 
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* The [[Golden Shower]] spell is helpful as it reduces his defense.
! style="width:10%" | Name
 
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* If you have good aim the [[Inferno Fork]] does a lot of damage.
! class=unsortable | Highlights & notes
 
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* The [[Blizzard Staff]] is very good for attacking while he is stationary.
|-
 
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* Avoid using magic weapons like [[Magnet Sphere]], [[Wasp Gun]] and [[Rainbow Gun]] as Duke Fishron's extreme speed will render these attacks nearly useless.
| '''[[1.3.1]]''' || May 22, 2016<ref>[http://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/1-3-1-release-date.43505/ In celebration of Terraria's 5th birthday, release date announced for PC 1.3.1 Update focusing on wiring mechanics and controller support.]</ref>|| Wiring Update || Significant updates to wiring and [[Mechanism]]s.
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.8]]''' || August 12, 2015 || Mac & Linux Release|| Now officially playable on Mac and Linux.
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.7]]''' || July 23, 2015 || Mac & Linux Beta ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.6]]''' || July 20, 2015 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.5]]''' || July 13, 2015 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.4]]''' || July 9, 2015 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.3]]''' || July 2, 2015 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.2]]''' || June 30, 2015 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.3.0.1]]''' || June 30, 2015 || Terraria 1.3 || [[Lunar Events]], [[Martian Madness]], [[Expert Mode]], [[Achievements]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.4.1]]''' || May 15, 2014 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.4]]''' || May 8, 2014 || Additions || [[Fishing]], [[Minecart]]s, [[Duke Fishron]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.3.1]]''' || February 18, 2014 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.3]]''' || February 13, 2014 || Additions ||[[Traveling Merchant]], [[Stylist]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.2]]''' || December 20, 2013 || Christmas Update! || [[Frost Moon]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.1.2]]''' || October 31, 2013 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.1.1]]''' || October 26, 2013 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.1]]''' || October 25, 2013<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/terraria-1-2-1-halloween-update.116144/ www.terrariaonline.com ➝ forums ➝ News ➝ Dev Blog ➝ thread: Terraria 1.2.1 Halloween Update!]</ref> || Halloween Update! || [[Halloween]], [[Pumpkin Moon]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.0.3.1]]''' || October 9, 2013 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.0.3]]''' || October 9, 2013 || Hotfixes || Several new Monster [[Banners]], more [[Furniture]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.0.2]]''' || October 3, 2013<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-2-0-2-changelog.108344/ '''Terraria 1.2.0.2''' <small>3 October 2013</small>]</ref> || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2.0.1]]''' || October 1, 2013 || Hotfixes ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.2]]''' || September 30, 2013<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/terraria-1-2-is-now-out.106803/ www.terrariaonline.com ➝ forums ➝ News & Features ➝ thread: Terraria 1.2 Is Now Out!]</ref> || Terraria 1.2 || [[The Crimson]], [[Chlorophyte]], [[Jungle Temple]], [[Plantera]], [[Pirate Invasion|Pirate Invasions]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.1.2]]''' || January 17, 2012<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/terraria-1-1-2.76786/ '''Terraria 1.1.2''' <small>17 January 2012</small>]</ref> || ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.1.1]]''' || December 15, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/70447 '''Terraria 1.1.1: Christmas Update!''' <small>15 December 2011</small>]</ref> || Christmas Update! ||[[Frost Legion]], [[Santa Claus]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.1]]''' || December 1, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/64684 '''Welcome to Terraria 1.1!''' <small>1 December 2011</small>]</ref> || Terraria 1.1 || [[Hardmode]], [[Wing]]s, [[Mechanism]]s, [[Items|Item]] [[modifier]]s, [[Mechanical Bosses]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.6.1]]''' || August 17, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-0-6-1-changelog.52843/ '''1.0.6.1 Changelog''' <small>17 August 2011</small>]</ref> || ||[[Sawmill]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.6]]''' || August 9, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-0-6-changelog.50278/ '''1.0.6 Changelog''' <small>9 August 2011</small>]</ref> || ||[[Critical hit|Critical Hits]], [[Damage types|Damage Types]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.5]]''' || June 23, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-0-5-changelog.33191/ '''1.0.5 Changelog''' <small>23 June 2011</small>]</ref> || || [[Potions]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.4]]''' || June 10, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-0-4-change-log.25667/ '''1.0.4 Change Log''' <small>10 June 2011</small>]</ref> || || [[King Slime]], [[Vanity items]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.3]]''' || June 2, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/1-0-3-change-log.19653/ '''1.0.3 Change Log''' <small>2 June 2011</small>]</ref> || ||[[Tim]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.2]]''' || May 23, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/patch-notes-1-0-2.10181/ '''Patch Notes 1.0.2''' <small>23 May 2011</small>]</ref> || || [[Sticky Bomb]]
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0.1]]''' || May 17, 2011<ref>[http://www.terrariaonline.com/threads/terraria-patch-1-0-1.4291/ '''Terraria Patch 1.0.1''' <small>17 May 2011</small>]</ref> || ||
 
