The Ultimate Guide to Conquer Every Side Boss in Terraria

In Terraria, a sandbox-style game, players are faced with the challenge of exploration. The game offers a vast assortment of biomes and caves to be explored. Moreover, players will come across various creatures, many of whom are hostile.

Combat plays a significant role in Terraria. Whether it be encountering squishy bats or the menacing Wall of Flesh, players will encounter a vast array of enemies. Among these enemies are powerful bosses and side bosses, hostile creatures that drop essential items for players to progress in the game. Side bosses, despite their name, are just as formidable as other bosses within the game. The main distinction is that most side bosses only appear during special events. Here's a guide on how to defeat each and every one of them.

Betsy

Betsy, a Tier three Wyvern, emerges during the seventh wave of the Old One's Army event. To initiate this event, players can utilize an Eternia Crystal, which can be purchased from The Tavernkeep after defeating the Golem.

Dark Mage

Betsy's behavior is reminiscent of Duke Fishron, necessitating swift movement to evade her onslaught and prevent being cornered. It is advisable to prioritize targeting the Etherian Wyverns accompanying the boss, if feasible. Given that Betsy's attacks primarily consist of flames, it is recommended to consume an Obsidian Skin Potion prior to summoning her. This will effectively shield against her ability to inflict the On Fire! debuff.

An image of the Dark Mage side boss from Terraria.

The Dark Mage is encountered during the Old One's Army event. It materializes in the fifth wave at Tier one and in earlier waves at Tier three. Throughout the battle, the Dark Mage hovers above the ground, using dark energy projectiles, healing the player's adversaries, and conjuring Old One's Skeletons.

Taking down the Dark Mage can be a laborious task. It only emerges in the last wave of the event, requiring Terraria players to defeat numerous smaller enemies before facing it. It is advisable to replenish one's supply of Healing Potions in preparation.

Everscream

An image of the boss Everscream from Terraria.

The Frost Moon event in Terraria features Everscream, a challenging boss encountered in hard mode. This formidable foe takes the form of an imposing evergreen tree, relentlessly attacking players with sharp pine needles and festive ornaments. To initiate this epic battle, players must activate the Frost Moon event by utilizing a Naughty Present during the nighttime hours.

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Flying Dutchman

An image of the boss The Flying Dutchman from Terraria.

The Flying Dutchman, a boss in Terraria's Pirate Invasion event, is named after the legendary ghost ship. To initiate this event, players can either use a Pirate Map or encounter it randomly. In addition to its fearsome reputation, the Flying Dutchman is equipped with four formidable cannons that must be dismantled prior to its defeat. Beware, as it can also summon pirates to engage the player in battle. To effectively combat this daunting opponent, it is advisable to wield weaponry capable of targeting multiple enemies.

Ice Queen

An image of the Ice Queen boss from Terraria.

The Ice Queen has the ability to inflict the Chilled and/or Frozen debuffs on players, which can hinder their movement by slowing them down or completely immobilizing them. To counteract this, it is advisable to consume a Warmth potion prior to engaging in combat with her. Additionally, equipping gear that enhances movement can greatly assist in maneuvering effectively during the battle.

Martian Saucer

The Ice Queen will execute a Twirl attack during the confrontation. In this move, she will swiftly rotate while releasing a relentless assault of Frost Shards. However, she will remain stationary otherwise. This presents a favorable opportunity for players to launch their offensive against her. It is imperative to steer clear of the incoming Shards, and utilizing wings can provide assistance in evading them effectively.

An image of the Martian Saucer boss from Terraria.

The Martian Saucer, a boss encountered during the Martian Madness event, resembles a UFO belonging to aliens. It hovers above the player and employs three different attacks. Initially, it fires laser beams followed by missiles, with the lasers being relatively simple to avoid, while the missiles track the player's movements. To evade the missiles, manipulate one's movements in a manner that redirects them towards the ground. Lastly, the Martian Saucer executes a lethal attack known as the death ray. To counter this, utilize flight or a grappling hook to position oneself above the boss.

Mourning Wood

An image of the boss Mourning Wood from Terraria.

Mourning Wood, a boss with a tree-inspired theme, emerges during Terraria's Pumpkin Moon event. This formidable adversary mirrors the behavior of the boss known as Everscream, but distinguishes itself through its fire-based assaults. Curiously, Mourning Wood displays immunity to both lava and the scorching On Fire! debuff.

Ogre

Mourning Wood employs piercing Greek Fire projectiles as one of its primary assault techniques. To gain an upper hand, enticing it towards a shallow body of water and engaging from a safe distance is advisable. By doing so, players can render themselves impervious to the adversary's attacks.

An image of the Ogre boss from Terraria.

The Ogre, a boss featured in Terraria's Old One's Army event, is a slow-moving creature armed with a dangerous club. It appears during the final wave of Tier two and in the fifth and sixth waves of Tier three.

The Ogre employs three different methods of attack. Firstly, a single strike from its club deals a significant amount of damage. It is advisable to maintain a safe distance from the Ogre to avoid this attack. Additionally, the Ogre's jumps create a shockwave that both knocks back and harms players within its vicinity. Lastly, the Ogre is capable of hurling balls of Ogre Spit at players. Utilizing a flying mount will counteract the Oozed debuff caused by this attack.

Pumpking

An image of the boss The Pumpking from Terraria.

The Pumpking is the final boss of Terraria’s Pumpkin Moon event. Players can initiate a Pumpkin Moon event by using a Pumpkin Medallion.

The Pumpking, a formidable opponent, aims to launch attacks on players from a higher position. Among its arsenal, the most perilous move is the deployment of a Flame Scythe projectile. Although its strikes are swift, the Pumpking itself possesses a sluggish speed, which significantly hampers its effectiveness in battle. By executing broad circular movements, players can successfully evade its assaults. Nonetheless, one must exercise caution to avoid being cornered.

Santa-NK1

During the Frost Moon event, players will come across Santa-NK1. This formidable foe employs spiked balls, missiles, and a chain gun to assault players. Additionally, it bestows harmful presents upon the player, causing damage.

It is crucial to exercise caution when facing Santa-NK1, as its attacks have the potential to inflict significant damage. Avoiding the spiked balls should be a top priority, as they pose a deadly threat. To counteract this formidable opponent, players should utilize longer-range weaponry. Equipping wings can provide added maneuverability to evade its attacks, if possible.

Terraria is available on Android, iOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.