Stardew Valley is a beloved farming simulation game that allows players to experience the joys of rural life. One significant aspect of the game is starting a family and having children.
In this article, we will provide valuable information on navigating the journey of parenthood in Stardew Valley. From prerequisites to maintaining friendships and understanding the stages of childhood, this guide will help you make the most of this delightful feature.
Prerequisites to Having Babies
Before starting a family, there are a few requirements to fulfill. These include being married for at least seven days, achieving a ten-heart friendship level with your spouse, and upgrading your farmhouse twice to create a nursery with a crib.
How Children Work
In Stardew Valley, you can have a maximum of two children, and their genders are predetermined. It’s important to note that children never age beyond the toddler stage, allowing you to cherish their adorable presence forever throughout your gameplay.
Stages of Childhood
Children in Stardew Valley only grow up to the toddler stage. While they won’t develop further, they still exhibit unique behaviors and interactions that add depth to your farming journey.
Biological Children
To have biological children in Stardew Valley, you must be married and have upgraded your Farmhouse to include a nursery. The process begins when, with a 1 in 20 chance, your spouse asks if you want to have a child.
You have the option to agree or postpone the decision. Same-gender couples will adopt children, while opposite-gender couples will have biological children.
Once you agree to have a child, the development stages begin. Stage 1 involves the baby sleeping in the crib for 14 days. In Stage 2, you can interact with the child, tossing them in the air to strengthen the relationship.
This stage also lasts for 14 days. Stage 3 sees the child crawling around the house and playing with toys for 28 days.
Finally, in Stage 4, the child enters the toddler stage, which lasts for the rest of their life. It’s important to note that you can have a maximum of two children, one male and one female. The gender of the second child is always the opposite of the first, which is determined randomly.
Adopted Children
In Stardew Valley, you also have the option to adopt a child if you are in a same-gender marriage. The process is similar to having biological children, requiring marriage, an upgraded Farmhouse, and a 5% chance of being asked to adopt.
After agreeing to adopt, the child arrives at night after 14 days with a note from the adoption agency. The development stages of adopted children mirror those of biological children.
Dismissing Children
While the joy of raising children is rewarding, there is an option to dismiss them in Stardew Valley. You can turn your children into doves by interacting with the Dark Shrine of Selfishness in the Witch’s Hut and offering a Prismatic Shard. (But how to get the Prismatic Shard? Read next!)
This permanently removes them from your farm. However, once dismissed, the lost children cannot be returned. It’s worth considering the consequences of this irreversible decision.
Even though you’ve previously dismissed children, your spouse can ask you again if you want to have children if the crib is still in the farmhouse.
Friendship
Building friendships with your children in Stardew Valley is similar to developing relationships with non-marriageable villagers. Interaction and daily interactions can increase the friendship level.
However, it’s important to note that children in Stage 1 will only have a friendship level of 0, and friendship with children is subject to decay if not interacted with regularly. Once a child reaches 10 hearts, decay stops.
Benefits of Having Children
Having children in Stardew Valley offers several advantages. They unlock additional features and perks that enhance your overall gameplay experience [1]. These benefits make the journey of parenthood even more rewarding.
Emotional Fulfillment and Unconditional Love
Children in Stardew Valley bring abundant love and joy into your virtual life. Their presence can uplift your spirits and provide a sense of emotional fulfillment as you watch them grow and interact with the world around them.
Family Bonding
Parenthood allows for heartwarming family bonding moments, especially at home. Watching your children play and witnessing their innocent curiosity creates a deeper connection with your virtual family.
What Happens Once Your Children Are Gone?
If children are dismissed, the game reflects this change. Understanding the outcome and how it affects your gameplay is crucial.
Conclusion
Stardew Valley allows players to experience the joys and challenges of parenthood. Whether you have biological or adopted children, it’s important to consider the various stages of development, limitations, and the irreversible nature of dismissing children.
Building friendships and uncovering secrets add depth to the experience. As you embark on your farming journey, may your virtual family thrive in the idyllic world of Stardew Valley.
