Welcome to the ultimate guide for bullets in Terraria! If you're looking to run a ranged gun loadout, choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference in your adventures. In this comprehensive Terraria Bullet tier list, I'll break down the best bullets available in the game, highlighting their unique properties, crafting requirements, and practical uses. From piercing and explosive bullets to those that inflict debilitating debuffs, I'll cover everything you need to know to maximize your damage output and dominate all stages of the game, be it pre-hardmode or hardmode. So load up your favorite gun and let's dive into the world of Terraria's bullets!
S
Crystal Bullet
Base Damage: 9 (8 on pre-update platforms)
Velocity: 5
Special Properties: Shatters on impact, producing shards
Crafting: 100 Musket Balls and 1 Crystal Shard at a Hardmode Anvil
Crystal Bullets are the best bullets type in early Hardmode, particularly effective against bosses and multi-segment enemies. Upon impact, each bullet shatters into two shards (patch 1.4.1 nerfed them, they used to shatter into three shards), each dealing 50% of the original damage, which significantly increases overall damage output.
Advantages:
- High Potential DPS: The additional shards mean more hits and more damage.
- Accessibility: Easy to craft in large quantities since only one Crystal Shard is needed for 100 bullets.
- Effectiveness Against Bosses: Especially useful for mechanical bosses due to the extra damage from shards.
- Synergy with Ichor: Works well with Ichor to reduce enemy defense and increase damage output.
Crystal Bullets are recommended for players who can manage accuracy issues, as the extra shards can deal significant damage to moving targets. They are an excellent choice for shredding through enemies with low defenses and are one of the most favored ammos in the game for their damage potential and ease of acquisition.
Chlorophyte Bullet
Base Damage: 10 (15 on pre-update platforms)
Velocity: 5
Special Properties: Homing bullets
Crafting: 70 Musket Balls and 1 Chlorophyte Bar at a Hardmode Anvil
Chlorophyte Bullets are highly sought in Hardmode for their homing capabilities, making them incredibly effective when used with rapid-fire or spread shotguns and easily earning their place in the S tier of this Terraria Bullet Tier List. These bullets automatically home in on enemies, significantly increasing accuracy and convenience during combat.
Advantages:
- Perfect Accuracy: Homing bullets ensure consistent hits on moving targets.
- Effectiveness in Boss Fights: Particularly useful against bosses like Plantera or Duke Fishron due to their homing nature.
- Improvement for Many Guns: Enhances the viability and performance of various guns.
Disadvantages:
- Resource Intensive: Crafted from Chlorophyte Bars, a highly contested resource mined in the Jungle after defeating all three mechanical bosses. But a way to solve this is by making your own Chlorophyte farm.
- Potential Targeting Issues: Lack of control over bullet targeting can result in bullets homing in on less critical parts of bosses, such as Plantera's tentacles, which can prolong the fight.
Despite the lower base damage and crafting expense, Chlorophyte Bullets are considered one of the best ammunition types in the game. Their ability to home in on targets makes them indispensable for boss fights and various combat scenarios. Highly recommended for players seeking maximum accuracy and effectiveness in their battles.
Ichor Bullet
Base Damage: 13
Velocity: 5.25
Special Properties: Inflicts Ichor debuff (reduces enemy defense by 20 for 15 seconds)
Crafting: 150 Musket Balls and 1 Ichor at a Hardmode Anvil only available in Crimson worlds
Ichor Bullets are a great bullet choice in Hardmode, particularly effective against bosses and high-defense enemies due to their ability to inflict the Ichor debuff. This debuff reduces enemy defense by 20, significantly increasing overall damage output.
Advantages:
- High Damage: Higher base damage compared to many other bullet types.
- Powerful Debuff: The Ichor debuff reduces enemy defense, greatly enhancing DPS.
- Good Velocity: Slightly higher velocity improves hit rate.
- Effective Against Bosses: Particularly useful for mechanical bosses with high defense stats.
