How do I make the Merchant NPC move in Terraria?

To make the Merchant NPC move into your world in Terraria, you need to meet specific conditions. 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 requirements for his arrival is essential for early-game progression.

First, the Merchant will only move in if there is an available house and if you have at least 50 silver coins in your inventory. The house must meet the basic requirements for NPC housing, which includes having walls, a light source, a table, a chair, and a door. The house must also be in a valid location, meaning it cannot be too close to corruption, crimson, or hallow biomes. Once these conditions are met, the Merchant will spawn the next morning.

To prepare for the Merchant's arrival, start by gathering resources for building 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 these items inside a small enclosed space, ensuring there is enough room for the NPC to move around. Add a light source, such as a torch, to complete the house. Make sure the house is in a safe area, away from hostile enemies.

Next, focus on accumulating 50 silver coins. You can earn coins by defeating enemies, selling items, or mining ores. Early-game enemies like slimes and zombies often drop copper coins, which can add up over time. Selling excess materials, such as gel or ore, to other NPCs can also help you reach the required amount. Keep the coins in your inventory, as the game only checks your inventory for the 50 silver coin requirement.

Once you have built a suitable house and have 50 silver coins, the Merchant will move in the next morning. If he does not appear, double-check that the house is valid and that you meet all the requirements. Common mistakes include not having enough coins in your inventory, building the house in an invalid location, or forgetting to add essential furniture like a chair or table.

To optimize the process, consider building multiple houses early on. This will save time as more NPCs become available later in the game. Placing houses in a central location, such as near your spawn point, can make it easier to access NPCs and their services. Additionally, keeping your coins in a safe place, such as a piggy bank or money trough, can prevent you from losing them if you die.

Advanced techniques include creating themed housing for NPCs to increase their happiness. The Merchant prefers the Forest biome and likes to live near the Golfer and the Nurse. Keeping NPCs happy can lead to discounts on their items, making it cheaper to purchase essential supplies. You can also use pylons to create a fast travel network between biomes, improving efficiency as your town grows.

In terms of resource management, prioritize gathering wood and mining ores early in the game. These materials are essential for crafting tools, weapons, and housing. Defeating enemies and exploring caves can yield valuable loot, including coins and crafting materials. Efficient resource gathering will help you progress faster and prepare for future challenges.

Class and equipment considerations are less critical for attracting the Merchant, but having basic tools like a sword, pickaxe, and axe will make the process easier. These tools allow you to gather resources and defend yourself against early-game enemies. As you progress, upgrading your equipment will help you tackle tougher challenges and unlock more NPCs.

In summary, attracting the Merchant NPC in Terraria involves building a valid house, accumulating 50 silver coins, and ensuring all conditions are met. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can quickly bring the Merchant into your world and take advantage of his useful items. Planning ahead, optimizing your town layout, and managing resources effectively will set you up for success as you continue your Terraria adventure.