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Terraria features many unique characters known as NPCs — stalwart patrons that offer players help with every trial and tribulation so long as they have a home. The game presents dozens of NPCs with distinct personalities, preferences, and purposes that benefit players. Being a prevalent part of the game, players should understand everything there is to know about NPCs. Therefore, here is every NPC in Terraria — and how to spawn them.
Housing & Happiness
NPCs have their respective spawn requirements, but most share the need for Housing. Even NPCs that spawn naturally, such as the Guide, will require a House should they die, lest they will not respawn. As such, Players should ensure they have enough Houses for current and upcoming NPCs while assuring they are suitable.
There are several requirements for a House to be considered suitable; it must be a minimum of 60 tiles in size consisting of a roof, floor, walls, background walls, light sources, flat-surface furniture, and comfort furniture. Additionally, a House will not be viable if it resides close to or in an evil biome, i.e., the Corrupt and the Crimson.
Another vital consideration for most NPCs is their Happiness — the measurement of their contentment or discontentment influenced by their environment. Every NPC has preferences concerning biomes and neighbors that dramatically affect their mood and attitude toward players alongside the benefits and services they provide.
NPCs’ Happiness can cause the prices of their services to rise or fall and can influence their inventories if they sell items. The happier an NPC is, the more affordable prices become and the more supplies they offer. Conversely, the more unhappy an NPC is, the more costly things become and the fewer supplies they offer.
The Guide
The Guide typically is the first NPC players will come across in the world. He is a seemingly inconspicuous guy with a strange involvement in the world’s affairs. The Guide provides players with various tips for progressing through the game and offers crafting recipes for any item he is presented with, so long as it is a material. He is an indispensable NPC from the beginning of the game and beyond, especially to players new to Terraria.
The Merchant
The Merchant usually is the second NPC players encounter as they progress through the game. He is an older greedy fellow that cares only about turning a profit. The Merchant sells an assortment of simple tools and supplies, and he is more than willing to buy valuable items from players. He will be an integral figure in pre-Hardmode as players frequently need tools and supplies, but he also proves notably beneficial in Hardmode.
The Nurse
The Nurse is one of the first NPCs players will meet during their humble beginnings in the world. She is a sarcastic yet efficient gal that offers medical care to all, albeit reluctantly at times. The Nurse will restore health and remove any debuffs in exchange for a price depending on the extent of a player’s injuries and conditions. Although somewhat scary, impolite, and downright mean, she remains a beneficial figure throughout the game.
The Demolitionist
The Demolitionist is one of the first NPCs to join players and aid them on their journey. He is a boisterous explosive-loving dwarf with an equally explosive personality. The Demolitionist sells all manner of explosives to players and is receptive to buying whatever valuables they have. No matter how far along players are in their journey, they will always need explosives, either for clearing areas or bringing the hurt to enemies.
The Dye Trader
The Dye Trader is an NPC that players will encounter early on during their journey. He is a fanciful man with a personality and demeanor as colorful as his garments. The Dye Trader sells a machine for creating dyes and a collection of his own, but he will also exchange rarer colorants for Strange Plants. Since cosmetics are a favorable aspect of Terraria, he will always be relevant to players looking to elevate their bland apparel.
The Angler
The Angler is an NPC that players will encounter shortly after starting their journey. He is a disrespectful but knowledgeable young boy that knows all there is to know about fish and fishing. The Angler tasks players with bringing him rare fish, rewarding them should they fulfill his request. With every fulfilled request, the rewards become more worthwhile, making him an NPC that players depend on for valuable loot throughout their journey.
The Zoologist
The Zoologist is among the many NPCs players will meet early on their long journey. She is an easygoing animal-loving werefox that is surprisingly unaware of the side effects of her lycanthropy. The Zoologist sells vanity items, pets, mounts, accessories, etc., most of which are animal-themed in one way or another. Her vast inventory only grows with the progress of the Bestiary, which players will spend their entire journey completing.
The Dryad
The Dryad is among the most influential NPCs in the early game and beyond, serving a vital purpose. She is a virtuous and wise woman who is the last of her kind, a people that dates back centuries. The Dryad sells nature-related items and monitors the purity of the world, often guiding players to cleanse it of evil. She will play a pivotal role throughout the game, aiding players in the demanding plight of purging the world of nefarious forces.
