How do I make the Tavernkeep NPC happy in Terraria?

To make the Tavernkeep NPC happy in Terraria, you need to understand the NPC happiness system, which was introduced in the 1.4 update. This system allows NPCs to have preferences for specific biomes and neighbors, which directly affects their happiness. A happy NPC will offer discounts on their items and, in some cases, sell unique items that are otherwise unavailable. The Tavernkeep is a unique NPC who sells items related to the Old One's Army event, such as sentry summon weapons and armor sets. Keeping him happy is essential if you want to maximize your efficiency in this event and save money on his items.

The Tavernkeep prefers to live in the Hallow 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, and he will charge higher prices for his items. Additionally, the Tavernkeep has specific preferences for neighbors. He likes the Princess, the Goblin Tinkerer, and the Wizard. If you place him near any of these NPCs, his happiness will increase further. On the other hand, he dislikes the Demolitionist and the Arms Dealer, so avoid placing him near these NPCs if you want to keep him happy.

To maximize the Tavernkeep's happiness, you should build a house for him in the Hallow biome and place him near one of his preferred neighbors. For example, you could build a small town in the Hallow with houses for the Tavernkeep, the Princess, and the Goblin Tinkerer. This setup will ensure that the Tavernkeep is in his preferred biome and near NPCs he likes, which will keep him happy and provide you with the best prices on his items.

When building the Tavernkeep's house, make sure it meets the basic requirements for NPC housing. The house should be at least 6 blocks wide and 10 blocks tall, with walls, a chair, a table, and a light source. You can use any type of block for the walls and floor, but make sure the house is fully enclosed and has a door or platform for entry. If you want to make the house more visually appealing, you can use Hallow-themed blocks like Pearlstone or Crystal Blocks, which will also help reinforce the biome theme.

One common mistake players make is placing the Tavernkeep in the wrong biome or near NPCs he dislikes. This can lead to decreased happiness and higher prices for his items. To avoid this, always check the Tavernkeep's preferences before placing him in a house. Another mistake is not providing enough space for the NPCs. If the houses are too close together, the NPCs may not recognize their neighbors correctly, which can affect their happiness. Make sure each house has enough space and is properly spaced from other houses.

Advanced players can optimize the Tavernkeep's happiness by creating a dedicated Hallow town with multiple NPCs he likes. For example, you could build a large town in the Hallow with houses for the Tavernkeep, the Princess, the Goblin Tinkerer, and the Wizard. This setup will not only keep the Tavernkeep happy but also provide discounts from the other NPCs. Additionally, you can use Pylons to create a fast travel network between your towns, making it easier to access the Tavernkeep and other NPCs.

Resource requirements for building the Tavernkeep's house are minimal. You will need basic building materials like wood, stone, or any other block type for the walls and floor. You will also need a chair, a table, and a light source, which can be crafted from wood or found in the world. If you want to use Hallow-themed blocks, you will need to gather Pearlstone or Crystal Blocks, which can be found in the Hallow biome or crafted using Hallowed Bars and Crystal Shards.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, the Tavernkeep's happiness is not directly affected by your character's class or equipment. However, if you plan to participate in the Old One's Army event, you should consider your class and equipment setup. The Tavernkeep sells sentry summon weapons and armor sets that are useful for summoners, so if you are playing as a summoner, you may want to prioritize keeping the Tavernkeep happy to get the best prices on these items.

In summary, to make the Tavernkeep NPC happy in Terraria, you should place him in the Hallow biome and near NPCs he likes, such as the Princess, the Goblin Tinkerer, or the Wizard. Avoid placing him near NPCs he dislikes, like the Demolitionist or the Arms Dealer. Build a proper house for him in the Hallow, ensuring it meets all the basic requirements for NPC housing. Avoid common mistakes like placing him in the wrong biome or too close to NPCs he dislikes. Advanced players can optimize his happiness by creating a dedicated Hallow town with multiple NPCs he likes and using Pylons for fast travel. With these strategies, you can keep the Tavernkeep happy and enjoy discounts on his items, making your Old One's Army event preparations more efficient.