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. 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 a biome he dislikes, such as the Corruption or Crimson, his happiness will decrease, and he will charge higher prices for his items. Additionally, the Tavernkeep has specific preferences for neighbors. He likes the Princess, the Goblin Tinkerer, and the Wizard. Placing him near these NPCs will further increase his happiness. However, he dislikes the Demolitionist and the Arms Dealer, so avoid placing him near these NPCs if you want to keep him happy.

To maximize the Tavernkeep's happiness, you should build a house for him in the Hallow biome and place him near the Princess, Goblin Tinkerer, or Wizard. You can create a small village in the Hallow with these NPCs to ensure they are all happy. Make sure to provide suitable housing for each NPC, which includes walls, a light source, a table, and a chair. The houses should be close enough to each other so that they are considered neighbors but not so close that they overcrowd each other, as overcrowding can reduce happiness.

One common mistake players make is placing the Tavernkeep in a biome he dislikes, such as the Corruption or Crimson. This will make him unhappy and increase the prices of his items. 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 placing him in a house. You can do this by talking to him and checking his happiness level, which will give you a hint about his current satisfaction.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Tavernkeep's happiness include creating a dedicated Hallow village with multiple NPCs he likes. This not only keeps the Tavernkeep happy but also benefits the other NPCs in the village. For example, the Princess, Goblin Tinkerer, and Wizard also have their own preferences, and placing them in the Hallow with the Tavernkeep can create a mutually beneficial environment. Additionally, you can use pylons to create a fast travel network between your Hallow village and other biomes, making it easier to manage your NPCs and access their items.

Resource requirements for building a Hallow village include Hallow blocks, which can be obtained by spreading Hallow grass in a suitable area or by using the Clentaminator with Blue Solution. You will also need building materials such as wood, stone, and glass to create the houses. Make sure to gather enough resources before starting your construction to avoid interruptions. Preparation is key, so plan your village layout in advance to ensure all NPCs have suitable housing and are placed near their preferred neighbors.

Class and equipment considerations are not directly related to the Tavernkeep's happiness, but they can affect your ability to gather resources and build efficiently. For example, a character with high mining speed and mobility will be able to gather resources faster and build more quickly. Additionally, having access to tools like the Clentaminator can make it easier to create a Hallow biome if one is not naturally present in your world.

In specific scenarios, such as when you are preparing for the Old One's Army event, keeping the Tavernkeep happy is crucial. A happy Tavernkeep will offer discounts on sentry summon weapons and armor, which are essential for defending against the event's waves. By placing him in the Hallow with preferred neighbors, you can ensure that you have access to these items at the best possible prices, allowing you to save money and focus on other preparations for the event.

In conclusion, making the Tavernkeep happy in Terraria involves understanding his biome and neighbor preferences, building a suitable house in the Hallow biome, and placing him near NPCs he likes. Avoid common mistakes such as placing him in disliked biomes or near disliked NPCs, and use advanced techniques like creating a dedicated Hallow village to optimize his happiness. Proper resource management and preparation are essential, and while class and equipment considerations are not directly related, they can help you build more efficiently. By following these strategies, you can ensure that the Tavernkeep remains happy and provides you with valuable items and discounts.