Reaver Shark Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining the Early-Game Powerhouse
The Reaver Shark in Terraria is a pre-hardmode pickaxe known for its exceptional mining speed, making it a highly sought-after tool for players looking to quickly progress through the early stages of the game. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to obtain the Reaver Shark, its benefits, and strategies for maximizing its effectiveness.
What is the Reaver Shark?
The Reaver Shark is a pickaxe available in pre-hardmode Terraria. Unlike most early-game pickaxes, the Reaver Shark boasts a mining speed that rivals some hardmode tools. This allows players to mine ores like Hellstone much earlier than intended, giving them a significant advantage. It’s obtained through fishing in the Ocean biome.
How to Obtain the Reaver Shark
Acquiring the Reaver Shark involves several steps, primarily focused on fishing. Here’s a breakdown:
Preparation
- Fishing Pole: You’ll need a fishing pole. The Old Rod, purchasable from the Merchant for 5 gold coins, is sufficient. However, upgrading to a better fishing pole like the Fiberglass Fishing Pole (found in Jungle Crates) or the Mechanic’s Rod (purchased from the Mechanic) will significantly improve your fishing power and chances of catching rarer items.
- Bait: Bait is crucial for attracting fish. Worms, caught on the surface during rain, are a common early-game bait. Grasshoppers, found in grassy areas, also work well. For better results, use bait with higher fishing power, such as Master Bait (obtained from Angler quests) or Enchanted Nightcrawlers (obtained during rain at night).
- Ocean Biome: Head to either the left or right edge of your world until you reach the Ocean biome. Ensure you have a sufficient body of water to fish in; a minimum of 75 tiles of water is recommended.
- Potions (Optional): Fishing Potion (increases fishing power) and Sonar Potion (shows what you’re about to catch) can be incredibly helpful, but are not strictly necessary.
The Fishing Process
- Equip your fishing pole and bait.
- Stand near the ocean and cast your line into the water.
- Wait for a bite. When a fish bites, your bobber will dip into the water. Quickly click the left mouse button to reel it in.
- Repeat this process until you catch the Reaver Shark.
Drop Rate and Persistence
The Reaver Shark has a relatively low drop rate, approximately 1/100 (1%) without any fishing power bonuses. This means you might need to fish for a while before you obtain one. Increasing your fishing power improves your chances of obtaining rarer items, including the Reaver Shark. Patience and persistence are key.
Benefits of the Reaver Shark
The Reaver Shark offers several significant advantages in the early game:
- Early Hellstone Mining: Its high mining power allows you to mine Hellstone ore in the Underworld much earlier than you would otherwise be able to. This allows you to craft powerful pre-hardmode items like the Molten Armor and Molten Fury.
- Faster Ore Gathering: Even before reaching the Underworld, the Reaver Shark significantly speeds up the process of mining other ores like Gold, Platinum, and Meteorite.
- Progression Boost: Access to better ores and equipment earlier in the game provides a significant advantage, allowing you to tackle bosses and events more effectively.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Fishing Efficiency
To improve your chances of obtaining the Reaver Shark, consider the following tips:
- Increase Fishing Power: Use better fishing poles, bait with higher fishing power, and consume Fishing Potions. Angler Armor (obtained from Angler quests) also provides a fishing power bonus.
- Time of Day: Fishing is generally more effective during dawn and dusk.
- Weather Conditions: Rain can increase fishing power.
- Ocean Size: Ensure the ocean area is large enough. Smaller bodies of water will decrease your fishing power.
- Angler Quests: Completing Angler quests not only rewards you with useful items but also increases your knowledge of fishing mechanics.
Alternatives to the Reaver Shark
While the Reaver Shark is highly desirable, there are alternative methods for obtaining early-game mining power:
- Deathbringer/Blood Butcherer Pickaxe: Crafted using Crimson/Shadow Scales and Tissue Samples/Demonite Ore after defeating the Eye of Cthulhu or Brain of Cthulhu.
- Nightmare Pickaxe: Crafted using Shadow Scales and Demonite Ore after defeating the Eater of Worlds.
- The Bee Keeper and Mining Armor: While not a pickaxe, the Bee Keeper sword and Mining Armor set can provide enough damage output to make mining faster and easier, especially against enemies encountered while mining.
The Reaver Shark’s Legacy
The Reaver Shark has become something of a legendary item within the Terraria community due to its ability to circumvent the game’s intended progression. Many players specifically target the Reaver Shark early on to gain a significant advantage. Its effectiveness and the strategies surrounding its acquisition are frequently discussed in online forums and guides.
Historical Context and Changes
It’s worth noting that the Reaver Shark has undergone some changes over Terraria’s various updates. Its mining speed and availability have been tweaked to balance the game. Despite these adjustments, it remains a powerful and highly sought-after tool for early-game progression. Players who understand its value and how to obtain it efficiently can significantly enhance their Terraria experience.
Conclusion
The Reaver Shark in Terraria is an invaluable asset for players aiming to accelerate their progress. By understanding the fishing mechanics, preparing adequately, and persisting through the process, you can obtain this powerful pickaxe and unlock access to resources and equipment that would otherwise be unavailable at such an early stage. Whether you’re a seasoned Terraria veteran or a new player, the Reaver Shark is a worthwhile investment of your time and effort.
So, grab your fishing pole, gather your bait, and head to the ocean. The power of the Reaver Shark awaits!
[See also: Fishing in Terraria: A Comprehensive Guide]
[See also: Terraria Pre-Hardmode Boss Guide]
[See also: Terraria Mining Tips and Tricks]
