What are the best NPC housing setups for hardmode Terraria?

In hardmode Terraria, managing NPC housing effectively is crucial for maximizing happiness, reducing prices, and unlocking unique items. The NPC happiness system introduced in Terraria 1.4 plays a significant role in this. NPCs have preferences for specific biomes and neighbors, and their happiness directly impacts the prices of their goods and services. A happy NPC will offer discounts, while an unhappy one will charge more. Additionally, certain NPCs sell unique items only when they are happy. To achieve the best NPC housing setups in hardmode, you need to understand the mechanics, plan your town layout, and consider the preferences of each NPC.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of NPC happiness. Each NPC has a preferred biome and a list of NPCs they like, love, dislike, or hate as neighbors. For example, the Arms Dealer loves the Nurse and prefers the Desert biome, while the Goblin Tinkerer loves the Mechanic and prefers the Underground biome. Placing NPCs in their preferred biome and pairing them with loved or liked neighbors will increase their happiness. Conversely, placing them in disliked biomes or near NPCs they dislike will decrease their happiness. Crowding too many NPCs in one area also reduces happiness, so spacing out housing is important.

To create an optimal housing setup, start by identifying the biomes you want to use. Common biomes for NPC housing include the Forest, Desert, Snow, Jungle, Hallow, and Underground. Each biome can support a small group of NPCs who prefer that environment. For example, you can build a Desert town for the Arms Dealer, Nurse, and Steampunker, as they all enjoy the Desert biome. Similarly, the Goblin Tinkerer and Mechanic can live in an Underground town. Spread out your housing to avoid overcrowding, and ensure each house meets the basic requirements: a valid room with walls, a light source, a table, a chair, and a door or platform entrance.

Next, consider the neighbors for each NPC. Pairing NPCs who love or like each other will boost their happiness. For example, the Arms Dealer and Nurse should live near each other, as they love each other. The Goblin Tinkerer and Mechanic also make a great pair. Avoid placing NPCs near those they dislike or hate, as this will lower their happiness. For example, the Angler and Tavernkeep dislike each other, so keep them apart.

Resource requirements for building NPC housing include wood, stone, and biome-specific materials like sand for the Desert or ice for the Snow biome. YouÔÇÖll also need crafting stations like a workbench and sawmill to create furniture and walls. Preparation involves gathering these materials and planning your town layout in advance. Use platforms and ropes to create multi-level housing if space is limited.

Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding NPCs, ignoring biome preferences, and neglecting neighbor relationships. Overcrowding reduces happiness, even if the biome and neighbors are ideal. Ignoring biome preferences means NPCs wonÔÇÖt be as happy as they could be, and neglecting neighbor relationships can lead to unnecessary unhappiness.

Advanced techniques include creating biome bubbles within your town. For example, you can create a small Desert biome in the Forest by placing enough sand blocks and Desert-themed furniture. This allows you to house Desert-loving NPCs without needing to build in the actual Desert. Similarly, you can create an Underground biome by placing enough stone blocks and background walls.

Class and equipment considerations are minimal for housing setups, but having a good pickaxe and building tools like the Architect Gizmo Pack can speed up construction. If youÔÇÖre building in dangerous biomes, ensure you have appropriate armor and weapons to defend yourself.

Specific examples include a Forest town for the Guide, Merchant, and Zoologist, who all prefer the Forest biome. A Desert town can house the Arms Dealer, Nurse, and Steampunker. An Underground town is ideal for the Goblin Tinkerer and Mechanic. A Snow biome town can house the Cyborg and Santa Claus during the Christmas season.

In summary, achieving the best NPC housing setups in hardmode Terraria involves understanding NPC preferences, planning your town layout, and avoiding common mistakes. By creating biome-specific towns, pairing NPCs with loved neighbors, and spacing out housing, you can maximize happiness and unlock discounts and unique items. Advanced techniques like biome bubbles and careful resource management can further optimize your setup. With proper planning and execution, your NPCs will thrive, making your Terraria experience more enjoyable and efficient.