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Dye Trader
Dye TraderOld-gen console version and Nintendo 3DS version
Map Icon Dye Trader
Map Icon
Classic mode icon Classic
Expert mode icon Expert
Master mode icon Master
Statistics
Type
Environment
AI TypePassive AI
Damage111619 (Exotic Scimitar)
Max Life250
Defense15
KB Resist50%
Drops

The Dye Trader is an NPC that sells the Dye Vat and other dye-related items. He will move in when the following criteria have been met:

In addition to selling dye-related items, players may trade in Strange Plants for uncraftable and unpurchasable animated dyes once Hardmode has been reached. These dyes are given at random in sets of six / three for each exchanged Strange Plant.

The Dye Trader will attack nearby enemies with his Exotic Scimitar to defend himself, and may drop his weapon on death. He will deal 11 / 16 / 19 damage at the start of the game, and as players progress he will gain various stat increases.

Quick Answers

What items does the Dye Trader sell? toggle section
The Dye Trader in Terraria sells a variety of items related to dyes. His inventory includes two types of dyes, Silver Dye and Brown Dye, as well as the Dye Vat, a crafting station used to create other dyes. He also provides rare dyes in exchange for Strange Plants. So, if you're looking to spruce up your character's attire with some color, the Dye Trader is your go-to NPC!
Provided by: Fandom
Does the Skeleton Merchant count towards the total number of NPCs for the Dye Trader to move in? toggle section
No, the Skeleton Merchant does not count towards the total number of NPCs required for the Dye Trader to move in. The Dye Trader requires at least four other town NPCs in the world, and while the Old Man, Traveling Merchant, and town pets count towards this total, the Skeleton Merchant does not.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the significance of the player having a Strange Plant in their inventory for the Dye Trader? toggle section
The Strange Plant holds a significant role in the player's interaction with the Dye Trader in Terraria. When a player has a Strange Plant in their inventory, they can exchange it with the Dye Trader. In return, the Dye Trader rewards the player with special dyes that cannot be obtained otherwise. These dyes vary and more become available as the game progresses. This exchange is part of the Strange Plant quests, making these plants a valuable find for players seeking to enhance their game with unique dyes.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the role of the Dye Trader in the game? toggle section
The Dye Trader is a non-player character (NPC) in the game Terraria. He plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of the player's character. The Dye Trader sells two types of dyes, Silver Dye and Brown Dye, as well as a Dye Vat. He also offers a variety of other dyes that can be crafted using the Dye Vat or obtained through trading in Strange Plants. These dyes can be used to alter the colors and/or textures of equipped armor, vanity items, and accessories. Additionally, the Dye Trader initiates a quest in Hardmode where he asks players to fetch him rare plants. In return, he rewards players with special dyes that cannot be obtained otherwise.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the rarest dye that the Dye Trader sells? toggle section
The Dye Trader in Terraria offers a variety of unique dyes, but the rarest ones are only available under specific conditions. For instance, the Bloodbath Dye and Fogbound Dye are only available during a Blood Moon and while in a Graveyard, respectively. However, the Prismatic Dye, dropped by the Empress of Light with a 25% chance, could be considered the rarest due to its drop rate.
Provided by: Fandom

Items sold[]

Note: All item prices can be decreased by equipping a Discount Card or Greedy Ring. On the PC version PC version, Console version Console version, Mobile version Mobile version, and tModLoader version tModLoader version, prices can also be higher or lower based on the NPC's happiness level.
Inventory
Item Cost Availability

Dye VatDye Vat 5 Always available.
Silver DyeSilver Dye 1 Always available.
Team DyeTeam Dye 1 On a multiplayer server.
Dye Trader RobeDye Trader Robe 3 During Halloween.
Dye Trader's TurbanDye Trader's Turban 3 During Halloween.
Shadow DyeShadow Dye 375 During full moon.
Negative DyeNegative Dye 375 During full moon.
Brown DyeBrown Dye 1 Always available.
Fogbound DyeFogbound Dye 750 While in a Graveyard.
Bloodbath DyeBloodbath Dye 750 During a Blood Moon.
Any PylonAny Pylon 10 When in a specific biome and is happy enough.

Strange Plant quests []

Speaking to the Dye Trader will show the "Strange Plants" quest ( in Hardmode), in which the Dye Trader asks players to fetch him rare plants. In return, he rewards players with six / three vials of a special dye which cannot be obtained otherwise. More of these dyes become available as the game progresses.

Rewards[]


Living preferences []

BiomeNeighbor
Lovesn/an/a
Dislikes
Hatesn/a

For more information, see NPC happiness.

Shimmered form []

Dye Trader (Shimmered) Map Icon Dye Trader (Shimmered)
Shimmered Dye Trader and his Map Icon.

When submerged in Shimmer, the Dye Trader will transform into his Shimmered form. This has no impact on gameplay or dialogue and is only a visual change. He can be returned to his classic look by submerging him in Shimmer again.


Notes[]

Names[]

The Dye Trader may have any of the following names:

  • Abdosir
  • Ahinadab
  • Ahirom
  • Akbar
  • Batnoam
  • Bodashtart
  • Danel
  • Hannibal
  • Hanno
  • Hiram
  • Kanmi
  • Philosir
  • Sikarbaal
  • Tabnit
  • Yehomilk
  • Yutpan

Quotes[]

Interaction quotes[]

    • "I bring you the richest colors in exchange for your riches!"
    • "My dear, what you're wearing is much too drab. You absolutely must take a lesson in dyeing your tired attire!"
    • "The only kind of wood I would bother dyeing is RICH Mahogany. Dyeing any other wood is such a waste."

