What are the best biome preferences for the Guide NPC in Terraria?

The Guide NPC in Terraria is one of the first characters you encounter, and while he doesnÔÇÖt sell items, he plays a crucial role in helping players understand crafting recipes and progression. Managing his happiness is still important, as it affects his dialogue and can influence the overall happiness of nearby NPCs. The NPC happiness system in Terraria is tied to biome preferences and neighbor preferences, which can impact their mood and, in turn, the prices of items they sell or services they provide. For the Guide, achieving optimal happiness involves placing him in a biome he likes and pairing him with neighbors he enjoys.

The Guide prefers the Forest biome, which is the default starting biome in Terraria. This makes him relatively easy to keep happy early in the game. The Forest biome is characterized by its grassy terrain, trees, and lack of extreme environmental hazards. To maximize his happiness, you should build his house in or near the Forest biome. If you move him to other biomes, such as the Desert or Snow biome, his happiness will decrease, leading to higher prices for services like crafting or reforging.

Neighbor preferences also play a significant role in NPC happiness. The Guide likes living near the Clothier and the Zoologist. The Clothier is an NPC who sells vanity items and moves in after defeating Skeletron. The Zoologist, on the other hand, becomes available once you have filled at least 10% of the Bestiary. Placing the Guide in a house near these NPCs will boost his happiness. However, avoid placing him near the Merchant or the Nurse, as he dislikes these neighbors. If you place him near NPCs he dislikes, his happiness will drop, and he may complain about his living conditions.

To set up the GuideÔÇÖs housing, start by building a small house in the Forest biome. The house should meet the basic requirements for NPC housing: it must have walls, a door, a table, a chair, and a light source. You can use wood or other materials readily available in the Forest biome to construct the house. Once the house is built, assign the Guide to it by interacting with the housing menu. If you have the Clothier or Zoologist available, build their houses nearby to maximize the GuideÔÇÖs happiness.

One common mistake players make is ignoring biome preferences when building NPC housing. While it might be tempting to cluster all NPCs in one area for convenience, this can lead to reduced happiness and higher prices. Always consider the biome and neighbor preferences when placing NPCs. Another mistake is failing to check the housing menu regularly. If an NPCÔÇÖs happiness drops too low, they may refuse to sell certain items or services, which can hinder your progress.

Advanced techniques for optimizing NPC happiness include creating mini-biomes within your main base. For example, you can plant Forest biome-specific blocks, such as grass or trees, near the GuideÔÇÖs house to ensure he remains in a Forest biome even if your base is located in a different area. This allows you to keep NPCs happy while maintaining a centralized base. Additionally, you can use pylons to create fast travel points between biomes, making it easier to manage NPC happiness without sacrificing convenience.

Resource requirements for building the GuideÔÇÖs house are minimal. You will need wood, which can be gathered from trees in the Forest biome, and basic crafting materials like torches for light. If you want to create a more elaborate setup, you can use stone, glass, or other decorative materials, but these are not necessary for basic functionality. Preparation involves gathering enough wood and ensuring you have access to the Forest biome.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, managing NPC happiness does not require specific gear or builds. However, if you are playing in Expert or Master mode, having a well-equipped character can help you defend your base from events like Goblin Invasions or Blood Moons, which can disrupt NPC housing. Ensure you have adequate defenses, such as traps or walls, to protect your NPCs during these events.

A specific example of optimizing the GuideÔÇÖs happiness would be setting up a small village in the Forest biome. Build three houses: one for the Guide, one for the Clothier, and one for the Zoologist. Place these houses close together but ensure they are within the Forest biome. This setup will keep the Guide happy and allow you to access their services at discounted prices. If you later unlock pylons, you can place a Forest Pylon in this village for easy travel.

In summary, keeping the Guide happy in Terraria involves placing him in the Forest biome and pairing him with preferred neighbors like the Clothier and Zoologist. Avoid placing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Merchant or Nurse. Build his house using basic materials like wood and ensure it meets all housing requirements. Use advanced techniques like mini-biomes and pylons to optimize happiness while maintaining convenience. By following these strategies, you can ensure the Guide remains happy and contributes positively to your Terraria experience.