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 ropes, torches, and basic tools. Understanding the mechanics and requirements for his arrival is essential for efficient progression in the game.

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 include being at least 6 blocks tall and 10 blocks wide, 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 in a corrupted or Crimson biome, and it must be free of enemies or hazards. Once these conditions are met, the Merchant will move in the next morning.

To prepare for the Merchant's arrival, you should start by gathering resources. You will need wood, stone, and other basic materials to build a house. Wood can be obtained by chopping down trees, and stone can be mined from underground. You will also need to craft walls, which can be made from wood or other materials like dirt or stone. Make sure to have a workbench and a furnace to craft these items. Additionally, you will need to gather at least 50 silver coins. This can be done by defeating enemies, breaking pots, or selling items to other NPCs.

Once you have the necessary resources, you can start building the house. Choose a location that is safe and easily accessible. It is a good idea to build the house near your spawn point or other NPCs to create a small town. Start by placing the walls, then add the floor and ceiling. Make sure to leave space for a door and windows. Place a table and chair inside the house, and add a light source like a torch or lantern. Finally, make sure the house is enclosed and has a door for the NPC to enter and exit.

After building the house, ensure you have at least 50 silver coins in your inventory. The Merchant will not move in if you do not have enough coins, even if the house is ready. Once you have the coins and the house is complete, the Merchant will move in the next morning. You can check if the house is valid by using the housing query tool, which can be accessed by talking to the Guide or using the housing menu.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when trying to get the Merchant to move in. One mistake is not having enough coins. Make sure to gather at least 50 silver coins before expecting the Merchant to arrive. Another mistake is building the house in an invalid location. Avoid building in corrupted or Crimson biomes, as these areas are not suitable for NPC housing. Additionally, make sure the house is fully enclosed and has all the necessary furniture. An incomplete house will not attract the Merchant.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Merchant's arrival include building multiple houses in advance. This way, you can attract other NPCs as soon as their conditions are met. You can also create a centralized town with all the necessary amenities, such as crafting stations and storage, to make it easier to manage your NPCs. Another tip is to place the Merchant near other NPCs he likes, such as the Nurse or the Golfer, to increase his happiness. A happy Merchant will offer discounts on his items, making it cheaper to purchase essential supplies.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, there are no specific requirements for attracting the Merchant. However, having basic tools like a pickaxe, axe, and sword will make it easier to gather resources and defend yourself while building the house. If you are playing as a melee class, you may want to focus on gathering materials for armor and weapons to protect yourself from enemies. If you are playing as a ranged or magic class, you may want to gather materials for ammunition or mana potions.

In summary, attracting the Merchant NPC in Terraria requires building a valid house and having at least 50 silver coins. Gather the necessary resources, build the house in a safe location, and ensure you have enough coins. Avoid common mistakes like building in invalid locations or not having enough coins. Use advanced techniques like building multiple houses and creating a centralized town to optimize your NPC management. With these steps, you can successfully attract the Merchant and take advantage of his useful items and services.