What are the best NPC pairings for event preparation in Terraria?

In Terraria, preparing for events like Blood Moons, Solar Eclipses, Goblin Invasions, or boss battles requires careful planning, especially when it comes to NPC pairings. NPC happiness plays a significant role in event preparation because happy NPCs offer discounts on their goods, which can save you resources when purchasing items like ammunition, potions, or building materials. Additionally, certain NPCs provide unique items or services that are invaluable during events. To maximize efficiency, you need to pair NPCs strategically based on their preferences for biomes and neighbors.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of NPC happiness. Each NPC has a preferred biome and specific neighbors they like or dislike. When placed in their preferred biome and near liked neighbors, their happiness increases, leading to discounts and, in some cases, access to unique items. For example, the Arms Dealer loves the Desert biome and likes the Nurse as a neighbor. Pairing them together in a Desert biome will make the Arms Dealer happy, reducing the cost of bullets and other ammunition, which is crucial for ranged players during events.

To prepare for events, start by identifying which NPCs are most useful for the event youÔÇÖre planning for. For example, during a Goblin Invasion, the Goblin Tinkerer is essential because he sells the Rocket Boots and other mobility-enhancing items. Pair him with the Mechanic, as they like each other, and place them in the Underground biome to maximize their happiness. This will reduce the cost of reforging items, which is important for optimizing your gear before an event.

Another important NPC for event preparation is the Dryad. She sells items like the Plantera Bulb and provides the Peace Candle, which reduces enemy spawn rates. Pair her with the Truffle in a Glowing Mushroom biome, as they like each other. This setup will make the Dryad happy, reducing the cost of her items and making it easier to stock up on useful tools for events.

For boss battles, the Nurse is a must-have NPC. She can heal you during fights, which is invaluable for survival. Pair her with the Arms Dealer in a Desert biome, as they like each other, and this will make her services more affordable. Additionally, the Tavernkeep is useful for boss battles because he sells Sentry Summons, which can help deal damage while you focus on dodging attacks. Pair him with the Demolitionist in the Hallow biome, as they like each other, to maximize their happiness.

When preparing for events, resource management is key. Stock up on potions, ammunition, and building materials. Use the discounts from happy NPCs to save resources. For example, the Alchemist NPC, a modded character, sells potions at a reduced price when happy, making it easier to prepare for tough events. If youÔÇÖre playing vanilla Terraria, the Witch Doctor in the Jungle biome sells useful potions and accessories. Pair him with the Guide, as they like each other, to reduce costs.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing NPCs in biomes they dislike or pairing them with neighbors they hate. For example, the Clothier dislikes the Mechanic, so avoid placing them together. Also, donÔÇÖt overcrowd NPCs in one area, as this can reduce their happiness. Spread them out in their preferred biomes with liked neighbors to maximize efficiency.

Advanced techniques include creating mini-biomes near your main base to house specific NPCs. For example, you can create a small Desert biome near your base to house the Arms Dealer and Nurse. This allows you to access their services quickly during events without traveling far. Additionally, use teleporters to connect different biomes, making it easier to move between NPCs during events.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, tailor your NPC pairings to your chosen class. For melee players, the Blacksmith and Goblin Tinkerer are essential for reforging weapons and armor. Pair them in the Underground biome to maximize their happiness. For ranged players, the Arms Dealer and Nurse are crucial, as mentioned earlier. For magic users, the Wizard and Goblin Tinkerer are important for reforging magic weapons and accessories. Pair them in the Hallow biome to maximize their happiness.

In summary, preparing for events in Terraria involves careful NPC management. Pair NPCs based on their preferred biomes and neighbors to maximize happiness and reduce costs. Stock up on resources, create mini-biomes, and use teleporters for quick access. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding or placing NPCs in disliked biomes. Tailor your NPC pairings to your class and equipment needs, and youÔÇÖll be well-prepared for any event Terraria throws at you.