How do I maximize NPC happiness in Terraria to get the best discounts?

Maximizing NPC happiness in Terraria is a key strategy to reduce prices for items and services, as well as to unlock unique items like the Pylon network, which allows for fast travel between biomes. NPC happiness is influenced by three main factors: the biome they live in, their neighbors, and the population density of the area. Each NPC has specific preferences for biomes and neighbors, and these preferences directly affect their happiness level. A happy NPC will offer discounts on their goods, while an unhappy NPC will charge more. Additionally, certain NPCs will only sell Pylons if they are happy and placed in their preferred biome.

To maximize NPC happiness, you need to carefully plan where and with whom each NPC lives. First, you should understand the biome preferences of each NPC. For example, the Guide prefers the Forest biome, the Merchant likes the Forest but dislikes the Desert, and the Arms Dealer prefers the Desert but dislikes the Snow biome. Similarly, the Nurse prefers the Hallow biome, while the Dryad prefers the Jungle. Each NPC also has specific neighbor preferences. For instance, the Nurse likes living with the Arms Dealer, but dislikes the Dryad. The Zoologist loves the Witch Doctor and prefers the Forest biome, while the Golfer likes the Angler and prefers the Desert biome.

To start, you should create small housing clusters in different biomes, ensuring that each NPC is placed in their preferred biome and paired with neighbors they like. For example, you can place the Guide and the Zoologist in the Forest biome, as they both prefer it and get along well. Similarly, you can place the Arms Dealer and the Nurse in the Desert biome, as they both like the Desert and enjoy each other's company. Avoid placing NPCs in biomes they dislike or with neighbors they dislike, as this will reduce their happiness and increase prices.

Population density is another important factor. NPCs prefer to live in smaller groups rather than large towns. Ideally, you should have no more than three NPCs in a single area. If you have too many NPCs in one place, their happiness will decrease. To manage this, spread out your NPCs across different biomes and keep their housing clusters small. For example, you can have a Forest biome cluster with the Guide, Zoologist, and Merchant, a Desert biome cluster with the Arms Dealer and Nurse, and a Jungle biome cluster with the Dryad and Witch Doctor.

Resource requirements for maximizing NPC happiness are relatively simple. You need to gather materials to build houses in different biomes. Each house should be at least 6 blocks tall and 10 blocks wide, with walls, a chair, a table, and a light source. You can use wood, stone, or other materials depending on the biome. For example, in the Desert biome, you can use sandstone blocks to match the theme. You also need to ensure that each house is valid for NPCs, meaning it has a door, walls, and is not too close to corruption or crimson biomes.

Advanced techniques include using Pylons to create a fast travel network. To unlock Pylons, you need to have at least two NPCs in a biome who are happy. Once you have a Pylon, you can place it in the biome and use it to travel to other Pylons in different biomes. This allows you to quickly move between biomes without needing to build long bridges or minecart tracks. To optimize this, you can create small housing clusters in each biome with two or three NPCs who like each other and the biome. For example, in the Snow biome, you can place the Mechanic and the Goblin Tinkerer, as they both like the Snow biome and enjoy each other's company.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing NPCs in biomes they dislike or with neighbors they dislike. For example, placing the Merchant in the Desert biome will make him unhappy, as he dislikes the Desert. Similarly, placing the Nurse with the Dryad will reduce their happiness, as they dislike each other. Another mistake is overcrowding NPCs in one area. Having too many NPCs in a single biome will reduce their happiness, even if they like the biome and their neighbors. To avoid this, spread out your NPCs and keep housing clusters small.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, maximizing NPC happiness does not require specific gear or classes. However, having a strong character with good equipment will help you gather resources and build houses more efficiently. For example, a character with a high mining speed and good mobility will make it easier to gather materials and build houses in different biomes. Additionally, having a strong character will help you defend your NPCs during events like Blood Moons or Goblin Invasions, which can disrupt your town and reduce NPC happiness.

In summary, maximizing NPC happiness in Terraria involves understanding each NPC's biome and neighbor preferences, creating small housing clusters in different biomes, and avoiding overcrowding. By carefully planning where and with whom each NPC lives, you can reduce prices, unlock Pylons, and create a thriving town. Resource requirements are minimal, and advanced techniques like using Pylons can further optimize your town. Avoid common mistakes like placing NPCs in disliked biomes or with disliked neighbors, and ensure your character is well-equipped to gather resources and defend your town. With these strategies, you can create a happy and efficient NPC town in Terraria.