How do I make the Painter NPC happy in Terraria?

To make the Painter NPC happy in Terraria, you need to understand the NPC happiness system, which was introduced in the 1.4 update. This system allows NPCs to have preferences for specific biomes and neighbors, which directly affects their happiness. A happy NPC will offer discounts on their items and, in some cases, sell unique items. For the Painter, his happiness is influenced by the biome he lives in and the NPCs he is housed near. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to make the Painter happy, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Painter NPC prefers to live in the Jungle biome. This is his favorite biome, and placing him here will significantly boost his happiness. If you cannot place him in the Jungle, the Forest biome is a neutral option, but it wonÔÇÖt provide the same happiness bonus. Avoid placing him in biomes he dislikes, such as the Desert or Snow biome, as this will decrease his happiness. Additionally, the Painter likes to be near the Dryad and the Party Girl. Housing him close to these NPCs will further increase his happiness. On the other hand, he dislikes being near the Cyborg or the Steampunker, so avoid placing him near these NPCs.

To start, you need to create suitable housing for the Painter in the Jungle biome. This involves building a house that meets the basic requirements for NPC housing: it must have walls, a chair, a table, a light source, and be enclosed. You can use any materials, but using jungle-themed blocks like mud or jungle wood can make the house blend well with the environment. Once the house is ready, assign the Painter to it by talking to him and selecting the "Housing" option. If the Jungle biome is too dangerous early in the game, you can temporarily place him in the Forest biome until you are ready to move him.

Next, ensure that the Dryad and Party Girl are housed nearby. You can build additional houses in the Jungle biome for these NPCs. The Dryad also prefers the Jungle biome, so she will be happy there as well. The Party Girl is neutral in most biomes, but she will still contribute to the PainterÔÇÖs happiness if placed nearby. Make sure to space the houses appropriately to avoid overcrowding, as too many NPCs in one area can reduce happiness.

One common mistake is placing the Painter in a biome he dislikes, such as the Desert or Snow biome. This will make him unhappy and increase the prices of his items. Another mistake is housing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Cyborg or Steampunker. Always check the NPCÔÇÖs preferences before placing them in a house. Additionally, avoid placing too many NPCs in one area, as this can lead to overcrowding and reduced happiness.

For advanced optimization, you can create a dedicated NPC village in the Jungle biome. This involves building multiple houses for the Painter, Dryad, and Party Girl, along with other NPCs who like the Jungle biome, such as the Witch Doctor. This setup maximizes happiness for multiple NPCs and creates a thriving town. You can also use pylons to connect different biomes, making it easier to travel between them. The Jungle Pylon can be purchased from the Painter when he is happy, allowing for quick travel to and from the Jungle biome.

Resource requirements for this setup include basic building materials like wood, stone, and jungle-themed blocks. You may also need to gather materials for furniture, such as chairs and tables. If you are building in the Jungle biome, be prepared to deal with hostile enemies like Hornets and Man Eaters. Equip yourself with appropriate weapons and armor to defend against these threats. Early-game weapons like the Amazon or the Blade of Grass can be effective in the Jungle biome.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, any class can build and manage NPC housing, but ranged or magic classes may have an easier time dealing with Jungle enemies due to their ability to attack from a distance. Melee classes should focus on high-defense armor and weapons with good reach, such as spears or yoyos. Summoners can use minions to help clear enemies while they build.

A specific example scenario would be setting up a Jungle village early in Hardmode. By this point, you should have access to better building materials and weapons, making it easier to defend against Jungle enemies. You can create a multi-level village with houses for the Painter, Dryad, and Party Girl, along with other NPCs who like the Jungle biome. Use platforms and ropes to create vertical pathways, making it easier to navigate the village. Place torches or other light sources to illuminate the area and prevent enemy spawns.

In conclusion, making the Painter happy in Terraria involves placing him in the Jungle biome and housing him near the Dryad and Party Girl. Avoid placing him in disliked biomes or near disliked NPCs. Build suitable housing, manage resources, and defend against Jungle enemies to create a thriving NPC village. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize the PainterÔÇÖs happiness and enjoy the benefits of discounted prices and unique items.