    When Pirate is present:

    • "You must do something about <name of Pirate NPC>. Everytime he comes over here, it takes me a week to get the smell off!"

    During a Party:

    • "I truly love parties, so many beautiful colors and happy people."

    During a Windy Day:

    • "Give me a moment, my dear. I must secure my palette from the gusty gales!"
    • "Marvelous! The wind brings me petals of all colors!"

    During Rain:

    • "No, no, these robes cannot get wet! They will lose their vibrant color!"
    • "Too much water dilutes my selection! This rain better pass, soon!"

    During a Thunderstorm:

    • "Please, do tell when the wrath of nature has ended out there!"
    • "Egads! I loathe these bothersome storms!"

    When turning in a Strange Plant:

    • "Brilliant, my dear! You have brought me an exquisite sample of the world's beautiful colors and aroma. In exchange, you may take this special bottle of dye."
    • "You bring me a beautiful, rare flower... yes, yes? Take this bottle of special dye for your troubles, friend!"
    • "Fantabulous, wonderful friend! With this delicate specimen, I may mix the most amazing dyes <name of world> has ever seen! You may take this one right away!"

    When the player does not have a strange plant:

    • "Oh no no, this will not do. For these money is no good, you must return to me with a rare specimen of a plant!"
    • "You think you can pull a fast one on <name of Dye Trader>, I don't think so! I only take the rarest of flowers for these special bottles!"
    • "These dye bottles? Sorry dear friend, these don't take coin. I only take the most precious and rare of flora in exchange for one of this!"

    When in a Graveyard:

    • "My, my... this is no good. The putrid surroundings are dulling my dye petals."
    • "You think this a place worthy of my presence? So drab, so dull, these people are literally below me."
  • Happiness quotes []

  • When homeless:

    • "No no, this will not do, need a place to call mine."

    When far from home:

    • "You think I can make brilliant colors so far from my shop? Don't think so!"

    When in a sparsely populated area:

    • "My dear, this palace is quiet enough to sleep like a sultan!"

    When overcrowded:

    • "I truly dislike crowds, unless of course they are here for my vivid colors!"
    • "When I'm not doing business, I'd much rather be alone, yes? I hate feeling crammed in!"

    When in the Desert:

    • "Ahh, the Desert is really nice, reminds me of my home town, I like it very much so!"

    When in the Forest:

    • "Oh no, the Forest does not inspire me, don't like, don't like."

    When in an Evil Biome or the Dungeon:

    • "Gross, the Corruption/Crimson/Dungeon is draining the color from my palettes!"

    When near the Princess:

    • "The hues on <Name of Princess>'s dress are deeper and more vivid than I've ever seen in my entire life!"

    When near the Arms Dealer:

    • "<Name of Arms Dealer> has good eyes for vividness and business, I like it, yes?"

    When near the Painter:

    • "<Name of Painter> has good eyes for vividness and business, I like it, yes?"

    When near the Steampunker:

    • "Oh dear, that <Name of Steampunker> has no sense of color or style, I don't like."

    When near the Pirate:

    • "I truly, truly hate how unsavory <Name of Pirate> can be."

    When neutral:

    • "Me? I'm fine, I'm fine."
  • Trivia[]

    • Ahirom, Abdosir, Hiram, and Batnoam are the names of ancient Phoenician kings and queens. Phoenicia was an east Mediterranean empire that became wealthy from the purple dye extracted from coastal snails, and Sea Snails drop the ingredient for Purple Dye.
    • Hanno is the name of a Carthaginian explorer from the 5th century BC, who is known for his naval exploration of the western coast of Africa.
    • One of his quotes mentions that he sells "the richest colors"; however, he only sells 7 / 5 dyes, one of them only on multiplayer.
    • The Dye Trader's sprite was created by former Re-Logic artist Waffles. In 1.3.0.1, it was updated by Lazure.
    • Even if the player is wearing the Dye Trader's own attire, he still criticizes their clothes.
    • Despite it being hidden under his turban, the Dye Trader's hair is observed to be black, which can be seen when it is removed during a Party in favor of a party hat.
    • His persona is heavily inspired by stereotypes of early Middle Eastern and North African culture, as seen by his clothing (turban), his drops (Exotic Scimitar), and references to a sultan in his quotes.
    • As seen in his quotes, he is greedy and looks down on monotone robes.
    • His shimmered appearance loosely resembles Aladdin from the 1992 Walt Disney Studios film, but this time his clothes colored similar to Princess Jasmine from the same movie.

    The BestiaryBestiary entry for the Dye Trader: "Eccentric and rather snobby to a fault, the Dye Trader has expensive tastes. He is passionate about the materials used in the dyes he sells."

    History[]

    • Desktop 1.4.4:
      • Now rewards 6 dyes after turning in a Strange Plant instead of 3.
      • NPCs who die will now respawn freely, ignoring the original unique conditions which were required to spawn in the first place.
    • Desktop 1.4.0.1:
      • Option to exchange Strange Plants for dyes now requires Hardmode.
      • Defeating pre-Hardmode bosses is no longer part of the spawn requirements, now instead always requires at least four other town NPCs.

    References[]

    1. Information taken from the PC version PC 1.4.3.6 source code, method UpdateTime_SpawnTownNPCs() in Terraria.Main.cs. There may be inaccuracies, as the current PC version PC version is 1.4.4.9.
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