Stardew Valley offers a fulfilling farming life, but you might yearn for something more as you progress in the game. Building a successful farm is only part of the equation; finding love and companionship can complete your experience.
So, dust off that Mermaid’s Pendant and get ready to woo the villager of your dreams. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of romance in Stardew Valley and how to win the hearts of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes.
Key Tips for Courting
Before diving into the romance options, keeping a few things in mind when trying to win over a potential partner is essential. Here are some essential tips to remember:
Loved Gifts
Giving them loved gifts is the most effective way to increase your friendship points with a villager. These gifts will have the most impact on their heart rating.
Gift Limit
You can give each villager two weekly gifts, excluding their birthday.
Special Occasions
Gifting a villager on their birthday grants, you 8x the friendship points, while gifting during the Feast of the Winter Star provides 5x the points.
Movie Theater
Once unlocked, taking your love interest to a movie they enjoy and buying them a preferred snack at the movie theater will earn you bonus friendship points.
Universally-Loved Gifts
Certain items, such as a Pearl, the Golden Pumpkin, Prismatic Shard, Rabbit’s Foot, and Magic Rock Candy, are loved by all villagers except for Haley (who dislikes Prismatic Shard) and Penny (who dislikes Rabbit’s Foot).
Let’s look closer at the marriage candidates and discover how to win their hearts.
1. Abigail
Abigail, the alternative and rebellious girl of Stardew Valley, resides at Pierre’s General Store but can often be found in the rain or visiting the cemetery.
To woo Abigail, mining is your best bet. She loves Amethysts, which can be easily found in the mines, making them an ideal early gift choice.
Birthday: Fall 13
Loved Gifts:
- Amethyst
- Banana Pudding
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Chocolate Cake
- Pufferfish
- Pumpkins
- Spicy Eel
2. Alex
Alex, the sporty and grid ball-loving villager, is often seen with his dog, Dusty, and enjoys spending time on the beach.
To win Alex’s heart, focus on gifting him Eggs, which are readily available early in the game. Another option is the Salmon Dinner, a rotating stock item at the Stardrop Saloon.
Birthday: Summer 13
Loved Gifts:
- Complete Breakfast
- Salmon Dinner
3. Elliott
For those who appreciate romance, Stardew Valley’s Elliott is an ideal choice. This writer lives alone in a cabin by the sea, working on his novel and dreaming of a love-filled life.
He adores Lobsters. Setting up crab pots at the ocean will allow you to catch Lobsters in Stardew Valley.
Birthday: Fall 5
Loved Gifts:
- Crab Cakes
- Duck Feathers
- Lobster
- Pomegranates
- Squid Ink
- Tom Kha Soup
4. Emily
Emily, a part-time worker at the Stardrop Saloon with aspirations of becoming a seamstress, is known for her love of crystals, dancing, and daydreaming. While Cloth is her favorite gift, it can be challenging to obtain early in the game.
Instead, offer her Amethysts and Topaz, both loved gifts found in the mine. Quartz is also a liked gift if you’re looking for an easier option.
Birthday: Spring 27
Loved Gifts:
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- Cloth
- Emerald
- Jade
- Ruby
- Survival Burger
- Topaz
- Wool
5. Haley
The fashionable and somewhat self-centered resident Haley can be found at her home or the beach. To win her heart, gift her Sunflowers, which can be grown during the summer. You can also give her Pink Cake or Coconut, which she loves.
Birthday: Spring 14
Loved Gifts:
- Coconut
- Fruit Salad
- Pink Cake
- Sunflower
6. Harvey
Harvey, the town’s doctor, spends most of his time working at the clinic and can often be found at the saloon on rainy days. He appreciates practical and high-quality gifts, such as Coffee and Pickles. Super Meals and Truffle Oil are also excellent choices.
