The Merchant is one of the useful NPCs to know about in TBOD^2 (Tycoon But One Dropper: SQUARED). While most of your time is spent upgrading your single dropper and improving the conveyor, finding the Merchant can help you collect Bits and increase your cash boost. This makes the Merchant an important part of progressing faster, especially when upgrade costs start getting higher.
However, the Merchant does not stay in one fixed location. It can appear in different areas around the map, so players need to explore and know which locations are worth checking. Understanding when the Merchant appears and what you can get from it will make your search much easier.
What Is the Merchant in TBOD^2?
The Merchant is an NPC that appears around the TBOD^2 map and offers cards that can be purchased using your in-game money. These cards are connected to Bits, which provide a cash boost and help improve your tycoon’s income.
The Merchant is not a replacement for your normal upgrades. Your single dropper and Upgraders are still the main source of money. Instead, the Merchant gives you another way to strengthen your economy.
Because Bits provide a significant boost, finding the Merchant should become part of your normal progression once you have enough cash to make the purchases worthwhile.
How to Find the Merchant
The Merchant can spawn at several different locations around the map. There are around six possible spawn locations, so you may need to check multiple areas before finding the NPC. The Merchant generally appears around important areas or near dirt patches. Some locations worth checking include:
- Beach
- Lighthouse
- Obelisk
- Statue
- Dirt patches around the map
- Other important locations and paths
There is no need to stay at one location and wait. If you cannot find the Merchant, move around the map and check the other possible areas.
Dirt patches are particularly useful clues because the Merchant can spawn around these locations.
When Does the Merchant Spawn?
The Merchant normally appears on even-numbered nights. This means you should pay attention to the game’s day and night cycle if you are actively trying to find the NPC.
There is also a special situation where the Merchant is guaranteed to appear: the Blood Moon.
When a Blood Moon happens, you do not need to wonder whether the Merchant will spawn. The event guarantees a Merchant, making it an excellent opportunity to search the map and collect Bits.
Because Blood Moon is rare, you should still check for the Merchant during normal even-numbered nights instead of waiting for the event.
What Does the Merchant Sell?
The Merchant offers cards that can be purchased using your cash. These cards are important because they can provide Bits.
A normal Merchant appearance offers five cards, with a chance for an additional sixth card. During a Blood Moon, the Merchant receives a buff and can offer six cards.
This gives you more opportunities to obtain useful rewards during the special event.
Before searching for the Merchant, it is a good idea to have enough money available for purchases. There is little benefit in finding the NPC if you cannot afford the cards you want.
What Are Bits Used For?
The main reason to find the Merchant is to obtain Bits. Bits provide a cash boost that improves your overall income. Each Bit gives approximately a 10% cash boost. This means that collecting multiple Bits can have a noticeable effect on how quickly your tycoon generates money.
For example:
- 1 Bit = 10% cash boost
- 5 Bits = 50% cash boost
- 10 Bits = 100% cash boost
Because this bonus helps your income, Bits become more valuable as you progress. A stronger cash boost means you can earn money faster and afford expensive upgrades sooner.
Why Is the Merchant Important?
The Merchant is important because it gives you access to a progression system that works separately from your normal tycoon upgrades. Your dropper produces the money, while Merchant rewards can improve how much money you generate from that production.
This becomes especially useful when the cost of upgrades starts increasing quickly. Instead of relying only on your current dropper output, you can increase your cash boost through Bits and make future income generation more efficient.
For players trying to progress quickly, regularly checking for the Merchant is therefore worth doing.
Blood Moon Merchant
The Blood Moon is one of the best times to find the Merchant. The event has around a 1 in 100 chance of occurring each night, making it much rarer than a normal Merchant appearance.
When Blood Moon occurs, a Merchant is guaranteed to spawn. The Merchant also receives buffed cards and offers six cards, giving you more opportunities to increase your Bit collection.
If you notice that a Blood Moon has started, make finding the Merchant your priority. Check the possible spawn locations around the map rather than staying inside your tycoon.
Tips for Finding the Merchant Faster
Searching the entire map without a plan can waste time. It is better to create a simple route between the locations where the Merchant is most likely to appear. Some useful tips include:
- Check the Beach first if it is close to your current position.
- Visit the Lighthouse.
- Check around the Obelisk.
- Look near the Statue.
- Pay attention to dirt patches.
- Check important paths and areas around the map.
- Use dirt paths to move around faster.
- Search during even-numbered nights.
- Always search for the Merchant when Blood Moon appears.
- Keep enough cash available to purchase cards.
Using a consistent route will help you remember the possible locations and make each Merchant search faster.
Merchant and Rebirth
The Merchant should also be considered when planning your rebirth. Rebirth resets your current tycoon progress, so spending a large amount of money immediately before resetting may not always be the best choice.
If you are close to your rebirth requirement, focus on reaching that milestone first. Once you rebirth, you can start a new run and work toward the Merchant again. On the other hand, if you still have plenty of time before rebirth and have spare cash available, Merchant cards can help increase your income and make the rest of the run easier. The important thing is to consider the timing of your purchases rather than automatically buying everything the Merchant offers.
The Merchant is a valuable NPC in TBOD^2 because it provides access to cards that can give you Bits, and Bits can significantly increase your cash boost. The Merchant normally appears on even-numbered nights and can spawn in several locations around the map, including areas near the Beach, Lighthouse, Obelisk, Statue, and dirt patches.
The best opportunity comes during a Blood Moon, which guarantees a Merchant spawn and provides a stronger card selection. Keep improving your tycoon while checking for the Merchant, and use your cash wisely when cards become available. By combining Merchant rewards with Upgraders and rebirths, you can make your overall progression much faster.