Paladin

Lore & Background

In the shadowed depths beneath the world's crust, where the air grows stale with ancient dust, a silent vigil is kept by those who refused to die. These were once mighty champions of a prosperous city, sworn protectors of noble causes and guardians of civilization. But when a massive curse swept through their halls, it did not claim them; instead, it twisted their devotion into an eternal, undying servitude within the Dungeon's brick-walled corridors. They stand as hollow shells of armor, their souls bound to a duty that outlasted their kingdom by eons.

Now known only as Paladins, these undead knights wander the post-Plantera darkness, their eyes fixed on any intruder who dares disturb their slumber. Unlike other monsters driven by mindless hunger, they retain a twisted sense of order and discipline. They do not flee, nor can they be shaken from their stance by mere force, for they possess an immunity to knockback that mirrors the unyielding resolve of their former lives. When they raise their hammers, it is not in rage, but in cold execution of a command given centuries ago.

The Bestiary whispers of their tragic origin, noting how these knights once guarded a thriving metropolis before its fall. Their presence in the Dungeon serves as a grim reminder that some curses are worse than death itself. They carry the weight of their fallen city with them, dropping coins and artifacts that hint at the wealth they once protected, now scattered as loot for those brave enough to challenge an enemy whose defense rivals that of the Moon Lord.

In Their Own Story

The air in the Dungeon grows heavy, thick with the scent of rust and old magic. You step carefully over the uneven stone floor, your torchlight flickering against the red brick walls that seem to close in around you. Suddenly, a metallic clank echoes through the silence. From the shadows emerges a figure clad in heavy plate armor, its form imposing even in the dim light. It is a Paladin.

You raise your weapon, but before you can strike, the knight halts. It does not charge; instead, it stands perfectly still, raising a massive hammer high above its head. The weapon glows with an eerie energy as it leaves their grasp, phasing effortlessly through the solid brick wall between you and the enemy. You feel the impact before you see it, a shockwave of pure force that shatters your shields. The hammer returns to the knight's hand in a blur, only to be thrown again in rapid succession.

You realize too late that this foe cannot be knocked back. Every hit you land seems to matter little against their immense defense. You try to dodge behind a pillar, but the projectile pierces right through the stone as if it were mist. Panic sets in as your health drops precipitously. The Paladin's eyes seem to lock onto yours with an unblinking stare, its movements methodical and terrifyingly precise. In this narrow corridor, there is no room for error, only the relentless rhythm of iron meeting flesh.

Reader's Guide

The Paladin is a rare, resilient Hardmode enemy that spawns exclusively in the Dungeon after Plantera has been defeated. They appear most frequently in areas backed by brick walls, though they can occasionally manifest elsewhere with reduced probability. These undead knights are exceptionally dangerous, boasting 50 defense and immunity to knockback, making them one of the toughest non-boss encounters in the game.

Their primary attack involves rapidly throwing hammer projectiles that pass through blocks and inflict massive damage, far exceeding their contact hit. Notably, Paladins cannot throw hammers while moving or when taking damage. This creates a crucial opening: high-damage-rate weapons can interrupt their attacks entirely. Summon weapons like the Desert Tiger Staff or Terraprisma are ideal, as minions will consistently strike fast enough to halt the Paladin's assault. Alternatively, use piercing magic or ranged weapons, or simply block line-of-sight with walls; Paladins stop attacking when they cannot see you.

Avoid fighting them in tight, single-block corridors where dodging is impossible. Instead, utilize open spaces or two-way hallways while maintaining distance. For farming, note that only 25 kills are required to complete the Bestiary entry and earn their banner. Notable drops include BBQ Ribs (14.29%), the Paladin's Hammer weapon (6.67% or 12.89% depending on version), and the Paladin's Shield accessory (10% or 19%). They also drop a substantial amount of coins, more than any other Dungeon enemy.

Did You Know?

• Paladins require only 25 kills to complete their Bestiary entry, half the usual amount.
• They visibly hold the Paladin's Hammer and Shield in their hands before dropping them.
• Despite a visual height of 4 tiles, they can pass through 3-tall corridors.
• In Expert Mode, Paladins will despawn even if they have picked up coins.