Despite the availability of other methods to inflict the Ichor debuff, Ichor Bullets remain a top-tier choice for maximizing damage output against bosses and high-defense enemies. Their powerful debuff and high base damage make them a reliable and effective ammunition type in many combat situations and are a much better choice than their Cursed Bullet counterpart.
Note: If you have another way to inflict the Ichor debuff (e.g., using a whip, dart, or Golden Shower), combining those methods with Crystal Bullets may result in higher overall damage.
Luminite Bullet
Base Damage: 22
Velocity: High
Special Properties: Pierces up to 50 enemies, with damage reduced by 4% per enemy pierced
Crafting: 333 Luminite Bullets from 1 Luminite Bar at an Ancient Manipulator (post-Moon Lord)
Luminite Bullets are end-game bullets in Terraria, featuring the highest base damage and exceptional piercing capabilities. These bullets can pierce up to 50 enemies, making them unparalleled for crowd control.
Advantages:
- Highest Base Damage: No other bullet type matches their raw damage output.
- Near Infinite Piercing: Can pierce up to 50 enemies, preventing enemies from gaining invincibility frames.
- Effective Against High-Defense Enemies: Ideal for tearing through tough foes and large groups.
- Crowd Control: Excellent for managing large groups of enemies.
Luminite Bullets are the last and most powerful bullets available in the game. While they excel at crowd control and offer the highest base damage, their late-game availability and reliance on a contested resource like Luminite Bars can limit their practicality. Nevertheless, with the S.D.M.G. and Luminite Bullets, players can achieve unparalleled damage, making these bullets an excellent choice for endgame content. Overall, they provide comparable DPS to Crystal Bullets but may not be as effective as Chlorophyte Bullets against fast-moving or flying enemies.
A
Exploding Bullet
Base Damage: 10
Velocity: 4.7
Special Properties: Explodes on impact, causing splash damage
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Explosive Powder at a Workbench
Exploding Bullets are versatile ammo that you can get in Hardmode, known for their explosive impact and splash damage capabilities. They are especially effective against crowds and segmented enemies.
Advantages:
- High Knockback: The explosive impact provides significant knockback, helping control enemy movement, especially good versus dense groups of enemies.
- Splash Damage: Effective against multiple enemies and segmented enemies like The Destroyer due to the splash damage.
- No Farming Required: Crafted easily with materials bought from the Demolitionist.
- Good Velocity: Slightly improved damage and velocity compared to standard bullets.
Exploding Bullets are among the best choices for dealing with The Destroyer and other large crowds. Their splash damage and high knockback make them a valuable tool for early Hardmode, enhancing the viability of numerous guns without the need for extensive farming. Use caution to avoid self-damage, but otherwise, these bullets provide a powerful and accessible option for dealing with tough enemies and large groups.
Meteor Shot
Base Damage: 9
Velocity: 3
Special Properties: Bounces once or pierces a single enemy
Crafting: 70 Musket Balls and 1 Meteorite Bar at an Anvil.
A fully-mined meteorite can yield around 7,000 Meteor Shots
Meteor Shots are arguably the best bullets in pre-Hardmode, known for their ability to bounce once or pierce through one enemy. This dual capability makes them a must-have for crowd control and exploration. Bullets being able to bounce means you can use them to easily locate floating islands.
Advantages:
- Piercing and Ricocheting: Can either bounce once or pierce a single enemy, adding versatility in combat.
- Crowd Control: Particularly useful for managing goblin invasions and other large groups of enemies.
- Exploration Utility: Useful for finding floating islands due to their bouncing capability.
Meteor Shots provide a unique combination of bouncing and piercing properties that make them invaluable for both combat and exploration in pre-Hardmode. While their slower velocity and nonrenewable nature require mindful use, their overall effectiveness in crowd control and boss fights, particularly against the Wall of Flesh, makes them a critical resource for any gunslinger.
Venom Bullet
Base Damage: 14
Velocity: 5.3
Special Properties: Inflicts Venom debuff (additional damage over time)
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Vial of Venom at a Workbench
Venom Bullets is ammo known for inflicting the powerful Venom debuff, which deals additional damage over time. These bullets are particularly useful against enemies that are not immune to venom— but do note that many enemies are actually immune!
