Plantera in Terraria is a Hardmode boss you need to defeat to gain access to the Jungle Temple. In this article, we will cover in much detail what facing this boss is like and what you should do to prepare for the fight. So get ready for the ultimate guide to beating Plantera in Terraria.
Plantera is a hard boss that has two distinct phases and multiple parts and projectiles that will constantly make your life a living hell. She can only be summoned once a naturally spawning Plantera’s Bulb has been destroyed in the Underground Jungle. Her different types of deadly contact damage are what you should be extra aware of.
We’ve concocted some mean strategies and builds for you to follow and swiftly take down the Plantera boss in Terraria.
How to Spawn Plantera?
Breaking a Plantera’s Bulb in Terraria Hardmode is the only way to spawn Plantera. Once players have defeated all three mechanical bosses, they will randomly encounter Plantera’s Bulbs in the Underground Jungle, indicated by the status message “The jungle grows restless…
Plantera’s Bulbs naturally appear in various locations throughout the Underground Jungle. Unlike many other boss-summoning items, these bulbs cannot be collected.
Instead, they show up as small pink squares on the minimap in areas already explored by the player. They spawn individually, with a delay of approximately half a day between each bulb.
These bulbs emit a faint pink light in dark areas and immediately trigger the spawn of Plantera when destroyed, typically appearing at a considerable distance from the player’s current location.
They can be broken in multiple ways, including using a pickaxe or drill, explosives, or lava, or by removing the jungle grass beneath them through biome spread, block actuation, or by employing the Clentaminator.
If a Plantera’s Bulb is destroyed, it will respawn after the same delay, although not necessarily in the same spot. This allows the player to summon Plantera an unlimited number of times. However, breaking a Plantera’s Bulb while Plantera is still alive will not result in the spawn of a second Plantera.
How to Defeat Plantera?
Defeating Plantera in Terraria boils down to the class you are using. Some classes will find it harder to beat this boss while for others it will be a breeze. We will go over which weapons best suit the class when fighting the boss.
Melee Class Strategy
The Death Sickle easily tears through both Plantera and her Biters, making it the top choice for melee. Additionally, the Yelets prove highly useful in swiftly dealing with Plantera’s first phase, especially when paired with a Yoyo Bag.
For a melee weapon with excellent range and the ability to handle all phases of the fight effectively, the True Excalibur is an ideal option due to its piercing capabilities. On the other hand, True Night’s Edge boasts a superior range but offers less piercing.
When it comes to high damage, the Terra Blade is a solid choice. To obtain it before facing Plantera, players can employ several methods to gain early access to the Jungle Temple and acquire Solar Tablets or Solar Tablet Fragments, which can be used to summon Solar Eclipses.
For secure kiting and damage avoidance, while wearing melee armor with high defense, both Light Discs and the Shadowflame Knife are excellent choices. They allow players to attack comfortably from a distance.
By utilizing powerful damage modifiers, the Fetid Baghnakhs can defeat Plantera in under half a minute if the player remains stationary. To endure Plantera’s attacks during the brief fight, players can rely on a Cross Necklace for increased invincibility frames, as well as health regeneration, defense, and healing from items like the Charm of Myths and Restoration Potions. Increasing damage output can be achieved by using a Flask of Ichor, while the Star Veil enhances overall damage.
The most effective offensive set for melee users consists of the Chlorophyte Mask, Monk’s Shirt, and Squire’s Greaves. Acceptable alternatives include the Hallowed Mask and Turtle Scale Mail.
Turtle Armor, although requiring the collection of three Turtle Shells from Giant Tortoises, provides the highest raw defense at this stage of the game.
Ranged Class Strategy
The Uzi, Onyx Blaster, and Megashark stand out as the top guns available for this encounter. When combined with Crystal Bullets, these weapons can unleash devastating damage. Another viable option is the use of Ichor Bullets, which can be quite effective in this fight.
For those wielding a Chlorophyte Shotbow, utilizing Holy, Chlorophyte, or Ichor Arrows can yield remarkable results. Similarly, the Phantom Phoenix offers comparable capabilities.
To create an advantageous scenario, players can construct a tall arena and employ a Daedalus Stormbow in combination with Holy Arrows or Chlorophyte Arrows, which proves highly effective against Plantera.
By utilizing Heart Arrows, players can freeze Plantera, significantly simplifying the fight. A deadly combination against Plantera involves wielding the Dart Pistol alongside Ichor or Crystal Darts.
During the second phase, the Super Star Shooter emerges as a formidable weapon, as its stars can pierce through multiple targets. Also, the Flamethrower can be a valuable asset for eliminating Plantera’s Tentacles in this phase.