|-
 
| '''[[1.0]]''' || May 16, 2011<ref>http://www.pcgamer.com/terraria-is-out-today/</ref> || Official Release ||
 
|}
 
   
==References==
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==== Melee ====
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* [[Vampire Knives]] are very useful for stealing life combined with decent damage, however the life steal effect seems to work better on his second stage.
{{reflist}}
 
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* [[Flask of Ichor]] is useful to slightly lower Duke Fishron's defense.
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* The [[Influx Waver]] is a better choice if you have defeated the Martian Madness event and obtained it from the Martian Saucer boss.
  +
* The [[Terra Blade]] also performs well, though not usually as well as the Vampire Knives.
  +
* Constantly throwing the [[Paladin's Hammer]] or [[Possessed Hatchet]] while flying around can defeat him quickly.
  +
* A stack of [[Bananarang]]s are good against the boss for its rapid throw and return. They do not home in on the boss, so speed is key.
  +
* [[The Eye of Cthulhu]] is the best [[yoyo]] that can be used by yoyo users, before defeating the Moon Lord.
  +
* When Duke Fishron shoots Detonating Bubbles, use [[Ice Sickle]] or [[Death Sickle]] to clear them.
  +
*The [[Solar Eruption]] is a truly good weapon for the fight (if you have defeated the celestial pillars) with the [[Beetle Armor]] because of the amazing damage and the small fire debuff it inflicts.
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* [[Flairon]] with [[Beetle Armor]] can kill Duke Fishron in about half a minute, if you have defeated him already.
   
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==== Ranged ====
{{Versions}}
 
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* The [[Snowman Cannon]] is powerful against him, if you have defeated the frost moon.
[[Category:Historc>Version history and release information by Terraria Wiki</metadesc>
 
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* The [[Chain Gun]], if you have beat the frost moon, or [[Megashark]], paired with [[Chlorophyte Bullets]] do very well; as these weapons have homing properties little aim will be required leaving the player to focus on dodging the boss.
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* The [[Piranha Gun]] attaches to Duke Fishron and deals continuous damage, so the player can focus on dodging Duke Fishron's attacks.You must do this at the start of the fight, or else he will be too fast for the piranha to latch on.
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* [[Ichor Arrow]]s or [[Ichor Bullet]]s will reduce his defense.
  +
* The [[Chlorophyte Shotbow]] with [[Venom Arrow]]s is useful. [[Chlorophyte Arrow]]s are good, but piercing weapons give the boss a 1/6 second immunity, and the other arrows may not hit him. It's best to use non-piercing arrows, preferably [[Venom Arrow]]s because of their high velocity. (Note, 1/6 of a second is barely any time, and other piercing weapons are still effective, but that 1/6 of a second is barely long enough to only allow 1-2 [[Chlorophyte Arrow]]s hit, instead of all five.)
  +
* The [[Stynger]] is very effective.
  +
* Using a [[Phantasm]] with [[Holy Arrow]]s can make the fight extremely easy, to the point where you can kill the boss within less than a minute and without taking major damage. This will be efficient even without [[Vortex armor]] or end-game accessories, although will only be possible if the player has already defeated the [[Lunar Events]] (which are considered easier to beat than Duke Fishron by some) to acquire the [[Vortex Fragment]]s necessary to craft the bow.
  +
* A [[Tactical Shotgun]] with [[Chlorophyte Bullet]]s is good for its wide spread, automatic firing, low ammo consumption, and homing ability.
   
