Ruby Staff

Gold anvil forging and piercing ruby bolts

Forged at an anvil from 7 Gold Bars and 8 Rubies, the Ruby Staff represents the second strongest standard gem staff in pre-Hardmode. It casts high-velocity crimson bolts for 18 magic damage at the cost of 9 mana. The bolt pierces one enemy to strike a second target behind it, giving early mages valuable crowd penetration through crowded cavern tunnels. Because ruby bolts generate bright ambient luminescence, casting into unlit chasms safely reveals spike traps and hidden ore veins.

Early mage progression and mythical reforge

With an 28 use time delivering Average casts, it fires slightly faster than its platinum counterpart, the Diamond Staff. While Diamond boasts slightly higher raw base hit values, Ruby remains potent for dispatching the minions of Eye of Cthulhu or multiple segments of Eater of Worlds. Carrying mana potions and wearing magic robes allows sustained fire during prolonged cavern excursions. This makes it a reliable primary magic weapon prior to acquiring dungeon tomes. Securing the Mythical modifier optimizes mana efficiency, velocity, and knockback for early boss encounters.

Trivia

• The glowing ruby projectile illuminates submerged water pockets without extinguishing its glow.