Terraria 101: Your First-Day Survival Guide

Welcome to Terraria, a world filled with endless possibilities, where you can build, explore, and battle your way to victory. If you are new to the game, this post will help you get started, survive your first night, and set the foundation for your adventure. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Character Creation and World Setup

Before you begin, you will create your character. Customize your appearance and choose your difficulty—Classic is recommended for beginners. Next, create your world. The size (Small, Medium, or Large) affects exploration, but for beginners, a Small or Medium world is ideal to keep things manageable.

Step 2: Gathering Resources

As soon as you spawn, it is time to gather basic resources. Start by chopping down trees with your Copper Axe to collect wood—this is your most important resource early on. Gather around 100 wood to start. While you are at it, break some nearby rocks to collect stone and, if you are lucky, some iron ore. You will use these materials to craft essential items and build your first shelter.

Step 3: Building Your First Shelter

Before night falls, you need to build a basic shelter to protect yourself from monsters. Use your wood to construct a small house with walls, a ceiling, and a floor. Make sure to leave space for a door, which you can craft from wood. Place torches (crafted from wood and gel, dropped by slimes) inside to keep it well-lit—monsters won’t spawn in light. Finally, craft a Workbench (10 wood) to unlock more crafting options.

Step 4: Crafting Tools and Weapons

Now that you have a shelter, it is time to craft some basic tools. Start by crafting a Wooden Sword (stronger than the default Copper Shortsword) and a Wooden Bow. Next, make a few Arrows using wood and stone. You will also want to craft a Furnace (20 stone, 3 torches, 4 wood) to smelt any ores you find into bars, which are crucial for upgrading your tools and armor later on.

Step 5: Surviving the First Night

Nighttime in Terraria brings out dangerous creatures like zombies and demon eyes. If you have built your shelter well, you can stay inside until morning, crafting and organizing your inventory. However, if you are feeling brave, you can fight off these enemies with your new weapons—just be careful not to venture too far from your base.

Step 6: Exploring and Expanding

Once the sun rises, it is time to explore! Start by mining underground to find valuable ores like copper, iron, and silver. These can be smelted into bars to craft better tools and armor. Keep an eye out for chests containing useful items and accessories. As you gather resources, consider expanding your base to accommodate NPCs, who will move in as you progress and provide useful services.

Step 7: Early Game Progression

After you have gathered enough resources, aim to craft a full set of armor (starting with Iron Armor if possible) and upgrade your weapons. Your first major goal is to prepare for the Eye of Cthulhu, the first boss. To summon it, you will need to find or craft a Suspicious Looking Eye, but only do this once you feel ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wandering Too Far: Do not stray too far from your spawn point on the first day; you need time to build a shelter before night.
2. Ignoring Crafting Stations: Always set up a Workbench and Furnace early; they’re essential for progressing.
3. Underestimating Nighttime Dangers: Avoid open areas at night until you have crafted stronger weapons and armor.

Check out this spoiler-free beginner's video guide that walks you through the basics of Terraria, helping you get started without giving away any surprises. It is the perfect companion to this guide!

Remember to take your time, explore at your own pace, and have fun. Terraria rewards curiosity and creativity, so do not be afraid to experiment and discover your own path. Good luck, and happy mining!