Paladin

The Paladin is a rare, resilient Hardmode enemy who spawns in the Dungeon after Plantera has been defeated. It is immune to knockback and attacks by rapidly throwing hammer projectiles which can pass through blocks and inflict extreme damage. Paladins are most likely to spawn in Dungeon areas made of Dungeon Brick Walls.
== Notes ==
* Paladins are exceptionally tough enemies. Their projectile attack is unusually versatile for a non-boss enemy and inflicts extreme damage. A Paladin has more health than Skeletron, immunity to knockback, and as much defense as the and Duke Fishron (in its first form), making it difficult to kill and dangerous to try to slip past or ignore.
* Although Paladins have a visual height of 4 tiles, they can pass through 3 tile-tall corridors.
* Paladins cannot throw hammers while moving or being under attack.
* Paladins are much less likely to attack players outside their line-of-sight.
* Paladins will ignore the movement of conveyor belts if throwing hammers.
== Tips ==
* Because a Paladin's attack will be interrupted if it takes damage, quickly firing weapons can stop it from attacking entirely.
** Most melee weapons are capable of hitting fast enough, although the Paladin's immunity to knockback as well as other, surrounding enemies may make this tough to pull off.
** Fast-firing ranged weapons can also be used, however, other enemies may get in the way, allowing the Paladin to attack. Consider using piercing or exploding shots. A Piranha Gun is exceptionally effective.
** Magic weapons with piercing capabilities can be used to great effect. Notable examples are the Heat Ray (), Nettle Burst, or Magical Harp. Once obtained, a Shadowbeam Staff can also be used.
** Summoning weapons are extremely capable of taking the Paladin out. If the Paladin is targeted, the minions will almost always hit it fast enough to halt its attacks. The player can then focus on taking out other enemies and staying safe.
* As Paladins usually cease to attack as soon as their line of sight is blocked, closed doors and walls (which may include openings with a width of one block) are a safe barrier. Weapons that are capable of attacking through blocks (e.g. Death Sickle) or those that fit through small holes (e.g. Scourge of the Corruptor or Nimbus Rod) can be used to defeat Paladins with little risk.
* Fighting it in smaller hallways is not recommended, as this leaves no room for dodging, and often leads to a quick death. It may be possible to defeat a Paladin in a longer, two-way corridor by continuously attacking while backing away, but additional enemies potentially getting in the way still pose a threat.
* Getting hit by a Paladin's body deals less damage than getting hit by one of its hammers, unless in or .
*Paladins will despawn even if they pickup coins.
== Trivia ==
* Out of all Dungeon enemies, the Paladin drops the most coins upon death.
* It visibly holds the items that it drops: Paladin's Hammer and Paladin's Shield.
* In real life, a is usually a heroic champion (especially a knightly one) or a defender or advocate of a noble cause. The twelve foremost knights of Emperor 's court are also called paladins.
== History ==
== References ==