What are the requirements for the Painter NPC to move in Terraria?

The Painter NPC in Terraria is a valuable addition to your town, as he sells decorative items like paint, wallpaper, and other aesthetic tools that can help you customize your builds. To get the Painter to move in, you need to meet specific requirements, which involve both housing and game progression. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, along with tips and strategies to make the process smoother.

First, the Painter NPC requires a suitable house to move in. A suitable house in Terraria is a fully enclosed structure with walls, a door, a table, a chair, and a light source. The house must also be in a valid biome, meaning it cannot be in an area corrupted by the Corruption, Crimson, or Hallow unless you have specific plans for those biomes. The house must also be free of enemies and have enough space for the NPC to move around. You can check if a house is suitable by using the Housing menu, which is accessible by talking to the Guide or by pressing the Housing Query button in the inventory menu.

Once you have a suitable house, the Painter will only move in if you have at least 8 other NPCs already living in your world. This means you need to have progressed far enough in the game to have unlocked several NPCs, such as the Guide, Merchant, Nurse, Demolitionist, and others. The Painter is one of the earlier NPCs you can unlock, so you donÔÇÖt need to defeat any hardmode bosses or complete major events to get him. However, you do need to ensure that your world has enough NPCs to meet the requirement.

To prepare for the PainterÔÇÖs arrival, you should focus on building multiple houses in a central location, such as near your spawn point or in a biome that is easy to access. This will make it easier to manage your NPCs and ensure they are happy, which can lead to discounts on items and other benefits. You can use simple materials like wood, stone, or clay to build these houses, as the Painter does not require any specific materials for his house. However, if you want to optimize his happiness, you should consider placing him in the Jungle biome, as he prefers this biome and will be happier there.

One common mistake players make is not having enough houses for all the NPCs. If you only build one or two houses, you may find that other NPCs move in before the Painter, delaying his arrival. To avoid this, build at least 8 houses before you start unlocking NPCs. This will ensure that there is always space for new NPCs to move in as you meet their requirements. Another mistake is not checking the Housing menu to ensure that the houses are valid. Sometimes, a house may look suitable but may be missing a wall or have an invalid block, which will prevent NPCs from moving in.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the PainterÔÇÖs happiness include placing him near NPCs he likes, such as the Dryad or the Party Girl. The Painter likes these NPCs and will be happier if they are nearby, which can lead to discounts on his items. You can also place him in the Jungle biome, as mentioned earlier, to further increase his happiness. If you want to go the extra mile, you can create a themed house for the Painter using paint and wallpaper, which will not only make him happier but also add to the aesthetic of your town.

In terms of resource requirements, you donÔÇÖt need anything special to get the Painter to move in. Basic building materials like wood, stone, and torches are sufficient for creating his house. However, if you want to optimize his happiness, you may need to gather materials for additional houses or for decorating his home. For example, you may need to gather paint materials like dye plants or purchase paint from the Painter himself once he moves in.

Class and equipment considerations are not a major factor when trying to get the Painter to move in, as this is more about building and NPC management than combat. However, if you are still early in the game and need to gather resources for building, having a good pickaxe or axe can make the process faster. Additionally, having a weapon to defend against enemies while you build is always a good idea, especially if you are building in a dangerous biome.

In summary, getting the Painter to move in requires building a suitable house, having at least 8 other NPCs in your world, and ensuring that the house is in a valid biome. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can easily unlock the Painter and start using his decorative items to enhance your builds. Advanced techniques like optimizing his happiness and creating themed houses can further enhance your experience and make your town more vibrant and unique.