Does Your Favorite Thing Matter in Stardew Valley?
The short answer is: not really, but kind of. In Stardew Valley, you’re prompted to choose a “Favorite Thing” at the beginning of your adventure. While it doesn’t bestow any tangible gameplay advantage or disadvantage, it’s far from a meaningless choice. The main impact of your favorite thing is a personalized message that appears when you consume a Stardrop, one of the game’s rare and highly sought-after items that permanently increase your maximum energy. This subtle, but personal touch, makes the discovery and consumption of these coveted treats more special.
The game treats your favorite thing like a fun inside joke, a little detail that adds to the game’s charm and immersive experience. If you enter “ConcernedApe,” the game’s creator, as your favorite thing, you receive a unique thank you message upon consuming a stardrop. This hidden message acts as an Easter Egg, an extra layer of delight for long-time fans. Otherwise, the Favorite Thing acts only to personalize your experience. So, while it has no effect on your farm’s productivity or your ability to romance villagers, it does impact a significant moment in the game. It’s a reminder that Stardew Valley prioritizes personal connection over raw statistical advantage. Ultimately, you should pick something that has some meaning to you!
The Significance of the Small Things
Stardew Valley, at its core, is a game about creating your own story and forging connections. The “Favorite Thing” perfectly embodies this philosophy. It’s a small detail, a quiet personal touch that doesn’t impact the larger gameplay loop, yet it makes the world feel more real and more personal to your character. Consider it a subtle way the game recognizes and acknowledges the player’s uniqueness.
Choosing Your Favorite Thing
When choosing your favorite thing, don’t worry about picking something that will give you a hidden advantage. Focus on selecting something that is personal to you, something that will bring a smile to your face when you see it pop up after eating a Stardrop. Whether it’s a favorite food, a beloved pet, or a childhood memory, choosing something meaningful will enhance your overall experience. Think of it as the name on your coffee cup; it’s not critical to the functionality, but it’s nice to have.
Changing Your Favorite Thing
While your favorite thing is initially chosen during character creation, it is not set in stone. If you find your initial choice no longer resonates, or if you simply want a change, you can alter your favorite thing. This is achieved by increasing your relationship with the Wizard. After achieving four hearts with the Wizard, you’ll unlock the ability to access his basement where you’ll find a magical shrine with several options for changes, including one to alter your favorite thing. This is helpful for players who, for example, discover the ConcernedApe Easter Egg, and want to then make their Favorite Thing something more personal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does my favorite thing impact my relationships with the villagers?
No, your favorite thing has no impact on your relationships with any of the villagers. It is purely for the Stardrop message and serves no other purpose.
2. Can I use items as my favorite thing?
Yes, you can use items as your favorite thing. However, keep in mind that there are no special item-related messages, other than the ConcernedApe easter egg.
3. What if I misspell my favorite thing? Can I correct it later?
Yes, you can correct misspellings. Once you achieve four hearts with the Wizard, you can change your favorite thing in his basement.
4. If I have multiple saved games, do they each have separate favorite things?
Yes, each saved game will have its own separate favorite thing that you will choose during the game’s initial setup.
5. Does the choice of my favorite thing affect the end of the game?
No, the choice of your favorite thing has no impact on the ending or any other major event in the game.
6. Is there a list of all possible favorite thing messages?
Besides the ConcernedApe easter egg, all the messages are the same; they simply include your chosen favorite thing. Because there is not unique message for each choice, there is no comprehensive list of all the messages.
7. If I pick a character’s name as my favorite thing, will they react to it?
No, choosing a character’s name will not cause them to react to it. Your favorite thing is for your eyes only.
8. How many Stardrops are in the game?
There are a limited number of seven Stardrops you can find during your playthrough. So you’ll only see your favorite thing message seven times without mods.
9. Can I use custom characters as my favorite thing?
Yes, you can type in anything that will fit within the character limit.
10. Is there a limit to the length of the favorite thing?
Yes, there is a character limit for the favorite thing input, so keep it brief.
11. Can I use symbols or numbers in my favorite thing?
Yes, you can use both symbols and numbers, as long as they are supported by the game’s font and fit within the character limit.
12. Does the favorite thing affect the efficiency of my farm?
Absolutely not, the favorite thing has no effect on your farm’s efficiency or crop production.
13. Can I change my favorite thing multiple times?
Yes, you can change your favorite thing as many times as you like by going to the Wizard’s basement. You must, however, pay to make any changes.
14. Is the wizard the only way to change your favorite thing?
Yes, as of now, the wizard and his basement are the only way to change your favorite thing in the base game.
15. If I use a mod, can the Favorite Thing do more?
Yes, certain mods may alter the function of the favorite thing. Some may even allow you to see unique text depending on your choice. However, that functionality is not present in the unmodded base game.
Final Thoughts
The “Favorite Thing” in Stardew Valley is a perfect example of how a small, seemingly insignificant detail can add depth and personality to a game. While it won’t make you richer or more powerful, it serves as a reminder that Stardew Valley is as much about personal connection as it is about farming. So, choose something that resonates with you, and enjoy the little personal touch that your choice brings to those special Stardrop moments. After all, it’s the small things that make life, and in this case, farming, more enjoyable.