Best Pre-Hardmode Melee Weapons in Terraria (2023)

Matt

Melee weapons play a vital role in close-quarters combat, allowing players to engage enemies directly and unleash devastating attacks.

This list will provide you with the Best Pre-Hardmode Melee Weapons. They are considered the most effective swords against weak or strong enemies in Pre-Hardmode. This includes the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon, the ideal modifiers for them, where and when they shine the most, and when being used in actual combat.

All Pre-Hardmode melee weapons can pierce multiple enemies at an optimal distance. All Flask items will have their special effects imbued when a player uses a melee weapon. While most swords are incapable of autoswinging, some of them can.

My Favorite Items Listed:

Terraria (Wiki): Night’s Edge

Rating:

My Rating: 10 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Strongest damage among other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 40 (desktop, mobile, console) / 42 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Orange
Knockback: 4.5
Sell-Value: 4 Gold Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 54 Silver Coins (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 25 (desktop, mobile, console) / 27 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 5
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Night’s Edge

Terraria (Wiki): Bee Keeper

Rating:

My Rating: 9.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Summons killer bees.
  • Inflicted debuff deals bonus damage.
  • Perfect against waves of slightly strong enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 30 (desktop, mobile, console) / 22 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Orange
Knockback: 5.3
Sell-Value: 2 Gold Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 54 Silver Coins (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Bee Keeper

Terraria (Wiki): Blade of Grass

Rating:

My Rating: 9.4 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Wide arc of fire.
  • Inflicted debuff deals bonus damage.
  • Second largest sword among all other swords.

Weaknesses

  • Slightly tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 28 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Orange
Knockback: 4.5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 3 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console) / 30 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 20
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Blade of Grass

Terraria (Wiki): Enchanted Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 9.3 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against small waves of enemies.
  • Better damage than other early-game swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 23 (desktop, mobile, console) / 18 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 4.25 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5.25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 3 Gold Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 21 (desktop, mobile, console) / 18 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 9.5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 9 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Enchanted Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Muramasa

Rating:

My Rating: 9.2 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Better damage than other early-game swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 24 (desktop, mobile, console) / 18 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 3 (desktop, mobile, console) / 1 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 1 Gold Coin & 75 Silver Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 54 Silver Coins (old-gen consoles)
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Muramasa

Terraria (Wiki): Starfury

Rating:

My Rating: 9 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Offers the fastest projectile travel speed among all Pre-Hardmode Swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Dangerous to use in Underground Jungle.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 25 (desktop, mobile, console) / 22 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 1 Gold Coin
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 25
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Starfury

Terraria (Wiki): Tentacle Spike

Rating:

My Rating: 8.8 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Fast use time.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.
  • Tricky to obtain.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 20 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5.5
Sell-Value: 50 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 21
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Tentacle Spike

Terraria (Wiki): Ice Blade

Rating:

My Rating: 8.6 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 17 (desktop, mobile, console) / 13 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 4.75
Sell-Value: 40 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 6%
Use Time: 20
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 9.5
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Ice Blade

Terraria (Wiki): Gladius

Rating:

My Rating: 8.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Strongest shortsword in the game.
  • Great against enemies with low health.

Weaknesses

  • Slowest velocity.
  • Tricky to obtain at the early stages of the game.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 15 Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 30 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 21
Required Research: 1
Velocity: 4.8
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Gladius

Terraria (Wiki): Ruler

Rating:

My Rating: 8.4 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain once Goblin Tinkerer is available.
  • Necessary tool for block counting.

Weaknesses

  • Weakest knockback.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 12 (desktop, mobile, console) Health Points
Rarity: Blue (desktop, mobile, console) / White (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Knockback: 0.5 (desktop, mobile, console)
Sell-Value: 2 Silver Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 33 Silver Coins (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Buy-Value: 10 Silver Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 1 Gold Coin (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Critical Size: 4% (desktop, mobile, console)
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console)
Required Research: 1 (desktop, mobile, console)
Velocity: 4.8 (desktop, mobile, console)
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Ruler

Terraria (Wiki): Tragic Umbrella

Rating:

My Rating: 8.2 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Great against small groups of enemies.
  • Fast use time.
  • Higher melee damage than Umbrella.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 15 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 2 Gold Coins
Buy-Value: 10 Gold Coins
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 22
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Tragic Umbrella

Terraria (Wiki): Umbrella

Rating:

My Rating: 7 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Best when combined with a jump-enhancing accessory.
  • Great against small groups of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain.
  • Weak knockback.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 10 (desktop, mobile ,console) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 20 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: 1 Gold Coin
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 22
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Umbrella

Terraria (Wiki): Falcon Blade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.9 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Great against waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 25 Health Points
Rarity: Light Red
Knockback: 6
Sell-Value: 20 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console) / 15 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Falcon Blade

Terraria (Wiki): Breathing Reed

Rating:

My Rating: 6.7 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Higher damage output.
  • Great against small waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 10 Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 4
Sell-Value: 20 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 27
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Breathing Reed

Terraria (Wiki): Purple Clubberfish

Rating:

My Rating: 6.6 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Strongest knockback among other swords.
  • Great against a small group of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 35 (desktop, mobile, console) / 24 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 8 (desktop, mobile, console) / 7 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 1 Gold Coin
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 35
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Terraria (Wiki): Blue Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Blue Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Green Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Green Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Orange Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Orange Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Purple Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Purple Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Red Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Red Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): White Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): White Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Yellow Phaseblade

Rating:

My Rating: 6.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Best for finding caves and ores.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 26 (desktop, mobile, console) / 21 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3
Sell-Value: 54 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Yellow Phaseblade

Terraria (Wiki): Katana

Rating:

My Rating: 6.3 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Good enough against hordes of enemies.
  • Highest critical chance.

