10 Things to Know Before Starting Stardew Valley

 The People of Stardew Valley Like Stuff

The story of Stardew Valley tells the tale of players who leave behind a corporate, soul crushing job in order to take over their grandfather’s farm. This change of pace is a welcome one, as the player will be leaving behind much of what they experienced in the big city. However, there is one aspect of city life that remains as the people of Stardew Valley are insanely materialistic. To put it bluntly, they like stuff. More specifically they like when you give them stuff.

Each NPC in Stardew Valley has particular likes and dislikes and in order to befriend them, the player should give them things they like. This system is beneficial in a few ways. For one this is how you can get married in Stardew Valley and two, your friends often reciprocate by giving you stuff in return. The higher your friendship, the more friendship events that occur (think short cutscenes). Design of Shane shown above comes from the Immersive Characters mod.

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The Mine is Where You Find Ore

As you progress through Stardew Valley, you may start to require ore. The ore itself can be hard to come by on the surface, but is available in the mine. Where is the mine? Glad you asked internet person! To get to the mine in Stardew Valley, head to the northeast area of Stardew Valley. Basically head to Robin’s (the carpenter) house (north of town/up on screen), go right until you find the pictured pathway along the river. Go over the little bridge and you will find the mine entrance.

Inside the mine is where Stardew Valley’s combat takes place. Here you will find that there  are various enemies to fight and gear to collect. The mine is also where you will find ample ore. With a total 120 floors, the mine’s veins of ore get better and better the deeper you progress.  [su_spoiler title=”SPOILER WARNING (Click to Expand)” style=”fancy” icon=”arrow”]There is a secondary mine located within Calico Desert, which is accessible after clearing out the entire mine in Stardew Valley and getting the Skull Key. This mine is home to Stardew Valley’s hardest monsters, but also has the most Iridium Ore.[/su_spoiler]

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There’s a Stardew Valley Farm Planner For Those With OCD

If you are one of those people who want their farms to look absolutely perfect, there’s a planner that can help make this happen. Instead of using the old, place here, move here, tweak here approach, the Stardew Valley planner cuts out this entire process by allowing you to layout the farm of your dreams ahead of time. This tool is absolutely vital if making your farm look its best is your priority. The Stardew Valley Planner can be found here.

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Levelling Makes You a God

Stardew Valley has a built in levelling system which involves doing certain tasks and meeting certain requirements. Levelling is broken down into 5 categories: Fishing, Mining, Foraging, Farming and Combat. The maximum level for each skill is 10 and at both levels 5 + 10 there is a choice between 2 specialization perks. These perks are super buffs and can really boost your money making ability in Stardew Valley.

Fishing: Pretty self explanatory, but basically involves fishing or fish related things (harvesting from Crab Pots). The more fish you catch, the higher you Fishing level becomes.

Foraging: Foraging leveling involves collecting foraged items from around the Stardew Valley map, or by gathering wood from chopped trees. The more you forage, the better you get.

Farming: Farming levelling involves harvesting crops and caring for animals.

Mining: Mining levelling involves using your pickaxe to break rocks and collect materials.

Combat: Combat levelling involves fighting monsters.

All of these skills have some pretty awesome specializations and can really increase the money making process in Stardew Valley. Choose wisely and you will find yourself quickly becoming a god.

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Winter is the Perfect Time For Mining/Foraging and Fishing

Stardew Valley follows the typical season structure of other famous farming sims: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Spring to fall is optimal time for farming, as you will have a wide selection of crops that can be grown at your disposal. Winter makes things barren, causing growing crops to be more difficult (there are only a few crops you can grow in winter). Utilize this season to focus on other areas of money making like mining, foraging and fishing.

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Use my 10 things to know before starting Stardew Valley list to become the supreme farmer you were meant to be. Soon you be rolling in the money, making you King of Stardew Valley and the envy of all. Will this make your grand father proud? Probably not, but hey at least you’re rich.

Check out more Stardew Valley walkthroughs

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