How do I make the Zoologist NPC happy in Terraria?

To make the Zoologist 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 Zoologist, in particular, has specific preferences that you need to cater to in order to maximize her happiness.

The Zoologist prefers to live in the Forest biome. This is her favorite biome, and placing her in a house located in the Forest will significantly increase her happiness. Additionally, she likes to have the Witch Doctor and Golfer as neighbors. The Witch Doctor is another NPC who also prefers the Forest biome, making them a good pair. The Golfer, on the other hand, prefers the Desert biome, but he can still be a good neighbor for the Zoologist if placed nearby in the Forest biome. However, it's important to note that the Zoologist dislikes the Angler and the Arms Dealer, so you should avoid placing her near these NPCs.

To start, you need to build a suitable house for the Zoologist in the Forest biome. The house should meet the basic requirements for NPC housing, which include walls, a chair, a table, and a light source. You can use any type of wood or other materials to build the house, but using materials that match the Forest biome, such as wood or living wood, can enhance the aesthetic appeal. Once the house is ready, assign the Zoologist to it by interacting with the housing menu and selecting her for the house.

Next, you need to consider her neighbors. If you have the Witch Doctor and Golfer available, place them in houses nearby. The Witch Doctor should ideally be in the same Forest biome, while the Golfer can be placed in a nearby house, even if it's slightly outside the Forest biome. This setup will ensure that the Zoologist has the neighbors she likes, which will further increase her happiness.

It's also important to avoid placing the Zoologist near NPCs she dislikes. The Angler and the Arms Dealer should be housed far away from her. If you have these NPCs in your world, make sure their houses are in different biomes or at least a significant distance away from the Zoologist's house. This will prevent any negative effects on her happiness.

In terms of resource requirements, building a house in the Forest biome is relatively straightforward. You will need wood, which can be easily obtained by chopping down trees. If you want to enhance the house's appearance, you can gather additional materials like stone, glass, or even living wood from the Living Trees found in the Forest biome. These materials are not necessary for the house to function, but they can make it look more appealing.

When it comes to class and equipment considerations, there are no specific requirements for making the Zoologist happy. However, if you are playing as a summoner, you might find the Zoologist particularly useful because she sells items related to summoning, such as the Leather Whip and the Finch Staff. Keeping her happy will ensure that these items are available at a discounted price, which can be beneficial for your progression.

One common mistake to avoid is placing the Zoologist in a biome she dislikes. While she can live in any biome, her happiness will be significantly lower if she is not in the Forest biome. Additionally, placing her near NPCs she dislikes, such as the Angler or the Arms Dealer, will also reduce her happiness. Make sure to carefully plan the placement of her house and her neighbors to avoid these pitfalls.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the Zoologist's happiness include creating a dedicated NPC village in the Forest biome. This village can house multiple NPCs who prefer the Forest biome, such as the Witch Doctor and the Dryad. By clustering these NPCs together, you can create a highly efficient and happy community. Additionally, you can use pylons to create fast travel points between different biomes, making it easier to manage your NPCs and access their services.

In summary, to make the Zoologist happy in Terraria, you need to place her in a house located in the Forest biome and ensure she has the Witch Doctor and Golfer as neighbors. Avoid placing her near the Angler and the Arms Dealer, as these NPCs will decrease her happiness. Building a suitable house in the Forest biome is relatively easy, and you can enhance it with additional materials for aesthetic purposes. By carefully planning the placement of her house and neighbors, you can maximize her happiness and take advantage of the discounts and unique items she offers.