Birthday: Winter 14
Loved Gifts:
- Coffee
- Pickles
- Super Meal
- Truffle Oil
- Wine
7. Leah
Leah, an artist living in a cabin near the lake, enjoys spending time in nature, foraging, and creating sculptures. Gifting her Goat Cheese or Salad can make a good impression.
Alternatively, presenting her with Poppyseed Muffins or a bottle of Wine will earn you high friendship points.
Birthday: Winter 23
Loved Gifts:
- Goat Cheese
- Poppyseed Muffin
- Salad
- Stir Fry
- Truffles
- Vegetable Medley
- Wine
8. Maru
Maru, the aspiring inventor and daughter of Robin and Demetrius, is often found working in her room or at the clinic with Harvey. Show interest in her work by gifting items like Battery Packs and Gold Bars. Rhubarb Pie and Iridium Bars are also excellent choices.
Birthday: Summer 10
Loved Gifts:
- Battery Pack
- Cauliflower
- Cheese Cauliflower
- Diamond
- Gold Bar
- Iridium Bar
- Miner's Treat
- Pepper Poppers
- Radioactive Bar
- Rhubarb Pie
- Strawberries
9. Penny
Penny, the kind-hearted teacher living in the trailer with her mom, often tutors Jas and Vincent or helps out at home. Show your appreciation for her by gifting Melons or Poppyseed Muffins. Diamonds and Red Plate dishes are also great options.
Birthday: Fall 2
Loved Gifts:
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Melon
- Poppy
- Poppyseed Muffins
- Red Plate
- Roots Platter
- Sandfish
- Tom Kha Soup
10. Sam
Sam, the town’s musician and aspiring rock star can be found practicing his guitar or skateboarding around town.
Show your support for his musical aspirations by gifting him his favorite food, like Maple Bars or Pizza. Cactus Fruit is another loved gift that can easily be obtained in the Desert.
Birthday: Summer 17
- Cactus Fruit
- Maple Bar
- Pizza
- Tigerseye
11. Sebastian
Sebastian, the loner living in the basement of Robin’s house, enjoys tinkering with computers and motorcycles. Impress him by gifting Frozen Tears or Obsidian. Pumpkin Soup, Sashimi, and Void Eggs are also his loved gifts.
Birthday: Winter 10
Loved Gifts:
- Frozen Tear
- Obsidian
- Pumpkin Soup
- Sashimi
- Void Egg
12. Shane
Shane, the hardworking and troubled Joja employee, can mostly be found at the Stardrop Saloon or in Marnie’s Ranch. He has a fondness for Beer, Hot Peppers, and Pizza. Additionally, offering him a Pepper Poppers dish or a complete breakfast can help you win him over.
Birthday: Spring 20
Loved Gifts:
- Beer
- Hot Pepper
- Pepper Popper
- Pizza
Benefits of Marrying in Stardew Valley
Marrying in Stardew Valley has several benefits that can enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some of the advantages of getting married in the game:
Companionship
By marrying a villager, you have a constant companion in Pelican Town. Your spouse will live with you on your farm and provide emotional support, dialogue interactions, and unique events.
Help on the Farm
Once married, your spouse may occasionally help out on the farm by watering crops, feeding animals, or repairing fences. This assistance can be instrumental in managing daily tasks and allowing you to focus on other activities.
Unique Gifts and Items
Your spouse occasionally gives you gifts, including items useful for farming or gameplay. They may surprise you with valuable resources, cooked dishes, or helpful tools.
Heart Events
As your relationship progresses, you’ll unlock heart events specific to your spouse. These events provide opportunities to deepen your connection, learn more about their backstory, and trigger special cutscenes.
Family Life and Children
You can have children with your spouse after getting married. Children can bring joy to your farm and contribute to the overall narrative of your gameplay.
Shared Living Space
Once married, you gain access to a separate room for your spouse. This room can be customized and decorated according to your preferences, adding a personal touch to your shared living space.
Festival Participation
Your spouse, and even your children, will accompany you to various festivals in Pelican Town, providing companionship and adding more enjoyment to the events. They may have unique dialogue or interactions during these festivals, enhancing the overall experience.
