What are the requirements for the Merchant NPC to move in Terraria?

To get the Merchant NPC to move into your world in Terraria, you need to meet specific requirements. The Merchant is one of the earliest NPCs you can attract, and he sells useful items like torches, ropes, and basic tools. Understanding the mechanics and steps to get him to move in is essential for early-game progression.

The Merchant requires two main conditions to move in. First, you must have at least 50 silver coins in your inventory. This is the currency requirement, and it does not matter if the coins are spent afterward. The game checks your total coin count, so as long as you have reached 50 silver coins at any point, the condition is met. Second, you need to have a suitable house built for him. A suitable house must meet the basic housing requirements, which include walls, a light source, a table, a chair, and enough space for the NPC to live comfortably. The house must also be in a valid location, meaning it cannot be in a corrupted or Crimson biome, and it must be free of enemies or hazards.

To start, focus on gathering resources to build a house. You will need wood, which can be obtained by chopping down trees. Use the wood to craft walls, a table, a chair, and a door. Place a light source, such as a torch, inside the house to meet the lighting requirement. Make sure the house is at least 6 blocks wide and 10 blocks tall, with a solid floor and ceiling. Once the house is built, it will be marked as suitable by the game, and you can check its status by using the housing menu.

Next, work on accumulating 50 silver coins. This can be done by exploring the surface, mining ores, and defeating enemies. Early-game enemies like slimes, zombies, and eye monsters drop coins when defeated. Mining ores like copper, tin, iron, and lead can also yield valuable resources that you can sell to the Merchant once he arrives. Keep an eye out for treasure chests in caves, as they often contain coins and other useful items.

Once you have 50 silver coins and a suitable house, the Merchant will move in during the next available time slot, usually at dawn. If you meet the conditions but he does not move in immediately, ensure that the house is valid and that no other NPCs are occupying it. Sometimes, NPCs may take a short time to spawn, so be patient.

A common mistake players make is not having enough coins or not building a valid house. Double-check your coin count and ensure the house meets all requirements. Another mistake is placing the house in a corrupted or Crimson biome, which will prevent NPCs from moving in. Always build your houses in safe, neutral biomes like the Forest.

For advanced techniques, consider building multiple houses early on to accommodate other NPCs like the Nurse or Guide. This will save time later and allow you to focus on exploration and combat. You can also optimize your house placement by creating a centralized town near your spawn point, making it easier to access NPCs and manage their happiness.

Resource requirements for the Merchant are minimal, but preparation is key. Gather wood, stone, and other basic materials early to speed up the process. If you are struggling to find coins, focus on mining and exploring caves, as these activities yield the most resources in the early game.

In terms of class and equipment, the Merchant does not require any specific gear to move in. However, having basic weapons like a wooden sword or bow will help you defeat enemies and gather coins more efficiently. Armor is not necessary at this stage, but it can provide additional protection while exploring.

A specific example scenario would be starting a new world and immediately gathering wood to build a house. After constructing the house, you explore the surface and caves, defeating enemies and mining ores. Once you have 50 silver coins, the Merchant moves in, and you can purchase useful items like torches and ropes to aid in further exploration.

In summary, getting the Merchant to move in requires 50 silver coins and a suitable house. Focus on gathering resources, building a valid house, and accumulating coins through exploration and combat. Avoid common mistakes like invalid housing or insufficient coins, and consider advanced techniques like building multiple houses early on. With proper preparation and strategy, the Merchant will become a valuable early-game NPC in your Terraria world.