Terraria: Corruption vs. Crimson Zones

Terraria is an action-adventure game where players will travel through a randomized world with a bevy of diverse biomes to explore. Like planets in Star Wars, these areas are distinguished by a unique ecosystem (ocean, jungle, desert, etc.). Some biomes are not so friendly; these are known as evil biomes. Evil biomes are either corrupt or crimson, quickly identified as purple or red respectively.

According to Terraria lore, Corruption and Crimson are sentient forces seeking to restore balance to the world. Each randomly generated world has a 50% chance of generating Corruption or Crimson, but not both. There’s more difference between these two evil biomes than the purple and red color difference. This is where players find the toughest enemies, rarest loot, and even exotic fish. The latest update “Journey’s End” even added some new enemies and bosses to the mix in Hardmode.

The Corrupted Zones in Terraria

Corruption chasms drop straight down, unlike the crimson zones which snake and grow organically. The boss at the end of the corrupted zones in normal mode is the Eater of Worlds, which becomes even more difficult in Hardmode. Corrupt enemies in Hardmode include Slimer and World Feeder. When a world is generated, the tree will be colored half purple to indicate it features Corruption.

The Crimson Zones in Terraria

There can be Crimson Deserts or Crimson Snow biomes, where materials like sand and snow are replaced with Crimsand and Crimsnow. In general, the crimson zones will be slightly more difficult than the corrupted zones. Enemy types will again differ between normal and hard mode. Players looking for an immediate challenge can create artificial crimson biomes with crimson seeds. Natural crimson starts as a contained zone but slowly spreads like a living virus throughout a biome. Crimson spreads more rapidly after defeating the boss “Wall of Flesh.” When a world is created, the tree icon will be half red to indicate Crimson elements.

A Tale of Two Worlds in Terraria

Terraria is a beautiful and dangerous world. It’s essential to have the right equipment before going into either corrupt or crimson zones. Players will need at least a good grappling hook, or an enhancement to the jump ability to safely descend into the subterranean chasms generated in the world. The latest update coats these perilous zones with a final dose of challenge, so take the time to get to know their unique features.

Next: Terraria: New Journey Mode Explained (Update 1.4)

Terraria is available on PC, PS4, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.