Who is the best person to romance in Stardew Valley?
While it’s true that Abigail has unique qualities that make her a popular choice among players, determining the “best” potential marriage partner in Stardew Valley is ultimately subjective and based on personal preferences.
Abigail’s adventurous and imaginative nature and interest in activities like combat and video games make her appealing to many players. Her love for eating Quartz adds a quirky element to her character and can be seen as endearing by some.
These unique traits and interactions make Abigail a memorable character in the game. However, it’s important to note that other marriage candidates in Stardew Valley also have compelling storylines, hobbies, and interactions that make them appealing to different players.
Some may prefer the artistic nature of Leah or the nurturing personality of Penny. Ultimately, the “best” marriage partner is a matter of personal preference and the connection you feel with the character.
In the end, the beauty of Stardew Valley is that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to romance. It’s about finding the character that resonates with you and brings joy and fulfillment to your in-game life on the farm.
So, if Abigail captures your heart and brings you happiness, she can be your best potential marriage partner in Stardew Valley.
Who is the Best Girl to Date in Stardew Valley?
When determining the “best” girl to date in Stardew Valley, it’s important to remember that personal preferences play a significant role. Each of the game’s romance options has unique qualities and characteristics that can make them appealing to different players.
With her love for art and nature, Leah is a popular player choice. Her creativity, passion for painting, and connection to the natural world can be attractive to those who appreciate these qualities. Additionally, her flowing hair adds to her visual appeal.
However, it’s important to note that what might be perceived as “bad” about a character is subjective and can vary from player to player. Each character in Stardew Valley has flaws and challenges, which can be seen as opportunities for growth and development within their storylines.
Ultimately, the “best” girl to date in Stardew Valley is a matter of personal preference and the connection you feel with the character. It’s about finding a character whose interests, personality, and storyline resonate with you and bring enjoyment to your in-game experience.
Whether it’s Leah or another romance option like Abigail, Penny, Emily, or any other eligible bachelorette, the most important aspect is choosing the character that brings you happiness and fulfillment in your virtual relationships in Stardew Valley.
Is Romance Gender Locked in Stardew Valley?
No, romance is not gender-locked in Stardew Valley. In the game, players can pursue romantic relationships with characters of any gender.
Whether playing as a male or female character, you can develop a romantic connection with any eligible bachelor or bachelorette in the game, regardless of gender.
This inclusive approach allows players to explore diverse romantic options and create relationships based on their personal preferences.
Who Can You Not Marry in Stardew Valley?
In Stardew Valley, many are not available as marriage candidates. Other than villagers not mentioned above, here is a list of additional characters you cannot marry in the game:
Children
You cannot marry the children of Pelican Town. They are meant to stay as children and cannot become romantic partners.
Morris
Morris is the manager of JojaMart and a somewhat controversial figure in Pelican Town. He is not a marriage candidate and does not have romantic storylines.
Sandy
Sandy is the owner of the Oasis in the Calico Desert. While you can develop friendships and exchange gifts, she is unavailable for marriage.
Gunther
Gunther is the curator of the Stardew Valley Museum. While you can donate artifacts and minerals to the museum, he is not a romanceable character.
Dwarf
The Dwarf is an inhabitant of the Mines who speaks in Dwarvish. Despite interacting with the Dwarf and uncovering their language, they are not a marriage candidate.
These characters are not available for marriage in Stardew Valley, but you can still build friendships with them or engage in other aspects of gameplay [1].
The game offers various diverse candidates with personalities, stories, and romance options, but only to the twelve mentioned above.
Conclusion
Romance in Stardew Valley adds depth and a sense of connection to the game. Understanding each villager’s preferences and using the right gifts can unlock their hearts and build meaningful relationships.
So, take your time, explore Pelican Town, and let love bloom. Good luck on your journey to find true love in Stardew Valley!
