Although Pumpking is only a mini-boss in Terraria, its attacks, stats, and behavior can still catch unprepared players off-guard. Preparing for this creature's onslaught can increase your chances of survival and, more importantly, win you some sweet loot. So let's get to it.

How to Summon Pumpking in Terraria

Introduced as part of the Halloween update, summoning Pumpking in Terraria requires triggering the Pumpkin Moon event. You must use the Pumpkin Moon Medallion at night. If successful, the words “The Pumpkin Moon is rising…” will appear on the lower left side of the screen. Note: Using the Pumpkin Moon Medallion during the day won’t yield results. But the item will remain in the inventory. Once the invasion begins, you must fight through the first six waves. Then, Pumpking will appear during the seventh wave. This monster will still frequently appear from that point on until the event ends.

How to Beat Pumpking

Similar to other invasion mini-bosses like the Ice Queen during the Frost Moon event, it’s wise to bring piercing weapons into the fight. That way, you can damage Pumpking and other enemies in the area. One excellent weapon is the Hardmode bow Daedalus Stormbow, which can rain arrows from the sky and hit multiple targets. Another option is to summon minions and sentries onto the battlefield. These autonomous units can help increase DPS and survivability during the fight and the entire event. Warning: Avoid hiding behind walls and other surfaces when fighting Pumpking since its attacks can pass through objects.

Attacks

Pumpking’s main attacks depend on its “mode.” You’ll know if it switches attack patterns when it changes the expression on its face.

• Mode 1: The face looks like a Jack-o-Lantern with a sinister grin. During this mode, Pumpking frequently attempts to pursue you while swiping with its scythe arms.
• Mode 2: Pumpking’s mouth partially opens. This time, the scythe arms shoot Flame Scythes projectiles and will travel to your position.
• Mode 3: Pumpking’s head looks surprised and spits “Greek Fire” projectiles to your position.

Loot Table

Once defeated, Pumpking can drop the following items:

• Candy Corn Rifle
• Candy Corn
• Jack ‘O Lantern Launcher
• Black Fairy Dust
• The Horseman’s Blade
• Bat Scepter
• Raven Staff
• Dark Harvest
• Spider Egg
• Pumpking Trophy