What are the best NPC housing designs for mid-game Terraria?

In mid-game Terraria, NPC housing design becomes more important as you start to focus on maximizing NPC happiness, which affects their prices and unlocks unique items like the Pylon system. NPC happiness is determined by three factors: biome preference, neighbor preference, and overcrowding. To create the best housing designs, you need to balance these factors while ensuring your NPCs are safe and have access to their required amenities.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of NPC happiness. Each NPC has a preferred biome and specific neighbors they like or dislike. For example, the Arms Dealer loves the Desert biome and likes living with the Nurse, but he dislikes the Steampunker. Overcrowding occurs when too many NPCs are in the same area, which reduces happiness. To avoid this, spread out your NPCs across different biomes and ensure they have compatible neighbors. Additionally, NPCs need valid housing, which includes walls, a light source, a table, a chair, and a door or other entrance.

To start designing mid-game housing, choose biomes that are easily accessible and safe. Common biomes for NPC housing include the Forest, Desert, Snow, Jungle, and Hallow. Each biome has unique benefits and challenges. For example, the Desert biome is great for the Arms Dealer and Nurse, but it can be dangerous due to enemies like Antlions. To mitigate this, build a walled town with platforms or blocks to prevent enemy spawns. Use background walls to create a safe zone, and consider adding traps or lava moats for extra protection.

Next, focus on neighbor compatibility. Group NPCs who like each other together in the same biome. For example, the Merchant and Golfer both like the Forest biome and enjoy each otherÔÇÖs company. Place them in a small house with basic furniture and decorations. Avoid placing NPCs who dislike each other nearby, as this will reduce their happiness. For example, the Goblin Tinkerer and Mechanic dislike each other, so keep them in separate biomes or at least far apart within the same biome.

To optimize happiness, use the Pylon system. Pylons allow fast travel between biomes and are unlocked when NPCs are happy enough. To get a Pylon, place at least two NPCs in a biome they like, with compatible neighbors. For example, the Zoologist and Witch Doctor in the Jungle biome will unlock the Jungle Pylon. Once you have a Pylon, you can quickly travel between biomes, making resource gathering and exploration more efficient.

When building housing, consider aesthetics and functionality. Use different materials to match the biomeÔÇÖs theme, such as sandstone for the Desert or ice blocks for the Snow biome. Add decorations like paintings, banners, and furniture to make the houses feel lived-in. Ensure each house has enough space for the NPC to move around, but avoid making it too large, as this can reduce efficiency.

Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding, ignoring biome preferences, and neglecting safety. Overcrowding happens when too many NPCs are in one area, so spread them out. Ignoring biome preferences will make NPCs unhappy, so always check their likes and dislikes. Neglecting safety can lead to NPC deaths during events or invasions, so build defenses like walls, traps, and lava moats.

Advanced techniques include creating themed towns and using teleporters for quick travel. Themed towns are visually appealing and can enhance your gameplay experience. For example, build a pirate-themed town in the Ocean biome with the Pirate and Angler. Teleporters can be used to connect distant biomes, making it easier to manage NPCs and resources.

Resource requirements for mid-game housing include wood, stone, and biome-specific materials like cactus or ice blocks. YouÔÇÖll also need furniture like tables, chairs, and light sources. Preparation involves gathering these materials and planning your town layout before building. Use the crafting menu to create furniture and decorations, and consider using the TinkererÔÇÖs Workshop to combine accessories for better efficiency.

Class and equipment considerations are minimal for housing design, but having a good pickaxe or drill can speed up resource gathering. Mid-game tools like the Molten Pickaxe or Reaver Shark are ideal for mining materials quickly. If youÔÇÖre playing as a summoner, consider using minions to protect your town during events.

In summary, the best mid-game NPC housing designs focus on biome preferences, neighbor compatibility, and safety. Spread out your NPCs across different biomes, group compatible neighbors together, and build defenses to protect your town. Use the Pylon system for fast travel, and avoid common mistakes like overcrowding and ignoring preferences. With careful planning and resource management, you can create a thriving town that maximizes NPC happiness and enhances your Terraria experience.