A simple fix for Summon pets...

[ShuFlngPu]

Just make it so they have an auto-aquisition range; damage delt reduced 50-75%
The stat should be moddable for both range and damage penalty reduction.
Allow micromanaging for 'attack THIS target' for full damage (either by attacking, selection, ect.)
Itd be a unique way of handling it, make summoners have to commit to the build for full damage and be relatively easy to implement alongside the current rules.
Timer isnt a problem if mana regen isnt an issue.
Commit to the build or accept downsides/swapping items. Seems pretty reasonable and most would have a playstyle they can deal with.

[BDTA]

I don't think they need reduced damage in their current state, if the damage was reduced they'd need to either cost significantly less mana or no mana.

The timer is an issue simply because mana regen is so poor even when you specialize in summoning. The gear more specialized towards magic has decent mana regen but the summon specialized gear has minion count and minion damage but very poor mana recovery and max mana compared to what minions cost to summon.

Totally agree with the 'micromanage' aspect of it, Terraria does this well with whips that give bonus damage/effects when the summons strike an enemy you've hit with your whip, they also allow you to select a specific enemy to be the focus of your minions.

Melee minions also need to move away from the caster farther than they do, as it is summoner focused builds are super squishy but require you to be in melee range if you're not using bats or pestilence since the other 4 books are all melee or orbiting minions.

I've committed to a summoner build on a character in this game and it just feels so much more hassle than it's worth when I could just pick up any other weapon and do as much or more damage for less effort and more safety/survivability.

[ShuFlngPu]

Originally posted by BDTA:

I don't think they need reduced damage in their current state, if the damage was reduced they'd need to either cost significantly less mana or no mana.

The timer is an issue simply because mana regen is so poor even when you specialize in summoning. The gear more specialized towards magic has decent mana regen but the summon specialized gear has minion count and minion damage but very poor mana recovery and max mana compared to what minions cost to summon.

Totally agree with the 'micromanage' aspect of it, Terraria does this well with whips that give bonus damage/effects when the summons strike an enemy you've hit with your whip, they also allow you to select a specific enemy to be the focus of your minions.

Melee minions also need to move away from the caster farther than they do, as it is summoner focused builds are super squishy but require you to be in melee range if you're not using bats or pestilence since the other 4 books are all melee or orbiting minions.

I've committed to a summoner build on a character in this game and it just feels so much more hassle than it's worth when I could just pick up any other weapon and do as much or more damage for less effort and more safety/survivability.

The reduced damage is to keep it balanced when mixed with other builds for additional damage. Cant just think about it from a pure, 'im a summoner' standpoint as in many games with pets, pets are typically a great addition to DPS and thus, needs something to balance that aspect out.
Damage reduction for this purpose with it removed if you commit to the build is needed to balance the whole of the game and not just being fun to be a summoner.

Moddable target aquisition range would potentially 'fix' the melee issue and mana regen to higher degrees fix the mana costs.
I dont wana nit-pick numbers. Thats for the devs to do for balance.
Im trying to offer mechanical suggestions/fixes for summons as a whole and not just for summoners who commit.

[ShuFlngPu]

PS: Just so we are clear, I agree the damage reduction should be removed- IF they commit to the build as specified. :)
Mana regen can also be summoner dependant and much higher than the other options then as you suggested, there is always number nit-picking as well to manage and look at.

[Celator]

They should last like 5 times as long and cost half the mana. That, and they should, you know, actually target enemies before they become hostile. Maybe they have a longer range where they target only hostile enemies vs where they can target any enemy, but one way or another they need more attack uptime.

[ShuFlngPu]

Originally posted by Celator:

They should last like 5 times as long and cost half the mana. That, and they should, you know, actually target enemies before they become hostile. Maybe they have a longer range where they target only hostile enemies vs where they can target any enemy, but one way or another they need more attack uptime.

Its my PoV that the dev doesnt want a steriotype for a summon class- hence why they are the way they are at the moment. Aint sayin I like it either... But I think they wana do something thats a lil differnt. I agree though, at minimum we need the ability to be like "Pet, kill that."

[Carnatux]

I just want the timer to go away and they last until they die

[ShuFlngPu]

Originally posted by Carnatux:

I just want the timer to go away and they last until they die

I think this is overwhelmingly OP for this game style sadly... But perhaps an endgame item or two this way could be cool?
Micromanagement is a thing for summoners you know? Or at least... Logically should be.
To me, you shouldnt just be able to summon a pet for infinity and if you do, you should be able to micromanage them as a suimmoner should. Game doesnt do that.
The micromanagement IS being a summoner.
Just calling a pet and letting it do absolutely everything FOR you isnt ideal to me.
In this instance, id want the pets to not automatically pick targets, youd have to select yourself (Like via attack) and I really, really dislike this method and would prefer to move away from it even if it means I have to cast more pets more often.