Crimson Swarm Launcher

Quickstart

1. Craft the Crimson Swarm Launcher using the recipe below.
2. Hold it in either hand and press the use button (right-click) to fire.
3. Watch the missile fly forward — after a short flight it detonates in mid-air and scatters into 8 smaller explosive cluster rockets that spread outward and explode on impact.
4. Aim it at groups of enemies or structures for wide-area destruction. Keep some distance — the explosions are strong enough to hurt you too.

Overview

The Crimson Swarm Launcher is a single-use-per-shot ranged weapon that fires a missile designed to break apart into a swarm of smaller explosive projectiles. Rather than a single point of impact, it saturates an area with multiple blasts, making it effective against groups of mobs, fortified positions, or anything you want gone in a hurry.

What It Adds

• Crimson Swarm Launcher — a handheld weapon item that fires an explosive missile.
• Crimson Missile — the main projectile launched from the item.
• Cluster Missiles — eight secondary explosive projectiles spawned when the main missile detonates.
• A dedicated launch sound effect that plays when the weapon is fired.

How To Use

• Hold the launcher in your main hand or off-hand and use it (right-click) to fire a missile in the direction you're looking.
• The main missile travels briefly before automatically detonating in the air, even if it doesn't hit anything.
• If the missile does strike a target or block first, it explodes immediately and still releases its cluster of smaller missiles.
• Each detonation releases 8 cluster missiles that scatter in random directions, arc under gravity, and explode either on impact or after a short time in the air.
• Firing has a brief cooldown before you can fire again.
• Each shot consumes a small amount of the launcher's durability, so it will eventually need repairing or replacing after enough use.

Crafting And Obtaining

The Crimson Swarm Launcher is crafted at a crafting table.

Abilities And Mechanics

• Two-stage explosions: the main missile's blast is larger, while each of the 8 cluster missiles produces a smaller, secondary explosion — resulting in a wide spread of damage rather than a single hit.
• Airburst behavior: the main missile is timed to burst in mid-air shortly after launch, so it can hit targets even without a direct hit.
• Random spread: cluster missiles fly outward in random directions and distances, covering an area rather than a single point.
• Durability: the launcher has limited uses before it breaks, and can be repaired or enchanted for durability like other durable items.
• Fire resistant: the item itself will not burn up if exposed to fire or lava.

Progression And Strategy

Use the Crimson Swarm Launcher when facing clusters of enemies or when you want to clear an area quickly, since its strength comes from spreading damage rather than a single powerful hit. Keep a safe distance when firing, as the airburst and cluster explosions can affect a wide radius around the impact point, including your own position if you're too close. Because each shot costs durability and has a cooldown, it's best used deliberately rather than as a rapid-fire weapon — save it for tougher fights or groups rather than single weak targets.