Core Keeper has a total of three employable Merchants: the Slime Merchant, the Caveling Merchant, and the Spirit Merchant. Recruiting both the Slime and the Caveling Merchant requires building an NPC house in your base. The Spirit Merchant, on the other hand, is a hologram, and therefore does not require a house.
After recruiting one of the Merchants to your base, you will be able to trade items for Ancient Coins, and purchase valuable equipment to help you on your travels. Note that as you progress, new items will be added to the stock.
How to unlock the three Merchants
Slime Merchant
- Defeat Glurch the Abominous MassPick up the Slime OilBuild an 8x8 room in your baseInsert a wooden doorInsert a bedPlace the Slime Oil in the roomLeave your base for a short period of time
Caveling Merchant
- Defeat Ghorm the DevourerPick up the Mysterious IdolBuild an 8x8 room in your baseInsert a wooden doorInsert a bedPlace the Mysterious Idol in the roomLeave your base for a short period of time
Spirit Merchant
- Defeat the Hive MotherCraft the Ancient Hologram Pod at the Hive Mother statueSummon the Spirit Merchant using the Ancient Hologram Pod
For more Core Keeper content, be sure to check out How to get Scarlet Ore in Core Keeper right here on Pro Game Guides.