How To Beat The Dreadnautilus in Terraria
After conquering formidable bosses like the
Eye of Cthulhu or Skeletron, you might think you’ve mastered the challenges Terraria has to offer. But prepare yourself, because lurking in the depths is a creature that can send even the most seasoned players into a panic: the Dreadnautilus.
The terrifying Dreadnautilus has frustrated many Terraria enthusiasts like us. These notorious sea creatures emerge from the depths only on Blood Moon. Your first encounter would have most likely left you running for the nearest escape route in panic.
It can be a bit tricky taking Dreadnautilus Terraria down but don't worry. We are here to help you beat it like it wasn't a big deal. So, let’s get down to it.
Why Fight the Dreadnautilus?
Before we dive (pun intended) into strategies of defeating this beast, let's talk about why you’d even want to face the Dreadnautilus in the first place.
Since it’s a Blood Moon boss, it can be a hassle to find and beat them but it’s the reward that makes it worth the effort.
If you can beat Dreadnautilus Terraria, you stand a chance to acquire Blood Moon Monolith, which lets you summon a Blood Moon whenever you want. This is perfect for farming.
You may even be rewarded with The Sanguine Staff, which kills hordes of enemies by summoning speedy little bats that chomp down enemies with precision. This alone makes the fight worthwhile for any Summoner player.
You may also get fishing Rewards which fits right in with a classic Terraria fishing experience.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually survive and emerge victorious in this battle.
What You Will Need To Beat Dreadnautilus
You must keep in mind that the confrontation will not be your average fishing trip and Dreadnautilus is no pushover. You have to come up with a plan and proper gear to beat this monstrosity. So, here's what you need to have before you start casting your line in Blood Moon waters.
Timing and Location
The Dreadnautilus only spawns during a Blood Moon, and you’ll need to fish him up using a fishing rod. That’s right, it doesn't come up on its own. You’ll need to keep killing enemies and continue the game till it happens.
Weapons
A weapon with long range is ideal to beat Dreadnautilus Terraria since the dreaded sea creature is agile and unpredictable. Ranged players should use the Daedalus Stormbow or the Hellwing Bow, paired with Holy or Jester’s Arrows. The Megashark works wonders for players that prefer bullet-spraying chaos.
Magic users can use Sky Fracture or Meteor Staff to their advantage as it inflicts damage from afar whereas Melee players can use a Fetid Baghnakhs or an Amarok. Summoners can emerge victorious if they use Imp Staff or the Spider Staff to take advantage of constant DPS without having to get too close.
Armor and Accessories
A Titanium or Adamantite armor can be perfect if you’re playing pre-Plantera. Mythril or Orichalcum Armor comes in handy if you have just started the game but it will be a tougher fight.
You should equip your character with mobility-based accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu for dodging and the Lightning Boots for speed. The Charm of Myths provides faster healing and the Worm Scarf for reduced damage.
Potions
You should head into the battle with a full spread of potions for defeating Dreadnautilus Terraria. Here’s what we recommend:
- Swiftness Potion (for speed)
- Ironskin Potion (for defense)
- Regeneration Potion (because healing is key)
- Endurance Potion (to reduce damage taken)
- Lifeforce Potion (to boost your maximum health)
Arena Preparation
You can build an arena for an advantage. Remember, Dreadnautilus stands out from the rest of the bosses for its quick movement, meaning you will need to move quickly to avoid its attack.
The best option is to build an arena with wooden platforms above your fishing spot. This will allow you to many projectiles and dash attacks the creature sends your way. You can add a couple of campfires and heart lanterns for health regeneration.
What To Expect In The Dreadnautilus Fight
Now that you have your gear and weapons ready, it's time to get to business. Cast your fishing line into the Blood Moon waters and Dreadnautilus emerges from the murky depths. The thrilling battle kicks off.
You may expect Dreadnautilus to:
- Fire quick and aggressive projectiles: They inflict significant damage so dodging is key. Use your mobility accessories and keep moving.
- Summon Enemies: It frequently summons small flying enemies called Blood Squids to distract and overwhelm you. These little nuisances aren’t too tough but it's better to deal with them as they add up quickly.
- Make Rapid Dashes: The creature can charge at you without warning. Therefore, change direction and jump between platforms to avoid getting hit.
Avoid getting close to them as you may suffer brutal melee attacks if you’re in its face for too long. Keep your distance and carry out ranged attacks to kill it.
How to Beat the Dreadnautilus
Now that you know what to expect, here’s how to beat Dreadnautilus Terraria.
Stay on the Move
Dreadnautilus is a high-mobility boss. Players have to be on the move to stay alive in the battle. You have to keep jumping and dodging to avoid getting pinned down by the dashes and projectiles. You can use the platform arena to your advantage.
Stay out of harm’s way and kite the boss as much as possible.
Take Out Added Enemies Quickly
The Blood Squids can be annoyingly fast and would overwhelm you if a large number of them pawn.
You can get rid of them using a piercing weapon or summon to clear them out quickly. This lets you focus on the main event—taking down the Dreadnautilus Terraria.
Concentrate on Dodging Rather Than Tanking:
You can fail to conquer this beast despite having good armor and effective weapons. Its hard as fast attacks will drop your health before you can blink.
Therefore, you should keep your distance, and prioritize not getting hit over inflicting damage.
Chip Away at Its Health:
As long as you keep moving and avoiding the dashes, you can slowly chip away at the Dreadnautilus’s health.
It may be time-consuming but patience will win you the fight. Stay focused, and don’t get enticed into killing it with attacks. Sometimes, less is more!
Victory and Loot!
Congrats! You’ve just taken down the Dreadnautilus, one of Terraria’s rarest and most formidable Blood Moon bosses. Now it’s time to collect your hard-earned rewards, which hopefully includes the Sanguine Staff—especially if you are a Summoner.
Final Thoughts
Dreadnautilus Terraria fight is a memorable challenge. The right gear, strategy, and a solid arena will help you conquer this formidable nightmare from the depths with ease. Good luck, and happy fishing! And remember, teaming up with friends on
a Terraria server can enhance the experience, turning this epic battle into an unforgettable adventure as you take on the Dreadnautilus together!
FAQs
Dreadnautilus is a powerful mini-boss which can be encountered at Blood Moon events. It's a formidable enemy known for aggressive killing instincts.
Dreadnautilus only appears in Blood Moon. Players have to continue with the game till the phenomenon occurs.
Dreadnautilus' arsenal includes firing projectiles and carrying out dashing attacks. The sea creature also summons Blood Squids to distract and overwhelm you.