For ranged users, the most optimal offensive set comprises the Hallowed Helmet, Huntress’s Jerkin, and Mythril Greaves. Alternatively, Titanium armor is a decent choice due to the Titanium Barrier buff.
Mage Class Strategy
The Venom Staff stands as one of the most potent weapons available to combat Plantera. Its venomous attacks can deliver significant damage. Additionally, the Rainbow Rod proves valuable with its homing and piercing abilities, allowing it to deal substantial damage. Solid weapon choices against Plantera include the Tome of Infinite Wisdom, Crystal Serpent, and Sky Fracture.
Periodically utilizing the Golden Shower can greatly assist in the battle, as it inflicts the Ichor debuff, further enhancing damage output. The Nimbus Rod always proves useful, as it unleashes continuous damage, particularly advantageous in vertical arenas, where it can significantly aid in the fight.
To tackle Plantera’s second phase effectively, the Shadowflame Hex Doll and Magical Harp serve as highly effective weapons, as they can target and damage both Plantera and its Tentacles. The Magic Dagger can also be effective in this regard. For handling Plantera’s Biters in the second phase while simultaneously restoring health, the Life Drain emerges as an excellent choice.
For magic users, the optimal offensive set includes the Hallowed Headgear, Chlorophyte Plate Mail, and Apprentice’s Trousers. At the very least, utilizing the Hallowed armor with the helmet is essential for this class. Furthermore, it provides the Holy Protection buff, making it an exceptional choice.
Summoner Class Strategy
Summoners will find the Sanguine Staff and Blade Staff to be the top choices, with the Blade Staff being particularly effective when combined with whips to boost its damage output. This synergy becomes especially apparent when utilizing the Durendal.
For reliable summons, the Optic Staff and Spider Staff stand out as the most dependable options.
When seeking incredible power, the Queen Spider Staff or Ballista Staff, when paired with a Tavernkeep’s armor set, can deliver devastating results.
The Squire armor presents a robust and tanky armor set, offering a set bonus that triples the attack speed of Ballista sentries after sustaining damage. Alternatively, Chlorophyte armor proves to be an excellent choice, boasting slightly higher offensive and defensive bonuses. Additionally, it spawns an automatic turret above the player’s head.
Other Strategies
Here are some strategies that you can employ when fighting Plantera:
Teleportation Strategy:
Create a long hallway and position a Teleporter with a pressure plate at each end.
As Plantera descends towards you on one side, activate the Teleporter by stepping on the corresponding pressure plate. This will teleport you to the opposite side, forcing Plantera to climb back toward your position.
Utilizing a teleportation trick, boomerang-type weapons can fly indefinitely, although there are limited boomerangs in hardmode that are effective. Before the boomerang returns, swiftly teleport to the other end of the hallway. The boomerang will alter its trajectory, piercing through enemies as it travels.
Take note that if the hallway is excessively long, Plantera may despawn. In the case of the mobile version, aim to construct a hallway spanning approximately 125-150 tiles, as Plantera will despawn within a shorter range of the player.
It’s important to acknowledge that this method becomes more challenging in Expert mode. Plantera’s seeds can pass through blocks, all projectiles possess homing capabilities, and her “mouths” spawn on her legs in closer proximity to the player.
Tank and Claw Strategy:
You can easily defeat Plantera by utilizing the Fetid Baghnakhs and equipping the Star Veil or Cross Necklace.
When it comes to armor, opt for either high defense or take advantage of the set bonus offered by the Hallowed or Titanium armor. In terms of accessories, prioritize melee speed enhancements, such as the mechanical glove, and damage reduction options like the worm scarf and brain of confusion.
During the battle, use your hook to attach to a nearby wall close to the Plantera’s Bulb. This strategy prevents knockback and secures your position. Proceed to break the bulb, and Plantera will approach you directly, staying on top of your character.
Hold down the attack key and continue striking until Plantera is defeated. It’s advisable to use a potion during the fight, particularly on PC where the Baghnakhs may be less powerful. This method is effective even in Expert mode.
Firework Rockets Strategy:
You can easily lure Plantera into the path of Firework Rockets, which proves to be a highly effective method for swiftly defeating her. This approach only requires a significant amount of money and can eliminate Plantera within seconds.
By ensuring that each firework deals its full 150 damage, a total of 200 fireworks will be enough to kill her in Classic mode, 280 in Expert mode, and 357 in Master mode.
Circle and Run Strategy:
Construct an arena in the Underground Jungle with a width and height of about 2 screens, incorporating platforms. It is essential to ensure that the bottom row is occupied by platforms, allowing the spiky balls launched by Plantera to fall harmlessly to the ground. Additionally, position a Bed nearby, placed at one end of a long tunnel.
During Phase 1 of the fight, maneuver around Plantera utilizing Wings, while continuously firing projectiles at her.
