What is the best way to farm for the Tavernkeep NPC in Terraria?

Farming for the Tavernkeep NPC in Terraria involves encountering and defeating the Old One's Army event, which is tied to the Tavernkeep's arrival. The Tavernkeep is a unique NPC who sells items related to the Old One's Army event, such as Defender Medals, which are used to purchase powerful gear. To successfully farm for the Tavernkeep, you need to understand the mechanics of the event, prepare adequately, and execute a strategy to maximize your chances of success.

The Old One's Army event is triggered by placing an Eternia Crystal Stand and an Eternia Crystal in the world. The Eternia Crystal Stand can be purchased from the Tavernkeep once he has moved in, but initially, you need to find him in the world. The Tavernkeep spawns randomly after defeating the Everscream during the Frost Moon event or the Goblin Summoner during a Goblin Invasion. Once you find him, he will move into a suitable house, and you can purchase the Eternia Crystal Stand and Eternia Crystal from him.

To farm for the Tavernkeep, you need to prepare for the Old One's Army event. This involves setting up a suitable arena, gathering resources, and equipping the right gear. The arena should be a flat area with enough space to place the Eternia Crystal Stand and defend it from waves of enemies. You can build platforms or use blocks to create barriers that funnel enemies into specific paths, making it easier to defend the crystal. It's also helpful to place traps, such as dart traps or flame traps, to deal additional damage to enemies.

Resource preparation is crucial for surviving the Old One's Army event. You should stock up on healing potions, mana potions, and buff potions, such as Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness. Additionally, you should have a good supply of ammunition if you're using ranged weapons or mana-restoring items if you're using magic weapons. Crafting or obtaining powerful weapons and armor is also essential. For example, the Daedalus Stormbow with Holy Arrows is highly effective against the event's enemies, especially in the early tiers.

Class and equipment considerations are important when farming for the Tavernkeep. Each class has its strengths and weaknesses in the Old One's Army event. Melee characters can use weapons like the Terra Blade or the Influx Waver to deal high damage at close range. Ranged characters can use weapons like the Megashark or the Tsunami with appropriate arrows or bullets. Magic users can rely on weapons like the Razorblade Typhoon or the Lunar Flare for high damage output. Summoners can use minions like the Stardust Dragon or the Xeno Staff to deal consistent damage while focusing on dodging attacks.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the Old One's Army event, especially in higher tiers. The event becomes progressively harder as you advance through the waves, and failing to prepare adequately can result in losing the crystal and having to restart. Another mistake is not paying attention to the crystal's health. If the crystal is destroyed, the event ends, and you lose the chance to earn Defender Medals. Always keep an eye on the crystal's health and prioritize defending it over chasing down enemies.

Advanced techniques and optimizations can help you farm for the Tavernkeep more efficiently. For example, using a combination of sentries and player-controlled weapons can maximize your damage output. Sentries like the Ballista or the Explosive Trap can deal significant damage to enemies while you focus on the tougher foes. Additionally, using mobility-enhancing accessories like the Master Ninja Gear or the Frostspark Boots can help you dodge attacks and reposition quickly.

In summary, farming for the Tavernkeep NPC in Terraria involves preparing for and successfully completing the Old One's Army event. This requires setting up a suitable arena, gathering resources, and equipping the right gear. Understanding the event's mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques can help you maximize your chances of success. By following these strategies, you can efficiently farm for the Tavernkeep and unlock the powerful items he offers.