How do I make the Angler NPC happy in Terraria?

To make the Angler NPC happy in Terraria, you need to understand the NPC happiness system, which was introduced in the 1.4 update. Happiness affects the prices of items sold by NPCs, the availability of certain items, and even the ability to obtain unique items like the Pylon network, which allows for fast travel between biomes. The Angler, like other NPCs, has specific preferences for biomes and neighbors, and keeping him happy requires careful planning and placement.

The Angler prefers to live in the Ocean biome. This is his favorite biome, and placing him here will significantly boost his happiness. If you place him in any other biome, his happiness will decrease. Additionally, the Angler likes to have the Pirate or the Tavernkeep as his neighbor. These are his preferred neighbors, and having one of them nearby will further increase his happiness. On the other hand, he dislikes living near the Demolitionist or the Tax Collector, so avoid placing him near these NPCs.

To maximize the Angler's happiness, you should build a house for him in the Ocean biome. The Ocean biome is located at either the far left or far right of the world map, depending on the world generation. You can identify it by the presence of water, sand blocks, and palm trees. Build a suitable house using blocks like wood or stone, and make sure it meets the basic requirements for NPC housing, such as having walls, a light source, a table, and a chair. Once the house is ready, assign the Angler to it by talking to him and selecting the "Housing" option.

Next, place the Pirate or Tavernkeep in a nearby house. The Pirate NPC becomes available after defeating a Pirate Invasion, which can occur randomly after defeating the Wall of Flesh. The Tavernkeep, on the other hand, can be found as a bound NPC in the world after defeating the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu. Once you have either of these NPCs, build a house for them close to the Angler's house. This will ensure that the Angler has a preferred neighbor, further boosting his happiness.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure that the Ocean biome is not corrupted or hallowed, as this can affect the Angler's happiness. If the biome is corrupted, you can use purification powder or the Clentaminator to cleanse it. Second, avoid placing too many NPCs in the same area, as overcrowding can reduce happiness. Ideally, you should have no more than three NPCs in a small area to maintain high happiness levels.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the Angler in the wrong biome or near disliked NPCs. For example, placing him in the Forest biome or near the Demolitionist will decrease his happiness, leading to higher prices and fewer benefits. Another mistake is not providing enough space between houses, which can lead to overcrowding and reduced happiness.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Angler's happiness include using the Pylon system. If the Angler is happy enough, he will sell the Ocean Pylon, which allows for fast travel to the Ocean biome. To achieve this, ensure that the Angler is in the Ocean biome with a preferred neighbor and that there are no more than three NPCs in the area. This will maximize his happiness and allow you to purchase the Ocean Pylon.

Resource requirements for building the Angler's house include basic building materials like wood, stone, and glass. You may also need purification powder or the Clentaminator if the Ocean biome is corrupted. For combat, you should have decent armor and weapons to defend against enemies that may spawn in the Ocean biome, such as sharks or jellyfish.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, any class can manage the Angler's happiness, but having a ranged or magic class can be helpful for dealing with enemies in the Ocean biome. Equip yourself with weapons like the Minishark or the Water Bolt to handle any threats efficiently.

A specific example scenario would be setting up a small village in the Ocean biome with the Angler, Pirate, and one other NPC. Build three houses close to each other but not too close to avoid overcrowding. Ensure the Ocean biome is clean and free from corruption. This setup will keep the Angler happy, allowing you to purchase the Ocean Pylon and enjoy discounted prices on his items.

In summary, making the Angler happy in Terraria involves placing him in the Ocean biome with a preferred neighbor like the Pirate or Tavernkeep. Avoid disliked neighbors and overcrowding, and ensure the biome is free from corruption. By following these steps and considerations, you can maximize the Angler's happiness and enjoy the benefits of discounted prices and the Ocean Pylon.