What is the best way to farm for hellstone in Terraria?

Farming for hellstone in Terraria is a crucial step in progressing through the game, as it is used to craft powerful gear like the Molten Armor set and the Fiery Greatsword. Hellstone is found in the Underworld biome, which is located at the bottom of the world. To farm hellstone effectively, you need to prepare thoroughly and understand the mechanics involved.

First, you need to reach the Underworld biome. This requires digging deep into the world until you reach the lava-filled caverns. Before heading down, ensure you have the right equipment. A good pickaxe is essential, as hellstone can only be mined with a pickaxe that has at least 65% pickaxe power. The Deathbringer Pickaxe, Nightmare Pickaxe, or better are suitable for this task. If you haven't reached this level of progression, you may need to defeat bosses like the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu to obtain the materials for these pickaxes.

Once you have the right pickaxe, you need to prepare for the dangers of the Underworld. The biome is filled with lava, fire imps, bone serpents, and other hostile enemies. To survive, you should have strong armor, such as Shadow or Crimson armor, and accessories that boost your defense or mobility. The Obsidian Skin Potion is particularly important, as it grants immunity to lava damage for a short time. This potion is crafted using Obsidian, Waterleaf, and Fireblossom at an Alchemy Station. Additionally, bring healing potions, a grappling hook, and a good weapon to deal with enemies.

When you arrive in the Underworld, look for large patches of hellstone embedded in ash blocks. Hellstone emits a faint glow, making it easier to spot in the dark environment. To mine hellstone safely, you need to avoid the lava that often surrounds it. One effective strategy is to use blocks like dirt or stone to create a barrier between yourself and the lava. This allows you to mine the hellstone without falling into the lava. Alternatively, you can use platforms to stand above the lava while mining.

Another important tip is to bring a Hellforge with you. The Hellforge is a crafting station found in the Underworld, and it is required to smelt hellstone into Hellstone Bars. If you don't have a Hellforge, you can find one in the Underworld and bring it back to your base. This saves time, as you won't need to return to the Underworld to smelt your ore.

A common mistake players make is not bringing enough Obsidian Skin Potions. Without these potions, you risk taking significant damage from lava, which can quickly deplete your health. Always bring extra potions to ensure you can farm hellstone safely. Additionally, avoid mining hellstone without a barrier or platform, as falling into lava can be deadly, even with Obsidian Skin Potions.

For advanced players, consider using mining potions to increase your mining speed. This allows you to gather hellstone more quickly, reducing the time you spend in the dangerous Underworld biome. You can also use a spelunker potion to highlight hellstone and other valuable ores, making it easier to locate them in the dark environment.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, melee characters may find it easier to farm hellstone due to their higher defense and close-range combat abilities. However, ranged and magic characters can also succeed with proper preparation. Ranged characters should bring a strong bow or gun, while magic users should have a reliable spell like the Water Bolt or Demon Scythe. Summoners can use minions to deal with enemies while they focus on mining.

Finally, always be mindful of your surroundings. The Underworld is a dangerous place, and enemies can quickly overwhelm you if you're not careful. Keep an eye on your health and retreat if necessary. With the right preparation and strategy, farming hellstone can be a manageable and rewarding task, providing you with the materials needed to craft powerful gear and progress further in Terraria.