Unable to get merchant NPC

Question

I'm unable to get the merchant NPC to spawn.

I already have the demolitionist and the nurse. There are a couple of spare NPC suitable rooms, and 50+ silver coins, but even after waiting many nights, still no sign of a merchant.

Is there anything I could be doing wrong?

Answer 1

It turns out that the merchant had spawned!

I had created a shelter somewhere else in the world, and he had chosen that as his home.

I had actually destroyed the table in that shelter in order to avoid anyone living there, but it had a workbench, and it turns out that that is enough for an NPC to call it a home.

So the lesson learnt is if an NPC is mysteriously absent, he might already be somewhere you're not looking!

Answer 2

From Terraria Wiki:

The Merchant is an NPC that only appears when all players have a combined total of at least 50 silver coins. You also require a house with a door, at least one light source, a chair, and a table, like with all NPCs.

Once the requirements are met, the Merchant will move into the player's world and sell items.

He sells a multitude of items, including some things that cannot be otherwise obtained. Be patient, it takes some time for the merchant to move in.

I draw your attention to the last line:

Be patient, it takes some time for the merchant to move in.

It would that the Merchant simply takes awhile to spawn after you have met the requirements.