Table of Contents
What are NPCs in Terraria?
NPCs (Non-Player Characters) are automated characters that provide services and benefits to players in Terraria. They can sell items, provide quests and rewards, heal players, and more. There are over 25 unique NPCs that can potentially move into a player’s world.
Some key things to know about NPCs:
- Most NPCs are “town NPCs” that will move into player-built houses if certain conditions are met
- Each NPC has preferred biomes and neighbor NPCs that affect their happiness
- Happier NPCs offer lower prices and unlock functionality like pylons
- NPCs can die if enemies invade, but will respawn over time
Bringing NPCs Into Your World
The key to bringing NPCs into your Terraria world is first understanding the conditions that need to be met for each one. Here is an overview of main steps:
1. Build Suitable NPC Housing
Most NPCs require a suitable “house” before they will spawn and move in. Houses need:
- An enclosed room, with walls, floor, ceiling and a door
- A light source such as a torch
- A flat surface item like a table or dresser
- A comfort item like a chair, bed, or bench
2. Fulfill Specific NPC Requirements
In addition to housing, many NPCs have other conditions that must be satisfied:
- Accumulate certain items in inventory
- Defeat specific bosses or events
- Have a minimum number of other NPCs already moved in
3. Maximize NPC Happiness
NPCs have preferred biomes and neighbors. Matching those preferences increases their happiness which unlocks better prices and functionality.
Key Tips for Getting NPCs
Here are some key tips to effectively bring NPCs into your world:
Build suitable houses early – Construct basic houses early on so NPCs can move in as soon as conditions are met.
Check spawn conditions – Refer to the spawn requirements for each NPC you want to get.
Create neighborhoods – Group NPC houses together based on liked neighbors and biomes.
Protect your NPCs – Defend NPCs from events like Goblin Invasions that can kill them.
Maximize pylons – Strategically pair NPCs to unlock teleportation pylons for fast transport.
Detailed Guide to Major Terraria NPCs
Below is a more detailed guide to some of the most useful NPCs in Terraria and how to get them.
Merchant
The Merchant sells basic items like torches, arrows, seeds, and more.
How to Get
- 50+ silver coins in player inventories
Housing
- Locate near the Nurse and away from the Demolitionist
Nurse
The Nurse can heal players and remove debuffs for a fee.
How to Get
- Have at least 100 max health
- Have the Merchant nearby
Housing
- Locate near the Merchant and away from the Demolitionist
Demolitionist
Sells explosives, ammo, and other combat items.
How to Get
- Acquire any explosive
Housing
- Locate away from the Nurse and Merchant
Goblin Tinkerer
Upgrades and combines accessories for a fee.
How to Get
- Rescue the Goblin Tinkerer in the Caverns layer
Housing
- Pair with the Mechanic for pylon access