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==== Additionally ====
[[ko:버전 역사]]
 
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* The [[Rod of Discord]] isn't a weapon, but helps with dodging.
[[ru:История версий]]
 
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[[fr:Historique des Versions PC]]
 
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=== Accessories ===
{{translation project}}
 
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A must is Wings and [[Lightning Boots]] or better as primary choice. Though the Lightning Boots are not entirely required, due to you needing to stay in the ocean biome to not enrage. They are both fairly easy to get at this point. If you have defeated Duke Fishron, [[Fishron Wings]] will also help. [[Frog Leg]] can be used for more mobility. A shield will prevent knockback from Sharknadoes.
  +
  +
Equip accessories with damage, critical, or—if using magic—arcane, modifiers. Accessories such as the [[Celestial Stone]], [[Fire Gauntlet]], [[Sniper Scope]], and emblems will also greatly improve damage output. Warding accessories can be used if the player desires extra defense.
  +
  +
[[Cross Necklace]] or [[Star Veil]] is recommended as the boss speed might cause several heavy hits on characters should the boss catch the player. The Sharknados may also flank the player hitting them consecutively especially on Duke Fishron's second phase.
  +
  +
Characters with [[Spectre Armor]] should consider using [[Magic Cuffs]] or [[Celestial Cuffs]], as the damage dealt by Duke Fishron's attacks will often times completely restore their MP, allowing them to attack constantly while restoring HP. Care should be taken as the boss' high attack can make quick work of reckless players.
  +
  +
Magic users should also consider the [[Mana Flower]].
  +
  +
If you are using [[The Eye of Cthulhu]] or another yoyo, use a [[Yoyo Bag]].
  +
  +
If you have difficulty dodging his charges and/or bubbles, invest some time in getting a [[Tabi]] or [[Master Ninja Gear]].
  +
  +
[[Charm of Myths]] will both allow for increased regen and reduced time for the [[Potion Sickness]] debuff.
  +
  +
The Cosmic Car mount is a good replacement for wings and can be better as it provides infinite air time.
  +
  +
=== Potions and Buffs ===
  +
As with any other [[Hardmode]] boss, it would be useful to prepare the following potions:
  +
* [[Greater Healing Potion]]s are highly recommended, though not entirely necessary with life-draining weapons.
  +
* [[Inferno Potion]] is '''HIGHLY''' recommended as it will destroy the Detonating Bubbles Fishron spawns
  +
* [[Greater Mana Potion]]s are recommended for magic users.
  +
* [[Regeneration Potion]] and [[Ironskin Potion]] to survive. Two of each will last enough.
  +
* [[Endurance Potion|Endurance]] and [[Lifeforce Potion|Lifeforce]] potions for even greater survivability.
  +
* [[Pumpkin Pie]]s will likely last the entire fight, and it's easy to craft.
  +
* [[Swiftness Potion]] helps you a lot to evade the Duke and its attacks.
  +
* [[Wrath Potion|Wrath]] and/or [[Rage Potion|Rage]] potions for a boost in damage output.
  +
* [[Magic Power Potion]] and the [[Crystal Ball]]'s [[Clairvoyance]] buff for magic users is recommended.
  +
* If a player has no arena, they can just use [[Water Walking Potion]]s.
  +
* [[Gravitation Potion]]s can free up an accessory slot, but it's recommended to use [[Featherfall Potion]]s with them.
  +
* Melee characters that are good at dodging can use the [[Tipsy]] debuff.
  +
* If you are facing him at night, a [[Shine Potion]], [[Night Owl Potion]], and [[Hunter Potion]] will help a lot so that you don't have to worry about visibility.
  +
  +
== The Battle ==
  +
Duke Fishron will attack in three different ways during his first stage. The very first thing Fishron will do is begin his charging flurry. He will charge towards the player exactly 5 times, with a short pause between each charge.
  +
  +
After each charge flurry, he will execute one of two kinds of projectile attacks. The first projectile attack fires around 20 [[Detonating Bubble]]s. The second projectile attack will create two small bubbles on either side of where he is that will each generate a Sharknado. The two Sharknadoes are tall and do damage, but they also fire [[Sharkron]]s towards the player.
  +
  +
Duke Fishron will alternate between the two different kinds of attacks, in-between charging flurries. When the fight starts, he will charge, followed by bubbles, followed by charge, followed by Sharknadoes.