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The Painter
The Painter is an NPC that players will meet not long after beginning their long journey. He is an artistic and imaginative fellow that relates almost everything to his craft. The Painter sells paint, painting tools, paintings, and wallpapers of a nearly endless variety, all boasting extraordinary creativity. Without him and his penchant for the arts, the world of Terraria would be a much blander and less colorful place, lacking diversity and personality.
The Golfer
The Golfer is an NPC that players will meet sometime early on while exploring the world. He is an intellectual middle-aged man that loves playing and teaching golf. The Golfer will sell golfing-related items like golf balls and clubs but also offers trophies, banners, and the like to players with impressive Golf Scores. Although not a necessary NPC in the conventional sense, he presents another facet for players to enjoy themselves freely.
The Arms Dealer
The Arms Dealer is an NPC that will appear relatively early during a player’s journey. He is a blunt and brutal man that is always searching for a reason to test his firearms. The Arms Dealer sells guns, ammunition, and gun-related materials, tested and approved by himself. Firearms and the like are vital to ranged builds and anyone that needs a far-reaching weapon, making him a noteworthy NPC that players will rely on extensively.
The Tavernkeep
The Tavernkeep is an NPC that players can find as they progress through the game. He is a powerful and boisterous man that spends his time tending bars and finding worthy defenders against the Old One’s Army. He sells items used for summoning and fending against the Old One’s Army, taking both Defender Medals and the usual currency. Players can earn various tools and gear to help them on their journey should they aid him.
The Stylist
The Stylist is an NPC that players can discover as they explore the caverns and caves of the world. She is a fashionable and talkative gal with a knack for cutting and styling hair. The Stylist sells Hair Dyes and can change the player’s hairstyle in exchange for coins for an amount based on the haircut and color. Players will constantly need her services as they progress through the game and change their aesthetic for whatever reason.
The Goblin Tinkerer
The Goblin Tinkerer is an NPC that players encounter as they take the steps toward ridding the world of evil. He is an inventive and peaceful goblin who prefers to occupy himself with his gadgets than anything else. The Goblin Tinkerer sells various things meant for tinkering or building and can reforge items. His inventory and the services he offers are essential for players aiming to overcome the numerous challenges of Terraria.
The Witch Doctor
The Witch Doctor is an NPC that players will likely meet later in their journey. He is an enigmatic and spiritual Lihzahrd that has left his people to thrive in the Jungle. The Witch Doctor sells many unusual voodoo items that can benefit players in various ways. Although taboo and strange, his multitude of wares can help all players throughout their journey, but more so should they rely on summoning minions to do their bidding.
The Clothier
The Clothier is an NPC that usually will join players in the later stages of their pre-Hardmode journey. He is a strange yet stylish older man that was once cursed, which sounds very similar to another NPC. The Clothier sells vanity items of various designs and makes, granting players a wide selection of clothing and accessories — as in complementary apparel. Players will always come to him for the latest and greatest outfits to spice up their look.
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The Mechanic
The Mechanic is an NPC that players can discover as they journey the world and progress. She is a gifted and handy gal that is always seeking to innovate things regardless of if they need it. The Mechanic sells mechanism-related tools and items such as Wires and Wrenches. Machines can serve to make regular activities like travel less demanding for players, making her an invaluable NPC for those willing to put in the thought and effort.
The Party Girl
The Party Girl is an NPC that appears later as they explore and progress through the game. She is a happy-go-lucky and joyous girl that is always looking to have a good time, even during untimely moments. The Party Girl sells party-related novelty items and throws parties for other NPCs at random times. She does not serve conventionally practical purposes but grants players everything they need to let loose and have senseless fun.
The Wizard
The Wizard is often the first NPC players encounter when they unlock Hardmode in Terraria. He is a studied yet oblivious older man who experiments with the arcane without care for safety. The Wizard sells magic-related items that those with a knack for the arcane can benefit from or utilize. He is a pivotal figure for players who seek to use magic on their journey rather than the typical weaponry found in the game, such as legendary swords.
The Tax Collector
The Tax Collector is an NPC that players will encounter early on as they progress through Hardmode. He is a stingy and crotchety older man that cares solely for money despite the consequence of his greed. The Tax Collector gathers property fees from other Town NPCs, which are collectible by players. Money is a resource that players need to acquire costly items, whether practical or not, from vendors, which are abundant in Hardmode.