Advantages:
- High Base Damage: Superior base damage compared to many other bullet types, makes them viable even against late-game bosses like the Moon Lord.
- Powerful Debuff: Inflicts the Venom debuff, which adds significant damage over time.
- No Farming Required: Materials can be bought from the Witch Doctor, simplifying the crafting process.
Venom Bullets provide a reliable high-damage option with the added benefit of the Venom debuff. They are a convenient choice for players looking to maximize damage with minimal effort. While they may not always outperform specialized ammunition like Crystal Bullets, their straightforward application and powerful debuff make them a valuable ammo in any gun arsenal, particularly for those looking to avoid extensive farming.
Nano Bullet
Base Damage: 10
Velocity: 5.1
Special Properties: Inflicts Confused debuff (enemies run away)
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Set of Nanites at a Workbench
Nano Bullets offer a rather unique ability, they can inflict the Confused debuff, causing enemies to run away from the player. This tactical crowd control feature can be especially useful in specific combat scenarios. The ammo is very effective in underground and surface environments because of its smart bounce effect, this makes it perform well in the upgraded dungeon and lunar events too.
Advantages:
- Tactical Crowd Control: The Confused debuff causes enemies to flee, providing breathing room during intense fights.
- Smart Bounce: Bullets can bounce, improving accuracy and hit rate, especially in enclosed or surface areas.
- No Farming Required: Materials can be bought from the Cyborg, simplifying the crafting process.
Nano Bullets offer a blend of tactical utility and convenience, with the added benefit of the Confused debuff. While they may not provide the same consistent damage output as other specialized ammunition like Venom or Chlorophyte Bullets, their ability to create space and manage crowds makes them a valuable tool in specific situations.
B
Musket Ball / Endless Musket Pouch
Base Damage: 7
Velocity: 4
Special Properties: None
Uses: Basic ammunition, crafting ingredient for six other bullet types, infinite ammo source with Endless Musket Pouch (Requires four stacks of 999 musket balls and a Crystal Ball, available from the Wizard in Hardmode.)
Acquisition: Found in pots, bought from the Arms Dealer after obtaining a gun
Musket Balls are the most basic ammunition type for guns in Terraria. They are the equivalent of wooden arrows for bows, serving as the foundation for more advanced bullet types.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Inexpensive and easy to obtain from the Arms Dealer.
- Infinite Ammo Source: Using the Endless Musket Pouch, you get an infinite supply of musket balls, making it ideal for exploration and general use.
- Early Game Accessibility: The first bullets players encounter after obtaining a gun from Shadow Orbs or Crimson Hearts.
Musket Balls, while basic, provide essential functionality as the foundation for all gun-based combat in Terraria. Their ease of acquisition and infinite supply option with the Endless Musket Pouch make them a practical choice for general use, allowing players to conserve more powerful ammunition for critical encounters. Despite their simplicity, they remain a valuable resource throughout the game, particularly for players focusing on gun-based gameplay.
Cursed Bullet
Base Damage: 12
Velocity: 5
Special Properties: Inflicts Cursed Inferno debuff
Crafting: 150 Musket Balls and 1 Cursed Flame at a Hardmode Anvil
Cursed Bullets can inflict the Cursed Inferno debuff, which deals significant damage over time. They are particularly effective against certain bosses and enemies, making them a valuable tool in a player's arsenal. While offering high damage, Cursed Bullets do lack the versatility of some other types, such as Crystal Bullets, which can provide higher overall damage in certain situations.
Advantages:
- Good for Bossing: Effective against bosses like The Twins and Skeletron Prime due to the high single-target damage.
- Good Velocity: Provides a decent speed, ensuring reliable hits on targets.
- Debuff Effect: Inflicts the Cursed Inferno debuff, causing enemies to take additional damage over time.
Cursed Bullets provide a powerful option for players looking to maximize their damage output in Hardmode. Their high base damage and the Cursed Inferno debuff make them particularly effective against certain bosses and high-defense enemies. While they may be more costly to produce than some other bullet types, their significant damage over time and good velocity make them a worthwhile investment for players seeking to enhance their combat effectiveness.
