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Early summons shape your entire run, and a recent wave of speedrunners has exposed one risky choice. Players are replaying old hardmode titles to test overlooked options. Did you skip this early hardmode summon for a worse one?
This choice locks you into a difficult ally from the start. Did you skip this early hardmode summon for a worse one? refers to an underpowered creature picked before the main story. Research shows these units often lack scaling stats and key skills.
Smart players test its worst-case scenario first. They run speed routes to see if it cripples progression or story freedom. Low stats, bad moves, and gear scarcity turn this pick into a tough grind. One line takeaway: skip underpowered early summons for better options later.
Is this summon mandatory for the ending?
Most routes let you ignore it, but story flags may lock content.
Can you swap it later?
Replacement units rarely appear, so choose your early hardmode summon carefully.