  +
  +
When Duke falls below 25,000 health, he will stay stationary for a second, then his eyes will glow as he enters his second stage. His damage, and speed increase significantly, however his defense drops to 40.
  +
  +
His charge flurry only has 3 charges, but they are a bit faster than before. He still has two kinds of projectile attacks, but their natures change.
  +
  +
The Detonating Bubble attack now causes him to move around in a circle, dropping the bubbles in a circle around his original location. This spreads out the bubbles, making it more difficult to hit them all.
  +
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His Sharknado attack upgrades to summon a Cthulhunado. He will fire a special bubble at you that is quite fast. When it hits you, it will spawn a Cthulhunado, a very tall tornado that does lots of damage and fires large quantities of Sharkrons. It also lasts much longer.
  +
  +
Note that, after the battle is over, care should still be taken. If he has launched a Cthulhunado, it may still fire Sharkrons. He may also have died within the Cthulhunado, so don't charge into it to collect his drops until it dissipates.
  +
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=== Dealing with Charge ===
  +
  +
Duke Fishron's charging attack is his primary attack, and one of the most difficult to dodge.
  +
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The key to dodging it is to try to move ''perpendicularly'' to where he is aimed, right before he makes his charge. For example, if you are horizontal with him when he is about to charge, you need to quickly up (or down, if you're already flying). If he is right above/below you, then you need to quickly move left or right.
  +
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=== Dealing with Sharknadoes ===
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  +
One important element of the Sharknado attack (just the phase 1 version) is that they will spawn in the location where Duke Fishron was when he fired the attack. And they will despawn almost exactly when he is ready to drop another pair of Sharknadoes.
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  +
As long as the player keeps in mind what attack Duke Fishron will do next, the player can put him in a position that makes it hard for the player to hit the Sharknadoes themselves. For example, during the charging flurry before the Sharknado attack, the player can move towards the edge of the screen, horizontally. That way, the player can run the other way knowing that they will not encounter Sharkrons from that direction. This also means that attacks towards Duke Fishron will also be towards the direction of incoming Sharkrons.
  +
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Also, note that Duke Fishron's first attack will ''always'' be bubbles.
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Sharknadoes are quite tall; getting over them will require multiple jumps or some form of [[Wing]].
  +
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=== Dealing with Cthulhunadoes ===
  +
  +
The upgraded Sharknado attack is a bit more difficult to deal with. It's taller, requiring even more jumps, and it does more damage than the original. And fires more Sharkrons.
  +
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However, there is one thing that makes it a bit easier to deal with: the Cthulhunado will spawn in the location where you were when the bubble hit you. This gives you a bit more control over where the thing spawns, so you have more of a chance (if you are fast) to make sure it doesn't spawn in an inconvenient place. You likely do not have the speed to outrun the attack, but you can help get it out of the way.
  +
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The downside of course is that, once the bubble hits you, you need to quickly move, lest it spawn on top of you.
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Another important factor to note is that by no means necessary should you attempt to cross a Cthulhunado. They deal about 100 damage, which will turn the fight in Duke Fishrons favour. Always use Wings/ The Cosmic Car to fly over them. Alternatively, use the Rod of Discord to teleport to the other side.
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== More In-Depth Strategies ==
  +
