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PC versionConsole versionMobile versionOld Chinese versiontModLoader versiontModLoader 1
PC/Console/Mobile/Old Chinese/tModLoader/tModLoader 1.3-Legacy-Only Content: This information applies only to the PC, Console, Mobile, Old Chinese, tModLoader, and tModLoader Legacy versions of Terraria.
Medusa Head
  • Medusa Head item sprite
Autofire
Stack digit 1
Statistics
Type
Damage40 (Magic)
Knockback2 (Very weak)
Mana15
Critical chance4%
Use time20 (Very fast)
Velocity1
RarityRarity level: 4
Sell4
Research1 required
Projectile created
  • Medusa Ray
    Medusa Ray
  • Medusa Head Ray
    Medusa Head Ray
Obtained from Obtained from
Classic mode icon Classic
Expert mode icon Expert
Master mode icon Master
EntityQty.Rate
MedusaMedusaMedusa14%
Medusa Head (demo)

A fully charged attack damaging Mimics.

The Medusa Head is a Hardmode magic weapon that has a 2*1/50 (2%) chance of being dropped by Medusas, which are encountered in Marble Caves.

On the PC version PC version, Console version Console version, Mobile version Mobile version, and tModLoader version tModLoader version, the Medusa Head continuously attacks up to four times per second, striking up to three enemies per attack within a short range of the player. 15 mana is consumed per each attack, regardless of the number of enemies struck. No mana is consumed if the weapon is used while there are no enemies within range.

On the Old Chinese version Old Chinese version and tModLoader 1 tModLoader 1.3-Legacy version, this weapon can be charged for up to 3 seconds to deal additional damage, consuming 15 mana per second to a maximum cost of 45. A 1-second charge doubles the damage, while the full charge of 3 seconds triples the damage. When the full charge is reached, the weapon will automatically discharge, hitting all enemies inside a circle with a radius of 50 tiles. It cannot pass through blocks.

Its best modifier is Mythical.

Notes[]

  • The center point of the Medusa Head's effect is not the raised head, but rather the front of the player's torso, just below their face. As a result, enemies that appear to be targetable may not be affected. In addition, there appears to be an exactly 2-block minimum space requirement for the attack to "pass through" and hit a target, causing walls in narrow vertical tunnels to block attacks going straight up or down due to the start point being off center from the tunnel.
  • Enemies near walls or slopes can sometimes be completely missed by this weapon's attack, even with no obstructing blocks between the player and the enemy. This seems to happen much more consistently on smaller enemies such as Green Slimes.
  • Medusa's Head does not target other players in PvP.

Tips[]

  • The Medusa Head's rapid short-range attacks make it a great tool for clearing out enemies that are surrounding the player, or for eliminating quick enemies without having to aim. However, given its limited number of targets, it is generally outclassed by weapons with true piercing when fighting worm-type enemies and bosses.
  • The Medusa Head is very powerful against enemies with multiple segments. As a full charge can deal over 100 damage to each individual segment, most worm enemies can instantly be killed. For instance, it can be slightly more effective than other weapons against Wyverns and The Destroyer.
  • Due to the area-of-effect damage of the Medusa Head, it is useful against events like the Pirate Invasion and Goblin Invasion.
  • The Medusa Head may indicate a nearby unseen enemy's location through its streaks of light towards it.
  • Given the hazards of fighting Medusa, the safest way to get hold of one of these is use of a statue farm. However, given the reduced drop chance from statues, this can take quite a long time; even a three-statue farm might well take over an hour of real-time.

Trivia[]

  • The Medusa Head originates from the Greek legend of Perseus, who was commanded by Polydectes to kill the Gorgon Medusa and return with her head. Later on, he used it to save Andromeda by turning the sea monster Cetus into stone.
  • The Medusa Head does not inflict the Stoned debuff despite its namesake enemy doing so.
  • When used, Medusa and the snakes on her head will stick out their tongues, and her eyes will flash.
  • When using a Medusa Head while riding a Minecart on a slope, the head will appear to float.

History[]

  • Desktop 1.4.0.1:
    • Rather than being charged, this weapon is now channeled and its range substantially reduced.
    • When channeled, it will be held in front of the player. If no enemies are present, it will not fire, and will consume no mana.
    • When enemies are in range, it will constantly attack any nearby enemies, consuming mana for each attack.
    • Can hit up to 3 targets with each attack.
    • Damage is now set to 40.
    • Mana cost has been decreased from 18 to 15.
    • Can now fire up to 4 times per second.
  • Desktop 1.3.1:
    • Damage increased from 28 to 45.
    • Mana cost increased from 4 to 10.
    • Is now a Hardmode item.
    • Is now able to get 'Mythical' modifier.
  • Console 1.0.1372.5:
    • Damage increased from 28 to 45.
    • Mana cost increased from 4 to 10.
    • Is now a Hardmode item.
    • Is now able to get 'Mythical' modifier.
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