Terraria is noted for its classic exploration-adventure style of play, similar to titles such as Minecraft. Basic gameplay features day and night cycles, nocturnal and subterranean attackers, world-building elements, and character advancement. The game has a tile-based graphical style reminiscent of the 16-bit sprites found on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
At character creation, each player has a copper axe, a copper pickaxe, and a copper shortsword. They start out with 100 health. When the character first spawns in a new world, an NPC, the Guide, appears nearby to explain the basics of gameplay.
There are three character difficulties: Softcore, Mediumcore, and Hardcore. Playing in Hardcore mode brings new challenges to the game. Tougher new enemies, Bosses and Environments are unlocked, alongwith varied death penalties.
