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 there will significantly increase 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 living near the Princess, the Goblin Tinkerer, and the Wizard. These NPCs are considered his preferred neighbors, and having them nearby will further increase his happiness. On the other hand, he dislikes living near the Demolitionist and the Arms Dealer, so you should avoid placing him near these NPCs if you want to keep him happy.

To set up a happy environment for the Tavernkeep, you should first locate or create a Hallow biome. If your world does not have a natural Hallow biome, you can create one by spreading Hallow grass using Hallowed Seeds or by using the Clentaminator with Blue Solution. Once you have a Hallow biome, you need to build suitable housing for the Tavernkeep and his preferred neighbors. The housing should be within close proximity to each other, ideally within 25 tiles, to ensure they are considered neighbors. You can use platforms or walls to create a multi-level housing structure if space is limited.

When building the housing, make sure each NPC has their own room that meets the basic requirements for NPC housing. Each room should have at least 30 blocks of space, a light source, a flat surface item like a table or workbench, and a comfort item like a chair or bed. You can use any type of block for the walls and floors, but using blocks that match the Hallow biome's aesthetic, such as Pearlstone or Crystal Blocks, can enhance the overall look of your town.

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. Another mistake is not providing enough space for each NPC, which can prevent them from moving in or cause them to become unhappy. To avoid these issues, always double-check the biome and neighbor preferences for each NPC before placing them in a house.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Tavernkeep's happiness include using the Pylon system. Pylons are teleportation devices that allow you to quickly travel between different biomes. To use a Pylon, you need at least two NPCs in a biome who are happy enough to sell the Pylon for that biome. Since the Tavernkeep prefers the Hallow biome, you can pair him with the Princess, Goblin Tinkerer, or Wizard to create a happy environment and unlock the Hallow Pylon. This will allow you to quickly travel to the Hallow biome and access the Tavernkeep's items without having to build a long bridge or use other transportation methods.

Resource requirements for setting up a happy environment for the Tavernkeep include Hallowed Seeds or Blue Solution for creating or spreading the Hallow biome, building materials like wood, stone, or other blocks for constructing houses, and furniture items like tables, chairs, and light sources. You may also need to gather coins to purchase the Pylon and other items from the Tavernkeep.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, the Tavernkeep's items are particularly useful for summoners, as he sells sentry summon weapons and armor sets that enhance summoning capabilities. If you are playing as a summoner, keeping the Tavernkeep happy is crucial for obtaining these items at a discounted price. However, even if you are not playing as a summoner, the Tavernkeep's items can still be useful for defending your base during events like the Old One's Army.

In summary, to make the Tavernkeep happy in Terraria, you need to place him in the Hallow biome and ensure he has preferred neighbors like the Princess, Goblin Tinkerer, or Wizard. Avoid placing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Demolitionist and the Arms Dealer. Build suitable housing for him and his neighbors, and consider using the Pylon system for quick travel. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize the Tavernkeep's happiness and take full advantage of his discounted items and unique offerings.