===Minecart Strategy (without skybridge; works on 1.3)===
  +
This strategy differs from others in that it doesn't use skybridge, replacing it with looped minecart track above the ocean, so the player won't have to deal with his enraged behavior. It does, however, need some more work than other ones, especially when building arena.
  +
  +
==== Materials ====
  +
*600-1200 normal minecart tracks for building loop + 2 booster tracks
  +
*10-30 [[Greater Healing Potion]]s
  +
*Any kind of hammer
  +
  +
==== Weapons ====
  +
Ranger:
  +
*[[Tactical Shotgun]], [[Uzi]] or [[Megashark]] with [[Chlorophyte Bullet]]s
  +
*[[Chlorophyte Shotbow]] with [[Venom Arrow]]s
  +
Mage:
  +
*[[Spectre Staff]]
  +
*[[Shadowbeam Staff]] or [[Heat Ray]]
  +
*[[Leaf Blower]]
  +
Melee:
  +
*[[Possessed Hatchet]]
  +
*[[Scourge of the Corruptor]]
  +
*[[Vampire Knives]]
  +
  +
====Arena Preparation====
  +
The essence is to make looped minecart track approx. 60 tiles above Ocean itself. It should consist of at least 600 tiles; while shape is pretty loose, it should have at least two places in which player drastically changes altitude, as well as at least 100 tiles long flats.
  +
One should also make a "Starter" - a short molo with boosters, from which player will summon [[Duke Fishron]] and quickly escape to the loop.
  +
Placing [[Campfire]]s and [[Heart Lantern]]s could prove to be difficult, but will help player if something goes wrong.
  +
It should be noted also that arena shouldn't exceed Ocean biome.
  +
  +
A good arena is a box with two levels, tall enough for you to stand in. The lower level should be empty, except for a one block tall, three block wide, pool of honey. The top level should have a Mimic Statue and a Crab Statue wired to a one-second timer. During the battle, after summoning him, use a Rod of Discord to teleport into the box, stand in the honey, and spawn a bunch of Mimics and Crabs. Use the Horseman's Blade to kill the Mimics and the pumpkins will aim for Duke Fishron.
  +
  +
==== Execution ====
  +
When everything's done, player should sit in a minecart on "Starter" and summon the Fishron. As soon as it's done, one should quickly go to loop (boosters will help). At this point, everything that remains is to shoot Fishron while maintaining speed on track, healing a/o replenishing mana when needed.
  +
Some tips:
  +
*Use a homing weapon, especially if your arena is pretty large. Fishron will spend most time off-screen, and high speed will often change directions you're facing.
  +
*Though stock minecart shouldn't be used, [[Mechanical Cart]] is not a good choice. Even though with it provides defense bonus, as well as speed to avoid Fishron's charges, it will probably outrun him so much that he will despawn, what is especially possible on larger arenas. Higher speed means also that you will more often run into Sharknados.
  +
*Try to make arena consisting of approx. 800 tiles, but don't make it horizontally-long. If you do so, Fishron will frequently run into you, and Cthulunados in his second stage will quickly kill you as there won't be any way to dodge them.
  +
  +
=== "Meat Shield" strategy ===
  +
If you have 2 or more players, consider having a "meat shield" (A player with [[Beetle armor|Beetle armour]] w/ Shell and Warding accessories) to focus on dodging and keeping him away. The other player will have [[Spectre armor|Spectre Armour]] w/ Hood, a [[Laser Machinegun]], a [[Mana Flower]] and 1-2 stacks of Greater Mana Potions. The defensive player will focus solely on dodging yet staying close to the offensive player, so that the Spectre Hood will heal the defensive player whilst draining Duke Fishron's health rather quickly.
  +
  +
== Notes ==
  +
* As of the 1.3.0.1 update, his behavior is changed so that he will now enter an enraged state when the player left the ocean biome, giving him a vast increase in both speed and damage, dealing 100+ Damage even to a player who is using [[Solar Flare armor|Solar Flare Armor]]. An enraged Duke Fishron is capable of outrunning even a player running on asphalt with Hermes boots. The formerly effective skybridge tactic is no longer advisable, as attempting to use it will probably render the player dead soon after leaving the ocean biome.
  +
*Duke Fishron can actually be summoned at anytime in Hardmode, as truffles can start spawning immediately, however it is not recommended to attempt fighting him until after at least Golem-level equipment has been obtained.
  +
{{guides}}