The Truffle
The Truffle is an NPC that players can come across anytime in Hardmode should they desire. He is an anxious and distrusting Truffle guy, albeit he has good reasons for being so fearful of others. The Truffle sells mushroom-themed tools and items that are much more powerful than they seem initially. His inventory features many beneficial tools and weapons essential for progressing through Hardmode and to the challenging endgame.
The Pirate
The Pirate is an NPC that players can encounter early during their adventures in Terraria. He is a rowdy and painfully blunt pirate captain who seeks to overcome competitors by throwing in with players. The Pirate sells pirate-themed tools and items that can grant players a much-needed edge against the enemies of Hardmode. He offers everything players need to fulfill their fantasy of being a pirate in a practical and undeniably fun fashion.
The Steampunker
The Steampunker is an NPC that players will encounter upon taking the steps toward reaching the endgame. She is an innovative gal with a unique accent and a knack for steam-powered machinery and gizmos. The Steampunker sells steampunk-themed tools and items that boast unique and advantageous functions. Her inventory is brimming with notably powerful goods that will aid players immensely in reaching the endgame.
The Cyborg
The Cyborg is an NPC built and ready for players to meet later in their journey. He is an analytical and pragmatic biomechanical man that enjoys bad puns and technology. The Cyborg sells high-tech tools and items that grant players a technological advantage to players against the deadly bosses of Hardmode. The advanced technologies he offers are too great to turn down, especially if players are hoping to reach the endgame.
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Santa Claus
Santa Claus is an NPC that appears before players when tis the season to be jolly. He is a plump and joyful older man that rewards the nice with gifts and the naughty with coal. Santa Claus sells Christmas-themed decorations and vanity items for players to spread merriment and get into the holiday spirit. He may only come once a year, but when he does, the Christmas spirit will touch players, filling them with joy, wonder, and charity.
The Princess
The Princess often is the last NPC players will encounter on their journey as the endgame nears. She is an optimistic and loving woman who is bashful around yet confident in all of her subjects. The Princess sells various decorations and vanity items that are whimsical and eye-catching, making for some stunning visuals. She is the glue that binds all the people of Terraria together, as she cares for all, no matter their differences and beliefs.
The Town Cat
The Town Cat is one of the few Town Pet NPCs that players can adopt early in their adventure. This pet can be one of six breeds: Siamese, Black, Orange Tabby, Russian Blue, Silver, and White. While the Town Cat does not affect anything, having a cuddly companion is a worthy reason enough to adopt it and give it a welcoming home.
The Town Dog
The Town Dog is a Town Pet NPC that caters to those who want another companion or prefer canines over felines. This pet can be one of six breeds: Labrador, Pitbull, Beagle, Corgi, Dalmation, and Husky. The Town Dog is a loyal and trusty companion, which is more than an acceptable reason for adopting it and giving it a home.
The Town Bunny
The Town Bunny is Town Pet NPC for players who want something smaller and cuddlier than a cat or dog. This pet can be one of six breeds: White, Angora, Dutch, Flemish, Lop, and Silver. Although the Town Bunny has no true pragmatic purpose, it makes for an adorable addition to any home that will make everything cozier.
The Traveling Merchant
The Traveling Merchant is a Unique NPC that players will meet early on as they adventure. He is an adventurous and opportunistic man who has traveled to and fro far away lands. The Traveling Merchant sells a random selection of exotic tools and items that are unobtainable otherwise. He is undoubtedly a beneficial NPC to keep around, but he will not live in a House and will not stick around past nighttime, unlike an ordinary Town NPC.
The Old Man
The Old Man is a Unique NPC that is vital to progress the game and reach Hardmode. He is a mysterious and foreboding older man that is eerily similar to a particular Town NPC. The Old Man serves the sole purpose of summoning Skeletron, a skeletal boss and gatekeeper of the labyrinth-like Dungeon. He cannot live in a House, instead residing in the Dungeon, where he will stay until he is free of his curse and returned to semi-normalcy.
The Skeleton Merchant
The Skeleton Merchant is a Unique NPC that players can come across when exploring the world. He is an unusual and profiteering skeleton lad who strays from the bloodthirsty tendencies of others of his kind. The Skeleton Merchant sells various tools and items, many of which are related to yo-yos and spelunking. He cannot live in a House as he solely wanders the vast cave systems found underneath the surface, looking for valuables.
Terraria is available on PC, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, 3DS, IOS, Android, and Google Stadia.
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