What are the best NPC pairings for the Ocean biome in Terraria?

In Terraria, the Ocean biome is a unique and vibrant area located at the far ends of the world map, either on the left or right side. It is home to various aquatic enemies and resources, making it an interesting place to set up NPC housing. However, managing NPC happiness in the Ocean biome requires careful planning, as each NPC has specific preferences for biomes and neighbors. By pairing NPCs correctly, you can maximize their happiness, which leads to lower prices for their goods and access to unique items like the Pylon system, which allows for fast travel between biomes.

To start, you need to understand the NPC happiness mechanics. Each NPC has a preferred biome and preferred neighbors. If they are in their preferred biome and near their preferred neighbors, their happiness increases. Conversely, if they are in a disliked biome or near disliked neighbors, their happiness decreases. Happiness affects the prices of items they sell and whether they will sell a Pylon for that biome. In the Ocean biome, the key is to pair NPCs who like the Ocean or at least donÔÇÖt dislike it, and who also like each other.

One of the best NPC pairings for the Ocean biome is the Angler and the Pirate. The Angler is a child NPC who loves the Ocean biome, and the Pirate is an NPC who also likes the Ocean. When placed together, they will be happy, and the Angler will sell the Ocean Pylon, which is essential for fast travel. Another good pairing is the Stylist and the Dye Trader. The Stylist likes the Ocean biome, and the Dye Trader is neutral about it. When placed together, they will be content, and the Stylist will sell the Ocean Pylon if she is happy enough.

To set up housing in the Ocean biome, you need to create suitable homes for your NPCs. Each house must meet the basic requirements: it must have walls, a chair, a table, a light source, and be a certain size. You can build these houses above the water or on floating platforms to avoid flooding. Make sure the houses are close enough for the NPCs to be considered neighbors but not too close to overcrowd them, as overcrowding reduces happiness.

When building in the Ocean biome, consider the environmental hazards. The Ocean is prone to enemy spawns like Sharks and Crabs, so you may want to build defenses such as walls or traps to protect your NPCs. Additionally, the Ocean biome is near the Dungeon side of the world, so you may encounter stronger enemies if you are in Hardmode. Preparing for these threats is essential to keep your NPCs safe.

A common mistake players make is placing too many NPCs in one area, which leads to overcrowding and reduced happiness. To avoid this, limit the number of NPCs in the Ocean biome to those who specifically like or tolerate it. Another mistake is ignoring the biome preferences of NPCs. For example, placing the Goblin Tinkerer in the Ocean biome will make him unhappy, as he prefers the Underground biome.

Advanced techniques include using teleporters or minecart tracks to connect your Ocean biome housing to other biomes, allowing for easy access without needing to walk long distances. You can also use actuators to create hidden doors or pathways, making your Ocean base more secure and aesthetically pleasing.

Resource requirements for building in the Ocean biome include wood, stone, and glass for basic housing. You may also need sand to create glass blocks or platforms. If you want to build underwater, you will need materials like coral or seaweed to create an underwater theme. Preparation involves gathering these materials before starting construction.

Class and equipment considerations depend on your playstyle. If you are a melee class, you may want to equip weapons like the Cutlass or the Anchor, which are effective against Ocean enemies. Ranged classes can use weapons like the Minishark or the Harpoon. Magic users may prefer the Water Bolt or the Aqua Scepter. Regardless of your class, having mobility accessories like the Flipper or the NeptuneÔÇÖs Shell will help you navigate the Ocean biome more effectively.

In summary, achieving optimal NPC happiness in the Ocean biome involves careful planning and understanding of NPC preferences. Pairing the Angler with the Pirate or the Stylist with the Dye Trader are effective strategies. Building suitable housing, avoiding overcrowding, and preparing for environmental hazards are key steps. Advanced techniques like teleporters and hidden pathways can enhance your Ocean base. By following these tips and strategies, you can create a thriving Ocean biome settlement with happy NPCs and access to the Ocean Pylon for fast travel.