Revision as of 15:39, 17 June 2016

Duke Fishron is a tough Hardmode flying boss with very high movement speed and high damage, making it the one of the most difficult bosses in the game. It is advised to use life-draining weapons on him and high movement speed.

Gearing up

Armor

  • For magic it is advisable to equip the Spectre Armor with the Spectre Hood to drain health, or Spectre Mask if one desires more damage.
  • For melee characters the Beetle Armor with Scale Mail are recommended as they give decent defense paired with attack buffs which stacks as the player damages the boss or the Sharknados. If the player desires high defense, Beetle Armor with Shell or Turtle Armor are recommended.
  • For ranged characters the Shroomite Armor is highly recommended.
  • For summoner characters having both the Spooky Armor and the Tiki Armor is highly recommended, using the Spooky Armor to summon all but the last minion, and wearing the Tiki Armor for the additional minion and higher defense.
  • If the Moon Lord has been defeated, armors constructed from Lunar Fragments may be preferable: Solar Flare armor for melee characters; Vortex armor for ranged characters; Stardust armor for summoners; and Nebula armor for magic or, due to the booster buffs, possibly for any character.

Weapons

Summoner

  • Due to the ability to always have at least one minion, or two with access to a Bewitching Table, summoning a minion prior to Duke Fishron may be helpful. However, due to his significant defense, weaker minions should be avoided; and due to his extreme speed, slower minions or those who use slower projectiles will be similarly ineffective. The Optic Staff, Xeno Staff, and especially the Deadly Sphere Staff can be quite helpful, where the otherwise impressive Stardust Dragon can have difficulty keeping up with the Duke.
  • Maximize summon damage with buffs from food and potions, armor, and accessories when summoning minions, as the minions retain the increased damage even if the equipment is removed, until the minions are unsummoned or replaced.

Magic

Melee

  • Vampire Knives are very useful for stealing life combined with decent damage, however the life steal effect seems to work better on his second stage.
  • Flask of Ichor is useful to slightly lower Duke Fishron's defense.
  • The Influx Waver is a better choice if you have defeated the Martian Madness event and obtained it from the Martian Saucer boss.
  • The Terra Blade also performs well, though not usually as well as the Vampire Knives.
  • Constantly throwing the Paladin's Hammer or Possessed Hatchet while flying around can defeat him quickly.
  • A stack of Bananarangs are good against the boss for its rapid throw and return. They do not home in on the boss, so speed is key.
  • The Eye of Cthulhu is the best yoyo that can be used by yoyo users, before defeating the Moon Lord.
  • When Duke Fishron shoots Detonating Bubbles, use Ice Sickle or Death Sickle to clear them.
  • The Solar Eruption is a truly good weapon for the fight (if you have defeated the celestial pillars) with the Beetle Armor because of the amazing damage and the small fire debuff it inflicts.
  • Flairon with Beetle Armor can kill Duke Fishron in about half a minute, if you have defeated him already.

Ranged

  • The Snowman Cannon is powerful against him, if you have defeated the frost moon.
  • The Chain Gun, if you have beat the frost moon, or Megashark, paired with Chlorophyte Bullets do very well; as these weapons have homing properties little aim will be required leaving the player to focus on dodging the boss.
  • The Piranha Gun attaches to Duke Fishron and deals continuous damage, so the player can focus on dodging Duke Fishron's attacks.You must do this at the start of the fight, or else he will be too fast for the piranha to latch on.
  • Ichor Arrows or Ichor Bullets will reduce his defense.
  • The Chlorophyte Shotbow with Venom Arrows is useful. Chlorophyte Arrows are good, but piercing weapons give the boss a 1/6 second immunity, and the other arrows may not hit him. It's best to use non-piercing arrows, preferably Venom Arrows because of their high velocity. (Note, 1/6 of a second is barely any time, and other piercing weapons are still effective, but that 1/6 of a second is barely long enough to only allow 1-2 Chlorophyte Arrows hit, instead of all five.)
  • The Stynger is very effective.
  • Using a Phantasm with Holy Arrows can make the fight extremely easy, to the point where you can kill the boss within less than a minute and without taking major damage. This will be efficient even without Vortex armor or end-game accessories, although will only be possible if the player has already defeated the Lunar Events (which are considered easier to beat than Duke Fishron by some) to acquire the Vortex Fragments necessary to craft the bow.
  • A Tactical Shotgun with Chlorophyte Bullets is good for its wide spread, automatic firing, low ammo consumption, and homing ability.

Additionally

Accessories

A must is Wings and Lightning Boots or better as primary choice. Though the Lightning Boots are not entirely required, due to you needing to stay in the ocean biome to not enrage. They are both fairly easy to get at this point. If you have defeated Duke Fishron, Fishron Wings will also help. Frog Leg can be used for more mobility. A shield will prevent knockback from Sharknadoes.

