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 preparing for and participating in this event.

The Tavernkeep prefers to live in the Hallow biome. This is one of the key factors in making him happy. If you place him in a house located in the Hallow, he will be much happier than if he were in other biomes. Additionally, NPCs have preferences for neighbors. The Tavernkeep likes to be near the Goblin Tinkerer and the Wizard. If you place these NPCs in close proximity to the Tavernkeep, his happiness will increase further. On the other hand, he dislikes being near the Demolitionist and the Nurse, so you should avoid placing these NPCs near him.

To start, you need to create a suitable house for the Tavernkeep in the Hallow biome. The Hallow is a biome that appears after you defeat the Wall of Flesh and enter Hardmode. It is characterized by its bright, colorful environment and unique enemies. You can create an artificial Hallow biome by planting Hallow seeds or using Holy Water to spread the biome to a specific area. Once you have a Hallow biome set up, build a house using blocks and walls that fit the biome's aesthetic. Make sure the house meets the basic requirements for NPC housing, such as having a door, table, chair, and light source.

Next, you need to place the Tavernkeep in the house. If you haven't already encountered the Tavernkeep, you can find him as a bound NPC in the world after defeating the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu. Once you free him, he will move into an available house. If you have multiple houses in the Hallow, you can assign him to the one closest to the Goblin Tinkerer and the Wizard. This will maximize his happiness.

One common mistake players make is not paying attention to the NPC's preferred biome and neighbors. Placing the Tavernkeep in a biome he dislikes, such as the Corruption or Crimson, will make him unhappy, and he will charge higher prices for his items. Similarly, placing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Demolitionist or Nurse, will also decrease his happiness. To avoid this, always check the NPC's preferences before assigning them to a house.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Tavernkeep's happiness include creating a dedicated NPC village in the Hallow biome. This involves building multiple houses in the Hallow and placing the Tavernkeep, Goblin Tinkerer, and Wizard in close proximity. You can also use pylons to create a fast travel network between different biomes, making it easier to manage your NPCs and access their services. Pylons are special items that allow you to teleport between biomes, but they only work if the NPCs in that biome are happy.

Resource requirements for setting up a Hallow biome and building houses include Hallow seeds or Holy Water, blocks, walls, furniture, and light sources. You can gather these resources by exploring the world, mining, and crafting. Preparation is key, so make sure you have enough materials before you start building.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, the Tavernkeep's happiness is not directly affected by your character's class or equipment. However, having a well-equipped character will make it easier to gather resources and defend your NPCs from enemies. For example, a melee character with strong armor and weapons can quickly clear out enemies in the Hallow biome, while a ranged or magic character can deal with enemies from a distance.

Specific examples and scenarios include setting up a Hallow biome near your main base. This allows you to easily access the Tavernkeep and other NPCs while keeping them happy. Another scenario is creating a separate Hallow biome far from your main base to avoid spreading the Corruption or Crimson. In this case, you can use pylons to quickly travel between the two locations.

In conclusion, making the Tavernkeep happy in Terraria involves placing him in the Hallow biome and near the Goblin Tinkerer and Wizard. Avoid placing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Demolitionist and Nurse. By following these steps and considering the tips and strategies mentioned, you can maximize the Tavernkeep's happiness and take full advantage of his services.