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 special NPC who sells items related to the Old One's Army event, such as sentry summons and armor sets. Keeping him happy is essential if you want to maximize your efficiency in dealing with this event.

The Tavernkeep prefers the Hallow biome and likes to live near the Princess, Wizard, and Golfer NPCs. He dislikes living near the Demolitionist and the Arms Dealer. If you place him in a biome he dislikes or near NPCs he dislikes, his happiness will decrease, leading to higher prices for his items. To maximize his happiness, you should build his house in the Hallow biome and place him near NPCs he likes. The Hallow biome is a bright, colorful biome that spawns after defeating the Wall of Flesh and entering Hardmode. It is characterized by its pastel colors, unicorns, and pixies. If you haven't reached Hardmode yet, you can still create an artificial Hallow biome by planting Hallow seeds or using Holy Water to convert a regular biome into the Hallow.

To build a suitable house for the Tavernkeep, you will need to gather materials like wood, stone, and glass. You can craft these materials into walls, furniture, and other decorative items to create a cozy home. Make sure the house 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 Tavernkeep to it by using the housing menu. If you have the Princess, Wizard, or Golfer NPCs, place their houses nearby to increase the Tavernkeep's happiness. You can check his happiness level by talking to him and selecting the "Happiness" option. If he is happy, he will mention that he likes the Hallow biome and enjoys living near his preferred neighbors.

One common mistake players make is placing the Tavernkeep in a biome he dislikes, such as the Corruption or Crimson. These biomes will decrease his happiness and make his items more expensive. Another mistake is placing him near NPCs he dislikes, such as the Demolitionist or Arms Dealer. To avoid these mistakes, always check the Tavernkeep's preferences before assigning him to a house. You can also use the housing menu to see which NPCs are nearby and adjust their positions accordingly.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Tavernkeep's happiness include creating a compact NPC village in the Hallow biome. This involves building multiple houses close together and assigning NPCs based on their preferences. For example, you can place the Tavernkeep, Princess, Wizard, and Golfer in one area, while keeping the Demolitionist and Arms Dealer in a separate area. This way, you can maximize the happiness of all NPCs and ensure that the Tavernkeep remains happy. You can also use teleporters or minecart tracks to quickly move between different parts of your world, making it easier to manage your NPCs and resources.

Resource requirements for building a suitable house for the Tavernkeep include wood, stone, glass, and other basic materials. You can gather these materials by mining, chopping down trees, and crafting. If you are in Hardmode, you may also need to gather Hallow seeds or Holy Water to create an artificial Hallow biome. Preparation is key, so make sure you have enough materials before starting your construction. You can also use the Guide's crafting menu to see which materials are needed for specific items.

Class and equipment considerations are not directly related to the Tavernkeep's happiness, but they can affect your ability to gather resources and build houses. For example, a melee class with high defense and mining speed can quickly gather materials and build houses, while a ranged or magic class may need to rely on summons or spells to protect themselves while gathering resources. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and weapons for your class, such as a pickaxe, axe, and sword. You can also use potions and buffs to increase your mining speed, defense, and other stats.

In specific scenarios, such as during the Old One's Army event, the Tavernkeep's happiness can directly affect your success. A happy Tavernkeep will sell sentry summons and armor sets at a discount, allowing you to prepare for the event more efficiently. You can also use the sentry summons to defend your base during other events, such as the Goblin Army or Pirate Invasion. By keeping the Tavernkeep happy, you can ensure that you have access to the best items and discounts, making it easier to progress through the game and tackle challenging events.

In conclusion, making the Tavernkeep happy in Terraria involves understanding the NPC happiness system, building a suitable house in the Hallow biome, and placing him near NPCs he likes. Avoid common mistakes like placing him in a biome he dislikes or near NPCs he dislikes. Use advanced techniques like creating a compact NPC village and gathering the necessary resources to build his house. Consider your class and equipment when gathering resources and building houses. By following these steps and strategies, you can maximize the Tavernkeep's happiness and take full advantage of his discounts and unique items.