Equip accessories with damage, critical, or—if using magic—arcane, modifiers. Accessories such as the Celestial Stone, Fire Gauntlet, Sniper Scope, and emblems will also greatly improve damage output. Warding accessories can be used if the player desires extra defense.

Cross Necklace or Star Veil is recommended as the boss speed might cause several heavy hits on characters should the boss catch the player. The Sharknados may also flank the player hitting them consecutively especially on Duke Fishron's second phase.

Characters with Spectre Armor should consider using Magic Cuffs or Celestial Cuffs, as the damage dealt by Duke Fishron's attacks will often times completely restore their MP, allowing them to attack constantly while restoring HP. Care should be taken as the boss' high attack can make quick work of reckless players.

Magic users should also consider the Mana Flower.

If you are using The Eye of Cthulhu or another yoyo, use a Yoyo Bag.

If you have difficulty dodging his charges and/or bubbles, invest some time in getting a Tabi or Master Ninja Gear.

Charm of Myths will both allow for increased regen and reduced time for the Potion Sickness debuff.

The Cosmic Car mount is a good replacement for wings and can be better as it provides infinite air time.

Potions and Buffs

As with any other Hardmode boss, it would be useful to prepare the following potions:

The Battle

Duke Fishron will attack in three different ways during his first stage. The very first thing Fishron will do is begin his charging flurry. He will charge towards the player exactly 5 times, with a short pause between each charge.

After each charge flurry, he will execute one of two kinds of projectile attacks. The first projectile attack fires around 20 Detonating Bubbles. The second projectile attack will create two small bubbles on either side of where he is that will each generate a Sharknado. The two Sharknadoes are tall and do damage, but they also fire Sharkrons towards the player.

Duke Fishron will alternate between the two different kinds of attacks, in-between charging flurries. When the fight starts, he will charge, followed by bubbles, followed by charge, followed by Sharknadoes.

When Duke falls below 25,000 health, he will stay stationary for a second, then his eyes will glow as he enters his second stage. His damage, and speed increase significantly, however his defense drops to 40.

His charge flurry only has 3 charges, but they are a bit faster than before. He still has two kinds of projectile attacks, but their natures change.

The Detonating Bubble attack now causes him to move around in a circle, dropping the bubbles in a circle around his original location. This spreads out the bubbles, making it more difficult to hit them all.

His Sharknado attack upgrades to summon a Cthulhunado. He will fire a special bubble at you that is quite fast. When it hits you, it will spawn a Cthulhunado, a very tall tornado that does lots of damage and fires large quantities of Sharkrons. It also lasts much longer.

Note that, after the battle is over, care should still be taken. If he has launched a Cthulhunado, it may still fire Sharkrons. He may also have died within the Cthulhunado, so don't charge into it to collect his drops until it dissipates.

Dealing with Charge

Duke Fishron's charging attack is his primary attack, and one of the most difficult to dodge.

The key to dodging it is to try to move perpendicularly to where he is aimed, right before he makes his charge. For example, if you are horizontal with him when he is about to charge, you need to quickly up (or down, if you're already flying). If he is right above/below you, then you need to quickly move left or right.

Dealing with Sharknadoes

One important element of the Sharknado attack (just the phase 1 version) is that they will spawn in the location where Duke Fishron was when he fired the attack. And they will despawn almost exactly when he is ready to drop another pair of Sharknadoes.

As long as the player keeps in mind what attack Duke Fishron will do next, the player can put him in a position that makes it hard for the player to hit the Sharknadoes themselves. For example, during the charging flurry before the Sharknado attack, the player can move towards the edge of the screen, horizontally. That way, the player can run the other way knowing that they will not encounter Sharkrons from that direction. This also means that attacks towards Duke Fishron will also be towards the direction of incoming Sharkrons.

Also, note that Duke Fishron's first attack will always be bubbles.

Sharknadoes are quite tall; getting over them will require multiple jumps or some form of Wing.

Dealing with Cthulhunadoes

The upgraded Sharknado attack is a bit more difficult to deal with. It's taller, requiring even more jumps, and it does more damage than the original. And fires more Sharkrons.