Silver / Tungsten Bullet
Base Damage: 9
Velocity: 4.5
Special Properties: None
Uses: Slight upgrade over musket balls
Acquisition: Bought from the Arms Dealer during a Blood Moon or in Hardmode, or crafted from 70 Musket Balls and 1 Silver/Tungsten Bar at an Anvil
Silver and Tungsten Bullets are a minor upgrade from the basic musket balls, offering slightly improved damage and velocity. While they lack special properties, they can provide a small edge in early-game combat scenarios.
Advantages:
- Slight Stat Boost: Offers marginally better base damage and velocity compared to musket balls.
- Early Upgrade Option: Provides an accessible upgrade for players seeking additional firepower early in the game.
While Silver and Tungsten Bullets are not particularly exciting, they offer a small but useful upgrade for players in the early stages of Terraria. Their slight boost in damage and velocity can make a difference against early bosses and tougher enemies, providing a stepping stone until more powerful ammunition becomes available. For those looking to maximize their early-game firepower, these bullets are a practical, albeit modest, option.
C
Golden Bullet
Base Damage: 10
Velocity: 4.6
Special Properties: Inflicts Midas debuff (increases coin drops from enemies)
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Gold Dust at a Workbench
Golden Bullets are specifically designed for increasing coin drops from enemies by inflicting the Midas debuff. This makes them an excellent choice for players looking to farm gold, but other than that they're quite useless in comparison to other bullet types.
Advantages:
- Increased Coin Drops: The Midas debuff significantly boosts the amount of coins dropped by enemies.
- Good Velocity: Offers decent speed, ensuring reliable performance in combat.
- No Farming Required: Gold Dust can be purchased from the Merchant in Hardmode, simplifying the crafting process.
While they may not be the go-to choice for high-threat combat, their ability to inflict the Midas debuff and boost coin drops makes them a valuable tool for grinding gold. By focusing on farming lower-threat bosses and using ammo-efficient weapons, you can maximize your Gold coin generation and not rely on afk coin farms.
High Velocity Bullet
Base Damage: 10
Velocity: 28
Special Properties: Fastest bullets in the game, pierces twice
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Cog at a Workbench
High Velocity Bullets are known for their exceptional speed, making them the fastest bullets in Terraria. They are ideal for hitting fast-moving targets and are particularly useful against agile bosses. Particularly beneficial for the Megashark, known for its accuracy, and the Chain Gun.
Advantages:
- Incredibly High Velocity: The fastest bullets in the game, ensuring accurate hits on quick or distant targets.
- Piercing: Capable of piercing through two enemies, adding to their effectiveness in combat.
- No Farming Required: Crafted easily with materials bought from the Steampunker.
High Velocity Bullets provide an unparalleled advantage in terms of speed, making them ideal for targeting fast-moving enemies and bosses. Their piercing ability further enhances their combat utility, ensuring they can handle multiple threats efficiently. While they may not increase your weapon’s firing rate, their exceptional velocity and ease of crafting make them a popular choice for players seeking to improve their accuracy and damage output in various combat scenarios.
Party Bullet
Base Damage: 10
Velocity: 5.1
Special Properties: Releases confetti on impact
Crafting: 50 Empty Bullets and 1 Confetti at a Workbench, or 10% chance drop from Pigronata during parties
Party Bullets is the most useless bullet type in Terraria, designed primarily for amusement and celebratory purposes. Upon impact, they release confetti, adding a festive touch to combat.
Advantages:
- Decent Knockback: Provides reasonable knockback, helping to control enemies.
- Good Velocity: Slightly faster than basic bullets, ensuring reliable performance.
- No Farming Required: Easy to craft with materials bought from the Party Girl, or obtained as a drop from Pigronata during parties.
Party Bullets offer a unique and entertaining option for players who want to infuse their combat experience with a bit of fun and color. They are easy to acquire and can be used in the earliest parts of Hardmode, but other than then you'll never want to use them.
