Terraria's mining can be tedious. Manually placing platforms while using ore extractors can significantly slow down your progress. Fortunately, there are several methods to automate this process, drastically increasing your mining efficiency. This guide will cover the most effective strategies, addressing common questions and challenges along the way.
What are the Best Methods for Auto-Placing Platforms?
The most efficient method for auto-placing platforms with ore extractors revolves around utilizing items and mechanics within the game itself. There isn't a single "best" method, as the ideal approach depends on your resources, playstyle, and the scale of your mining operation.
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Using Minecarts: Minecarts offer a fantastic, albeit slightly more complex, solution. You can build a minecart track that follows the path of your ore extractor, automatically laying platforms as you progress. This requires a bit more setup but provides seamless, hands-off platform placement. You'll need to ensure the track is properly laid out to prevent derailments.
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Building a "Platforming Bot" with Mechanical Devices: For advanced players comfortable with complex contraptions, a "bot" using actuators, timers, and wires can be created. This method requires a significant investment of time and resources, but allows for fully automated platforming, even around corners and irregular terrain. This usually involves a complex system of logic to determine platform placement based on the extractor's position.
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Manual Platform Placement (with Efficiency Tips): While not automated, intelligent manual placement can drastically reduce the time spent. Focus on placing platforms in strategic positions – a few platforms strategically placed ahead of the extractor can reduce manual placement. Utilize tools like the paint tool to quickly identify areas needing platforms.
What are Some Tips for Efficient Ore Extraction?
Beyond platforming, several strategies maximize your ore extraction yield:
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Proper Extractor Placement: Place your extractors strategically to maximize reach and avoid wasted space. Consider the ore vein distribution and place multiple extractors in parallel to cover more ground simultaneously.
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Use Appropriate Tools: Equip yourself with a high-tier pickaxe for faster mining. Consider using buffs that enhance mining speed.
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World Generation and Biomes: Different worlds and biomes offer varying ore densities. Consider exploring multiple worlds to find locations rich in the ore you desire.
How Do I Avoid Falling While Using Ore Extractors?
Falling while using ore extractors is a major source of frustration. Consistent and effective platforming is key. Regardless of whether you opt for automation or manual methods, the core principle is to ensure there's a continuous path of platforms just ahead of the extractor's reach.
Can I Use Mods to Automate Platform Placement?
Yes! Many Terraria mods offer solutions for automated platforming. These mods range in complexity, offering anything from simple platform laying tools to fully customizable automation systems. However, using mods often requires careful consideration as they might disrupt the intended game balance or experience.
What is the Easiest Method for Auto-Placing Platforms?
For ease of use, the minecart method provides a relatively simple solution requiring less intricate mechanical engineering compared to the automated "bot" approach. It requires some initial investment in track building, but provides consistent, automated platforming without complex wiring.
Remember to always save your game frequently, especially when working on complex automation projects. Experiment, adapt, and find the method that works best for your playstyle!