However, there is one thing that makes it a bit easier to deal with: the Cthulhunado will spawn in the location where you were when the bubble hit you. This gives you a bit more control over where the thing spawns, so you have more of a chance (if you are fast) to make sure it doesn't spawn in an inconvenient place. You likely do not have the speed to outrun the attack, but you can help get it out of the way.

The downside of course is that, once the bubble hits you, you need to quickly move, lest it spawn on top of you.

Another important factor to note is that by no means necessary should you attempt to cross a Cthulhunado. They deal about 100 damage, which will turn the fight in Duke Fishrons favour. Always use Wings/ The Cosmic Car to fly over them. Alternatively, use the Rod of Discord to teleport to the other side.

More In-Depth Strategies

Minecart Strategy (without skybridge; works on 1.3)

This strategy differs from others in that it doesn't use skybridge, replacing it with looped minecart track above the ocean, so the player won't have to deal with his enraged behavior. It does, however, need some more work than other ones, especially when building arena.

Materials

  • 600-1200 normal minecart tracks for building loop + 2 booster tracks
  • 10-30 Greater Healing Potions
  • Any kind of hammer

Weapons

Ranger:

Mage:

Melee:

Arena Preparation

The essence is to make looped minecart track approx. 60 tiles above Ocean itself. It should consist of at least 600 tiles; while shape is pretty loose, it should have at least two places in which player drastically changes altitude, as well as at least 100 tiles long flats. One should also make a "Starter" - a short molo with boosters, from which player will summon Duke Fishron and quickly escape to the loop. Placing Campfires and Heart Lanterns could prove to be difficult, but will help player if something goes wrong. It should be noted also that arena shouldn't exceed Ocean biome.

A good arena is a box with two levels, tall enough for you to stand in. The lower level should be empty, except for a one block tall, three block wide, pool of honey. The top level should have a Mimic Statue and a Crab Statue wired to a one-second timer. During the battle, after summoning him, use a Rod of Discord to teleport into the box, stand in the honey, and spawn a bunch of Mimics and Crabs. Use the Horseman's Blade to kill the Mimics and the pumpkins will aim for Duke Fishron.

Execution

When everything's done, player should sit in a minecart on "Starter" and summon the Fishron. As soon as it's done, one should quickly go to loop (boosters will help). At this point, everything that remains is to shoot Fishron while maintaining speed on track, healing a/o replenishing mana when needed. Some tips:

  • Use a homing weapon, especially if your arena is pretty large. Fishron will spend most time off-screen, and high speed will often change directions you're facing.
  • Though stock minecart shouldn't be used, Mechanical Cart is not a good choice. Even though with it provides defense bonus, as well as speed to avoid Fishron's charges, it will probably outrun him so much that he will despawn, what is especially possible on larger arenas. Higher speed means also that you will more often run into Sharknados.
  • Try to make arena consisting of approx. 800 tiles, but don't make it horizontally-long. If you do so, Fishron will frequently run into you, and Cthulunados in his second stage will quickly kill you as there won't be any way to dodge them.

"Meat Shield" strategy

If you have 2 or more players, consider having a "meat shield" (A player with Beetle armour w/ Shell and Warding accessories) to focus on dodging and keeping him away. The other player will have Spectre Armour w/ Hood, a Laser Machinegun, a Mana Flower and 1-2 stacks of Greater Mana Potions. The defensive player will focus solely on dodging yet staying close to the offensive player, so that the Spectre Hood will heal the defensive player whilst draining Duke Fishron's health rather quickly.

Notes

  • As of the 1.3.0.1 update, his behavior is changed so that he will now enter an enraged state when the player left the ocean biome, giving him a vast increase in both speed and damage, dealing 100+ Damage even to a player who is using Solar Flare Armor. An enraged Duke Fishron is capable of outrunning even a player running on asphalt with Hermes boots. The formerly effective skybridge tactic is no longer advisable, as attempting to use it will probably render the player dead soon after leaving the ocean biome.
  • Duke Fishron can actually be summoned at anytime in Hardmode, as truffles can start spawning immediately, however it is not recommended to attempt fighting him until after at least Golem-level equipment has been obtained.