Originally posted by OscillatingOcelot:

I enjoy the initial hunt for iron to then gear up for the 3d boss. However, after that I hate the swamp with a passion. No matter how strong I get, how much endurance, or whether I can find a new cyrpt, I still hate going into the swamp. It is not because the swamp is to difficult, but rather being annoyed with constantly being wet and slowed down by everything....
Figure I'd toss out a few ideas or changing things up to see what poeple think

1) After defeating the last boss you gain an item that allows you to use the portal with metal on you or even just iron metal only

2) Make a device from transmuting one type of metal to another at a steep but realistic trade ratio (10x copper for 1x iron )

3) Future biome instances have a chance of iron being found from structures you destroy

4) Make an item or set of gear that will allow you to stay dry regardless of weather or being in water

5) Make Iron or all metals available for purchase at the merchant

Another option would be to add sub surface Iron deposits to the Plains biom. Just like Silver the Player would use the Wishbone to find them, That would remove having to go back and spend hours in a Swamp you are over geared for.