Hardmode NPC Guide
All 8 Hardmode-Exclusive NPCs — Unlock Conditions & Advantages
Hardmode NPC Overview
Hardmode Transition
After defeating the Wall of Flesh, the world enters Hardmode. New NPCs become available with unique unlock conditions tied to Hardmode content.
8 New NPCs
Hardmode introduces 8 new NPCs: 2 rescues, 3 event-triggered, and 3 with special conditions. Each provides powerful services for Hardmode progression.
Priority Recruitment
Focus on the Steampunker and Wizard first — they sell crucial items for Hardmode progression. The Truffle requires a custom biome to be built.
Rescue NPCs
These NPCs must be found and rescued in the world. They are bound or cursed and need your help before they can move into housing.
Wizard
Wizard- Sells Spell Tome, Crystal Ball, and Ice Rod
- Sells Greater Mana Potions
- Crystal Ball provides Clairvoyance buff (+mana stats)
Tax Collector
Tax Collector- Passively collects coins from other NPCs
- Earns up to 10 gold coins stored (collectable anytime)
- Great passive income source
Event & Boss NPCs
These NPCs become available after completing specific Hardmode events or defeating certain bosses.
Pirate
Pirate- Sells Pirate-themed furniture and vanity items
- Sells Cannon and Bunny Cannon
- Sells Parrot Cracker (Parrot pet)
Steampunker
Steampunker- Sells Clentaminator for biome spreading/purification
- Sells Solution types for different biomes
- Sells Teleporter and Blend-O-Matic
Cyborg
Cyborg- Sells Proximity Mine Launcher and Rockets
- Sells Nanites for crafting Nano Bullets
- Sells Hi-tek Sunglasses (vanity)
Special Condition NPCs
These NPCs have unique or unusual conditions to appear, requiring specific world states or completion milestones.
Truffle
Truffle- Sells Mushroom Spear and Hammush
- Sells Autohammer for crafting Shroomite Bars
- Sells Dark Blue Solution for spreading Mushroom biome
Santa Claus
Santa Claus- Sells Santa outfit and Christmas decorations
- Sells Presents and holiday furniture
- Temporary NPC — leaves after the holiday season
Princess
Princess- Liked by all NPCs (boosts everyone's happiness)
- Sells Music Boxes for different biomes
- Sells the Resonance Scepter weapon
Recruitment Priority & Strategy
Priority 1: Defeat a Mechanical Boss to unlock the Steampunker — her Clentaminator is essential for biome control.
Priority 2: Find the Wizard in the caverns — his Crystal Ball and magic items are valuable for mage builds.
Priority 3: Build a surface Mushroom biome for the Truffle — the Autohammer is needed for Shroomite Bars.
Bring Purification Powder to the Underworld to rescue the Tax Collector for passive income.
The Pirate Invasion can be triggered by a Pirate Map dropped by enemies in the Ocean biome.
The Princess requires every other NPC first. Santa Claus does NOT need to be present.
Place Hardmode NPCs in optimal biomes to maximize happiness. Check the NPC Housing guide for biome assignments.
Build housing in advance before triggering events so NPCs can move in immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new NPCs are in Hardmode?
Hardmode introduces 8 new NPCs: Wizard, Tax Collector, Pirate, Steampunker, Cyborg, Truffle, Santa Claus, and Princess. Each has unique unlock conditions tied to Hardmode content.
Which Hardmode NPC should I get first?
Prioritize the Steampunker (unlocked by defeating any Mechanical Boss). She sells the Clentaminator, which is essential for controlling biome corruption and crimson spread in Hardmode.
How do I get the Truffle NPC?
Build a house in a surface Mushroom biome. Create this by placing Mud Blocks above ground and planting Mushroom Grass Seeds on them. You need enough mushroom grass for the background to change to the mushroom biome.