Weaknesses

  • Weak knockback.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 18 (desktop, mobile, console) / 16 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 3.5
Sell-Value: 2 Gold Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 50 Silver Coins (old-gen consoles)
Buy-Value: 10 Gold Coins (desktop, mobile, console) / 2 Silver Coins & 50 Copper Coins (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Critical Size: 19%
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console) / 22 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Katana

Terraria (Wiki): Bladed Glove

Rating:

My Rating: 5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Fastest cooldown usage among all Pre-Hardmode Melee Weapons.
  • High DPS.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at early stages.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 14 (desktop, mobile, console) / 12 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 4
Sell-Value: 1 Gold Coin
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 8
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Bladed Glove

Terraria (Wiki): Exotic Scimitar

Rating:

My Rating: 4.9 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Perfect against small waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 20 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 4.25
Sell-Value: 50 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Exotic Scimitar

Terraria (Wiki): Bat Bat

Rating:

My Rating: 4.8 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Restores 1 HP on every hit.
  • Perfect against small groups of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Slowest cooldown usage.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 36 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5.5
Sell-Value: 25 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 45
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Bat Bat

Terraria (Wiki): Candy Cane Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 4.7 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Perfect against small waves of enemies.
  • Larger range than pre-Hardmode swords (4x7 radius).

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 16 (old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Blue
Knockback: 5.3
Sell-Value: 27 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 27
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Candy Cane Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Flymeal

Rating:

My Rating: 4.6 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Can damage NPCs.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at the early stages of the game.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.
  • Inflicted debuff does not deal damage.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 15 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 35 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 4%
Required Research: 1

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Flymeal

Terraria (Wiki): Stylish Scissors

Rating:

My Rating: 4.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against small groups of enemies.
  • Fast use time.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.
  • Tricky to obtain.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 14 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 50 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 12
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Stylish Scissors

Terraria (Wiki): Bone Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 4 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • High base damage than other melee weapons.
  • Perfect against waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Slightly tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 16 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: Orange
Knockback: 5.5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 4.5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 18 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 22
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Bone Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Mandible Blade

Rating:

My Rating: 3.8 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against waves of enemies.
  • Better damage than other early-game swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 16 Health Points
Rarity: Green
Knockback: 4.5
Sell-Value: 10 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 18
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Mandible Blade

Terraria (Wiki): Zombie Arm

Rating:

My Rating: 3.7 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Great against enemies with low health.
  • Offers higher base damage than Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky to obtain at the early stages of the game.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 15 (desktop, mobile, console) / 12 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 5.5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 4.25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 4 Silver Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 22 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Zombie Arm

Terraria (Wiki): Cactus Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 3.6 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Great against small waves of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 10 (desktop, mobile, console) / 9 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 4.5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 3 Silver Coins & 60 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 30 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Cactus Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Ash Wood Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 3.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against small groups of enemies.
  • Offers the highest base damage among all Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.

Weaknesses

  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.
  • Tricky and risky to obtain.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 13 Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 5
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 17
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Ash Wood Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Ebonwood Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 3.3 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against small groups of enemies.
  • Offers the 2nd highest base damage among all Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain for Pre-Hardmode players.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 11 (desktop, mobile, console / 10 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 6 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Ebonwood Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Shadewood Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 3.3 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Perfect against small groups of enemies.
  • Offers the 2nd highest base damage among all Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.

Weaknesses

  • Tricky and risky to obtain.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 11 (desktop, mobile, console) / 10 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 6 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Shadewood Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Boreal Wood Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 3 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Higher base damage than the wooden sword.
  • Decent against a small group of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • Second weakest base damage among other swords.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 8 Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 6 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Boreal Wood Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Palm Wood Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 2.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Higher damage output than the wooden sword.
  • Decent against a small group of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • One of the weakest Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 8 Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 6 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Palm Wood Sword

Terraria (Wiki): Rich Mahogany Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 2.5 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Higher damage output than the wooden sword.
  • Decent against a small group of enemies.

Weaknesses

  • One of the weakest Pre-Hardmode Wood Swords.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 8 Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 6 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 19 (desktop, mobile, console) / 23 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Terraria (Wiki): Wooden Sword

Rating:

My Rating: 2 / 10

Pro and Cons:

Strengths

  • Easy to obtain.
  • Great weapon against low-health enemies./

Weaknesses

  • Weakest damage.
  • Not a perfect choice for waves of enemies.
  • Better melee weapons exist for waves of enemies.

Facts:

General Type: Melee Weapon
Damage value: 7 (desktop, mobile, console) / 5 (3DS, old-gen consoles) Health Points
Rarity: White
Knockback: 5 (desktop, mobile, console) / 4 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Sell-Value: 20 Copper Coins
Buy-Value: Not sold
Critical Size: 4%
Use Time: 20 (desktop, mobile, console) / 25 (3DS, old-gen consoles)
Required Research: 1
Special Properties:

More Info:

Detailed Post — Terraria (Wiki): Wooden Sword

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The 180+ Best Melee Weapons in Terraria: Facts & Secrets (2023)