Once Phase 2 commences, employ a Magic Mirror to teleport back to your spawn point (ensuring you remain within a reasonable distance to prevent Plantera from despawning). Proceed to advance down the tunnel, firing projectiles behind you as you make your way forward.
What are the Difficulty Differences?
Plantera has different stats depending on the difficulty and the phase it is in. These differences are as follows:
Classic Mode
In Classic Mode the Plantera in Terraria has the following stats:
- First Phase:
- Damage: 44-62
- HP: 30000
- Defense: 36
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Second Phase:
- Damage: 70
- HP: 30000
- Defense: 10
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Plantera’s Other Parts:
| Stats | Plantera’s Hook | Plantera’s Tentacle | Spore |
| Damage | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| HP | 4000 | 1000 | 1 |
| Defense | 24 | 20 | 0 |
| Knockback Resistance | 0% | 0% | 100% |
First Phase
Plantera actively pursues the player, inflicting contact damage while launching projectiles. Rather than engaging in close proximity, she prefers to maintain a safe distance and relentlessly bombard the player with high-velocity projectile assaults.
- Seed: Deals 44 damage. Has a 65% chance of being fired.
- Poison Seed: Deals 54 damage. Has a 25% chance of being fired. Also, has a 50% chance of inflicting the Poisoned debuff for 3–7 seconds.
- Thorn Ball: Deals 62 damage. Has a 9% chance of being fired.
Seeds and Poison Seeds resemble Hornets’ stingers in their functionality but possess the ability to traverse through blocks. Thorn Balls, on the other hand, bear similarities to the projectiles discharged by Spiky Ball Traps. However, they exhibit a more rapid and erratic ricochet off solid blocks. These projectiles demonstrate a tendency to pursue the player horizontally, potentially overwhelming them if they remain in the same vicinity for an extended duration.
Poison Seeds and Thorn Balls are exclusively unleashed when Plantera’s health dips below 80%. Following the launch of a projectile, there exists a brief cooldown period, the duration of which relies on Plantera’s current health and the specific projectile type.
To navigate through blocks, Plantera utilizes three elongated vines that function similarly to multi-hooks, allowing it to move gradually.
Second Phase
Once Plantera’s health is reduced to half of her maximum, a transformation takes place, shedding her pink petals to unveil a thorn-filled mouth. In this altered state, Plantera abandons her previous projectile attacks, opting instead for heightened speed and aggression, aiming to inflict contact damage upon the player. The damage inflicted upon contact is greater than in her initial form, although her defense significantly diminishes to 10.
Following the transformation, Plantera sprouts eight additional mouths, referred to as Plantera’s Tentacles, which remain attached to her body by means of vines. These tentacles pose a threat by dealing contact damage and obstructing the player’s attacks.
However, they possess comparably low health and will not regenerate once defeated. Consequently, eliminating all of the tentacles renders the fight against Plantera considerably easier.
In her second phase, Plantera intermittently releases floating pink spore projectiles that drift toward the player. While these spores can be destroyed with a single strike from any weapon or tool, they possess the ability to travel through blocks and inflict significant contact damage.
Similar to the first phase, the cooldown between spore projectile releases is contingent upon Plantera’s health.
Furthermore, during the second phase, Plantera acquires the capacity to grapple onto background walls. The extremities of her vines, known as Plantera’s Hooks, exhibit near-invulnerability and deliver contact damage.
Enraged State
If Plantera pursues the player beyond the confines of the Underground Jungle, she enters a state of “enraged.”
This results in a series of transformations, including doubling her damage output, doubling her defense (quadrupling it in her second form), increasing her movement speed, altering her attack patterns, and initiating direct rushes toward the player. Furthermore, her projectiles gain doubled damage and experience reduced cooldowns.
However, once the player re-enters the Underground Jungle biome, Plantera’s behavior reverts back to its normal state.
Expert Mode
In Expert Mode the Plantera in Terraria has the following stats:
- First Phase:
- Damage: 76-108
- HP: 42000
- Defense: 36
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Second Phase:
- Damage: 140
- HP: 42000
- Defense: 10
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Plantera’s Other Parts:
| Stats | Plantera’s Hook | Plantera’s Tentacle | Spore |
| Damage | 120 | 138 | 126-140 |
| HP | 8000 | 2000 | 1 |
| Defense | 24 | 20 | 0 |
| Knockback Resistance | 10% | 10% | 100% |
The projectiles’ numbers are increased too in this difficulty:
- Seed: Deals 76 damage. Has a 42% chance of being fired.
- Poison Seed: Deals 96 damage. Has a 50% chance of being fired. The Poisoned debuff has 100% to be inflicted and stays active for 4-9 seconds.
- Thorn Ball: Deals 108 damage. Has an 8% chance of being fired.
