So, you're diving into the world of Terraria and itching to get your hands on some firepower? One of the key NPCs you'll want to attract to your town is the Gun Dealer. This guy is your go-to for all things boom-related, from pistols to shotguns, and even some exotic ammunition. But how exactly do you get him to set up shop in your cozy little settlement? Don't worry, my fellow Terrarians, I've got you covered with a comprehensive guide to unlocking the Gun Dealer and keeping him happy.

Unlocking the Gun Dealer

First things first, to unlock the Gun Dealer, you'll need to meet a specific requirement: obtain a gun or firearm. This might sound obvious, but it's the trigger (pun intended!) that signals to the game that you're ready for a dedicated arms merchant. There are a few ways to get your first gun in Terraria, so let's explore your options:

1. Finding a Musket in the Crimson/Corruption: Early in the game, one of the most common ways to get a gun is by smashing Shadow Orbs in the Corruption biomes or Crimson Hearts in the Crimson biomes. These orbs/hearts are usually located deep within the biome and are often guarded by enemies. When you destroy one, there's a chance it will drop a Musket in the Corruption or The Undertaker in the Crimson. Either one will do the trick!
2. Opening Chests in the Dungeon: Once you've defeated Skeletron and gained access to the Dungeon, you can explore its depths and loot the various chests scattered throughout. Some of these chests may contain a Handgun, which also counts as a firearm for the purpose of attracting the Gun Dealer. Keep in mind that the Dungeon can be dangerous, so be prepared for a fight!
3. Buying from the Traveling Merchant: Keep an eye out for the Traveling Merchant, who randomly appears in your town during the day. He has a rotating inventory of items, and occasionally, he might sell a Flintlock Pistol. If you see one for sale, grab it! Even though it's not the most powerful weapon, it will still unlock the Gun Dealer.
4. Crafting the Blowpipe and Using Seeds as Ammo: This is a bit of a roundabout way, but technically the Blowpipe, which is crafted from Jungle Spores and Vines, is considered a ranged weapon. If you then load it with seeds, the game may recognize that you are using ranged weapons with ammo, thus fulfilling the requirement. It's not guaranteed but worth a try if you're struggling with the other methods. The Blowpipe is one of the weapons that can be used to fulfill the requirement.

Once you have obtained any of these firearms, the Gun Dealer will be eligible to move in. However, like all NPCs in Terraria, he needs suitable housing. This means a closed room with a light source, a table, and a chair. Make sure you have a vacant house that meets these requirements, and he should arrive shortly.

Keeping the Gun Dealer Happy

Now that the Gun Dealer has moved in, it's important to keep him happy so he'll continue to offer his wares. Here's what you need to know about his preferences:

• Biome: The Gun Dealer doesn't have a strong preference for any particular biome, so you can house him pretty much anywhere. However, some players believe that he's slightly happier in the Desert, as it thematically suits his profession. But honestly, it's not a major factor.
• Neighbors: The Gun Dealer likes living near the Nurse and the Angler. Having these NPCs nearby will increase his happiness, which in turn can lower the prices of his items. On the other hand, he dislikes living near the Zoologist. Keeping these preferences in mind when assigning housing can help you optimize your town's happiness.
• Crowding: Like all NPCs, the Gun Dealer doesn't like being too crowded. Avoid cramming too many NPCs into a small area, as this will make them unhappy and increase prices. Give him some space to breathe!

By keeping the Gun Dealer happy, you'll ensure that he offers the best possible prices on his weapons and ammunition. This can be a significant advantage, especially when you're gearing up for a tough boss fight or exploring a dangerous new area.

What the Gun Dealer Sells

So, what exactly does the Gun Dealer offer? His inventory changes as you progress through the game, offering increasingly powerful weapons and ammunition. Here's a rundown of some of his key items:

• Flintlock Pistol: Available from the start, this is a basic but reliable weapon for early-game combat.
• Musket Balls: The Gun Dealer's primary ammunition, these are essential for most firearms. He sells them in bulk, so you can always stock up.
• Minishark: Once you have defeated Skeletron, the Gun Dealer will start selling the Minishark, a rapid-firing gun that's great for shredding enemies. It's a bit expensive, but well worth the investment.
• Shotgun: After defeating any mechanical boss, the Gun Dealer will offer the Shotgun, a powerful close-range weapon that's perfect for dealing with hordes of enemies.
• Silver/Tungsten Bullets: After defeating the Wall of Flesh and entering Hardmode, the Gun Dealer will sell these stronger bullets.
• Illegal Gun Parts: During a Blood Moon in Hardmode, the Gun Dealer will sell Illegal Gun Parts. These are a key crafting ingredient for several powerful weapons, including the Handcannon.
• Clockwork Assault Rifle: After defeating Plantera, the Gun Dealer will sell the Clockwork Assault Rifle, which shoots three bullets at once.
• Stake Launcher: During the Pumpkin Moon event, the Gun Dealer will sell the Stake Launcher, an effective weapon against the event's monsters.

The Gun Dealer's inventory is crucial for any player who wants to focus on ranged combat. His weapons and ammunition will help you take down bosses, explore dangerous areas, and defend your town from invasions.

Tips and Tricks for the Gun Dealer

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the Gun Dealer:

• Build a Dedicated Gun Shop: Consider building a special house specifically for the Gun Dealer. This will help you keep him happy and organized.
• Keep Him Safe: Protect the Gun Dealer from enemies, especially during events like the Blood Moon or Goblin Invasion. If he dies, he'll respawn eventually, but it's better to keep him alive.
• Check His Inventory Regularly: The Gun Dealer's inventory changes as you progress through the game, so be sure to check back often to see what new weapons and ammunition he has to offer.
• Use Him to Farm Money: Some players buy Musket Balls from the Gun Dealer and sell them to other players for a profit. This can be a good way to earn some extra money.
• Take Advantage of Happiness Bonuses: By housing the Gun Dealer near his preferred neighbors, you can reduce the cost of his items. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Conclusion

The Gun Dealer is an essential NPC for any Terraria player who wants to specialize in ranged combat. By following these tips and tricks, you can unlock him, keep him happy, and take advantage of his valuable inventory. So, grab your pickaxe, smash some orbs, and get ready to unleash some serious firepower! Happy gaming, and may your bullets always fly true!