How do I get the Stylist NPC to move in Terraria?

To get the Stylist NPC to move in Terraria, you need to rescue her from the Spider Caves, which are found in the Underground or Cavern layers of the world. The Stylist is a unique NPC because she is not automatically available like most others. Instead, she is trapped in a web and must be freed by the player. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and tips to successfully rescue and house the Stylist.

First, you need to locate the Spider Caves. These biomes are characterized by their dark, web-filled tunnels and the presence of dangerous enemies like Wall Creepers and Black Recluses. The Spider Caves can be found in the Underground or Cavern layers, so you will need to dig deep into your world. It is recommended to bring a good supply of torches, ropes, and platforms to navigate the caves safely. Additionally, having a weapon with decent range or area-of-effect damage, such as a bow or a magic spell, will help you deal with the spiders effectively.

Once you find the Spider Caves, explore them thoroughly. The Stylist is usually found in a small web cocoon, which looks like a white, web-covered block. When you approach the cocoon, you will see a prompt to "Free Stylist." Interact with the cocoon, and the Stylist will be released. She will then start following you, similar to how the Goblin Tinkerer or Mechanic behaves after being rescued. You need to guide her back to the surface and ensure she has a suitable house to move into.

To create a suitable house for the Stylist, you need to build a room that meets the basic housing requirements. The room must have walls, a light source, a flat surface item like a table or workbench, and a comfort item like a chair. The room must also be enclosed with walls and have a door or other entrance. Once the room is ready, the Stylist will move in automatically if there are no other NPCs waiting to occupy the space.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when rescuing the Stylist. First, make sure you are well-prepared for the Spider Caves. The enemies there can be quite dangerous, especially in higher difficulties like Expert or Master mode. Equip armor and accessories that boost your defense and mobility, such as Hermes Boots or a Cloud in a Bottle. Bringing healing potions and a good weapon is also essential. Second, be careful not to lose the Stylist on your way back to the surface. If she dies or gets stuck, you will need to find her again in another Spider Cave. Third, ensure that your housing is ready before rescuing her. If there is no available house, she will not move in, and you might lose track of her.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the Spider Caves, which can lead to frequent deaths and frustration. Another mistake is not having a suitable house ready, which can delay the Stylist from moving in. Additionally, some players might overlook the importance of guiding the Stylist back to the surface safely, leading to her getting lost or killed.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using a Hunter Potion to make it easier to spot the Stylist's cocoon in the dark caves. You can also use a Magic Mirror or Recall Potion to quickly return to the surface after rescuing her, reducing the risk of losing her. If you have access to teleporters, you can set up a teleporter network to quickly transport her to your base.

Resource requirements and preparation include gathering materials for torches, ropes, and platforms, as well as crafting or obtaining a good weapon and armor. Healing potions and buff potions like Ironskin or Swiftness can also be very helpful. If you are playing in a higher difficulty mode, consider bringing a bed to set a spawn point near the Spider Caves.

Class and equipment considerations depend on your playstyle. Melee characters should focus on high-defense armor and weapons with good reach, like a sword or spear. Ranged characters can use bows or guns to deal with spiders from a distance. Magic users should have spells that can hit multiple enemies, such as the Water Bolt or Demon Scythe. Summoners can use minions to distract enemies while they focus on rescuing the Stylist.

In specific scenarios, such as playing in a multiplayer world, you can coordinate with teammates to cover more ground and protect the Stylist on the way back. In single-player, you might want to clear a safe path back to the surface before rescuing her. Overall, rescuing the Stylist is a rewarding task that adds a unique NPC to your town, providing access to hairstyles and vanity options for your character.