Golem

Golem is a Hardmode mechanical boss fought in the Jungle Temple (Lihzahrd Temple). The fight consists of multiple independent parts: an invincible body, a detachable head attached to the body, and one fist at the end of each arm. The head must be destroyed to allow damage to the body; defeating the body ends the encounter. The two fists are optional targets and do not need to be killed to finish the fight.

Golem's behavior changes as its parts are separated. While the head is attached it performs its primary attacks; once the head is detached the body becomes vulnerable and may be damaged by environmental hazards such as lava — Golem is one of only two bosses that take lava damage. Golem’s map icon represents the head’s location, but despawn distance is measured from the body; if the head chases the player too far from the body the boss will despawn. Golem is affected by low gravity in Space, unlike most other bosses, which alters its movement when fought in those conditions.

Several combat and arena interactions are important for a reliable kill. The fists fire projectiles only when the player is positioned between the two fists or on the same side as a given fist; they can also attack independently even if Golem's movement is impeded. Terrain around the Lihzahrd Altar can occasionally trap Golem upon spawn so that it can use fists and projectiles but cannot jump properly; this can be reproduced by placing blocks near the altar. The three Lihzahrd Bricks immediately beneath the altar cannot be actuated, so the altar cannot be relocated before the first defeat of Golem.

Practical notes and strategies:

• Build an arena inside the Jungle Temple with clear space for the head to detach and for the body to be reached once vulnerable. Account for the altar’s immobility by planning the arena around it.
• Use ranged or mobility-focused loadouts to kite and avoid simultaneous attacks from head and fists; being between fists increases their aggression, so position accordingly to bait or avoid their projectile volleys.
• Because lava damages Golem’s body after the head detaches, carefully placed lava can help finish the fight but must be used with caution to avoid self-harm.
• Replicating the spawn-stuck condition (placing blocks near the altar) can immobilize Golem’s movement while still allowing the fists and projectiles to be used; this can simplify the fight for ranged characters but may alter expected attack patterns.
• Keep in mind gravity modifiers (for example, fighting in Space) will change Golem’s movement; adjust mobility accessories and terrain to maintain control of positioning.

Golem’s visual design includes Lihzahrd Brick-themed imagery on its body and a head that appears looser and more bouncy as its health declines. The boss’s proportions occupy multiple player-height units, with the head represented on the map even when detached.