In Expert Mode, Plantera exhibits several significant variations in her attacks, in addition to the augmented health and damage. During her first form, her pink Seeds possess the ability to traverse through blocks, while all projectiles display limited homing capabilities.
In her second form, both Plantera and Plantera’s Tentacles exhibit heightened speed compared to their normal counterparts. Furthermore, there are an additional nine Plantera’s Tentacles, arranged in groups of three and attached to Plantera’s Hooks.
Notably, the eight tentacles connected to Plantera’s body have the ability to regenerate after being defeated (excluding the tentacles on the hooks). The rate of regeneration is random but dependent on the number of active tentacles.
Master Mode
In Master Mode the Plantera in Terraria has the following stats:
- First Phase:
- Damage: 114-162
- HP: 53550
- Defense: 36
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Second Phase:
- Damage: 210
- HP: 53550
- Defense: 10
- Knockback Resistance: 100%
- Immune to Poisoned and Confused
- Plantera’s Other Parts:
| Stats | Plantera’s Hook | Plantera’s Tentacle | Spore |
| Damage | 180 | 206 | 189-210 |
| HP | 12000 | 2550 | 1 |
| Defense | 24 | 20 | 0 |
| Knockback Resistance | 20% | 20% | 100% |
The projectiles’ numbers are further boosted in the Master Mode difficulty:
- Seed: Deals 114 damage. Has a 42% chance of being fired.
- Poison Seed: Deals 114 damage. Has a 50% chance of being fired.
- Thorn Ball: Deals 162 damage. Has an 8% chance of being fired.
Everything else remains relatively the same as Expert Mode in this difficulty. However, overall health and damage numbers are significantly upgraded.
Is Plantera Harder Solo or With Friends?
Plantera can be more challenging when faced solo compared to fighting her with friends. The difficulty level depends on the player’s skills, equipment, and strategies employed during the battle.
When facing Plantera alone, the player must handle all aspects of the fight, including dealing damage, avoiding attacks, and managing Plantera’s movements. This requires precise control and quick reflexes to overcome her formidable abilities.
On the other hand, fighting Plantera with friends can provide certain advantages. With multiple players, the workload can be distributed, allowing for coordinated attacks and shared responsibilities. This can lead to more effective damage output and better maneuverability during the battle.
Additionally, having friends by your side provides an opportunity for teamwork and coordination, allowing players to strategize and support each other during the fight. This can include sharing resources, providing healing or buffs, and coordinating attacks to exploit Plantera’s weaknesses.
However, it’s important to note that the difficulty of the encounter can also be influenced by the number of players and their respective abilities. Plantera’s health and damage scale accordingly in multiplayer, so a larger group of skilled players may find the battle more manageable compared to a solo player.
What are the Rewards for Defeating Plantera?
The rewards for defeating Plantera in Terraria differ according to the difficulty. The majority of rewards are the same for all difficulties except a few and sometimes the drop rates increase at higher difficulties. We will highlight all these rewards and changes below:
Classic Mode Rewards
| Reward | Quantity | Drop Rate % |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coins | 15 | 100% |
| Temple Key | 1 | 100% |
| Greater Healing Potion | 5-15 | 100% |
| Pygmy Staff | 1 | 25% |
| Thorn Hook | 1 | 10% |
| The Axe | 1 | 2% |
| Seedling | 1 | 5% |
| Zapinator | 1 | 1.25% |
| Plantera Mask | 1 | 14.29% |
| Plantera Trophy | 1 | 10% |
| One of the following 7 items is a guaranteed drop | ||
| Grenade Launcher | 1 | 14.29% |
| Venus Magnum | 1 | 14.29% |
| Nettle Burst | 1 | 14.29% |
| Leaf Blower | 1 | 14.29% |
| Flower Pow | 1 | 14.29% |
| Wasp Gun | 1 | 14.29% |
| Seedler | 1 | 14.29% |
Expert Mode Rewards
| Reward | Quantity | Drop Rate % |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coins | 37 | 100% |
| Silver Coins | 50 | 100% |
| Treasure Bag | 1 | 100% |
| Spore Sac | 1 | 100% |
| Seedling | 1 | 6.67% |
| The Axe | 1 | 5% |
| Pygmy Staff | 1 | 50% |
| Extra Gold Coins | 15 | 100% |
Master Mode Rewards
| Reward | Quantity | Drop Rate % |
|---|---|---|
| Plantera Seedling | 1 | 25% |
| Plantera Relic | 1 | 100% |
This was a detailed guide on Plantera and how you can beat it in Terraria. The boss is quite hard and shouldn’t be encountered if you are ill-prepared. Hopefully, our guide would have helped you get the right strategy to take on this blasted overgrown plant.