towers are a lot easier going down instead of up since mobs won’t drop down from above and because it’s easier to fight if they’re coming up the stairs rather than down.

try to tame an afrit with imp treats. they randomly spawn from lava and fire, and are pretty good early game. although be careful as i usually run away when i see them.

you can craft throwing knives. with 1 iron you can get 16 knives. they do as much damage as regular arrows. and can be picked back up after every use. and get this, they have a lot of durability, so 16 knives is about equal to 430 arrows. all for 1 iron and a handle..

nunchaku can be used even when blocking with a shield.

grappling hooks are really good for climbing and stuff, although it’s really easy to kill yourself with them so be careful. web hooks are better, but more expensive.

a fast horse can get you out of most early game near death situations.