Terraria (Wiki): Grenade Launcher

The Grenade Launcher is a launcher-type weapon that fires an explosive grenade, setting off upon enemy contact or once its fuse expires. It uses rockets as ammunition despite the weapon firing unique projectiles. The resulting explosion has a considerable reach, making the Grenade Launcher damage multiple enemies. It is also capable of autofiring.

The Grenade Launcher is the first launcher that the player can obtain.

When the Grenade Launcher is put into action, the projectile is noticeably not emitting light. Gravity also heavily affects the fired grenades, traveling and bouncing a few tiles before exploding.

It is advised to stay a safe distance from launched grenades of the Grenade Launcher as the player may take damage from the explosion radius when caught.

Notably, the Grenade Launcher does not use Grenades - a type of consumable ranged weapon - as ammunition.

With PvP off, misfiring the Grenade Launcher to friendlies will not damage them upon projectile impact. However, the same cannot be said once PvP is enabled.

With its splashing damage capability, the Grenade Launcher can also take down enemies behind cover using most rocket ammunition. Exceptions are Dry Rocket, Wet Rocket, Lava Rocket, and Honey Rocket.

As the launched grenade projectile takes time before exploding, care must be taken when using the Grenade Launcher in tight spaces, or avoid using the weapon altogether.

During the Martian Madness event, the player will encounter the projectile-reflecting Selenians. As with its terrifying skill against the player, the Selenian will reflect all projectiles except launched grenades.

Shroomite Helmet and other items that boost ranged damage are excellent for the Grenade Launcher.

The Grenade Launcher can handle large waves of enemies coming from events and invasions. Most Worms’ segments will also take damage from the weapon’s launched grenades as it explodes in a large radius.

The Grenade Launcher benefits the most from Unreal - the best modifier for ranged weapons - dramatically improving all stats and increasing the weapon’s overall value by sixfold.