The Dark Truth: What Happens When You Turn Your Kids into Doves in Stardew Valley?
Ah, Stardew Valley. A quaint escape to rural life, filled with farming, fishing, and… child abandonment via avian transformation? Yes, you read that right. The seemingly innocent world of Pelican Town harbors a dark secret: the Dark Shrine of Selfishness. But what really happens when you succumb to its temptation and turn your children into doves?
In short, your children are permanently removed from the game. They disappear from your farmhouse, your family portrait, and your life in Stardew Valley, forever soaring beyond your reach. It’s a one-way ticket to bird-dom with no return policy. This act unlocks two specific, rather unsettling, secret events that would otherwise be inaccessible. Consider yourself warned: this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly!
The Shrine of Selfishness: A Deep Dive
The Dark Shrine of Selfishness is located within the Witch’s Hut, accessible only after completing the Goblin Problem quest. Once inside, you’ll find three ominous shrines. The Dark Shrine of Selfishness, as its name suggests, caters to your…less parental instincts.
To perform this dark ritual, you’ll need a Prismatic Shard, one of the rarest and most valuable items in the game. By offering this shard to the shrine, you’re essentially making a deal with forces beyond comprehension, trading a piece of immense power for the absence of your offspring. A steep price to pay, indeed.
The Consequences: More Than Just Missing Kids
The immediate consequence is obvious: your children vanish, replaced by the haunting image of doves flying away. Their cribs are gone, their toys disappear, and the farmhouse feels strangely empty. But the ramifications extend beyond mere absence.
Firstly, your spouse will remember. While they won’t leave you or express direct anger, they may make melancholy comments about the children’s absence, a constant reminder of your actions. The warmth of family life is replaced with a subtle chill.
Secondly, as mentioned, turning your children into doves unlocks two unique “cursed” events. These events offer a glimpse into the darker side of Stardew Valley, something usually hidden beneath the surface of cheerful farming and festivals. These events are unsettling and further solidify the finality of your decision. Details are widely available on the Stardew Valley Wiki but beware, spoilers abound!
Is It Worth It? The Ethical Quandary
The decision to turn your children into doves is entirely up to you. Stardew Valley, at its core, is a game about choice. It’s a sandbox where you can live out your virtual life as you see fit. Some players may do it out of curiosity, others to free up space for more children with a different spouse, and still others to experience the hidden, darker content the game offers.
However, it’s crucial to understand the weight of your actions. There’s no going back. The doves are gone, and the memory lingers. Before making the offering, consider the emotional impact it will have on your virtual family and whether the potential rewards outweigh the devastating loss. Games such as Stardew Valley highlight the potential for game playing as an opportunity to practice ethical decision making. Further research on this topic can be found at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dove Children in Stardew Valley
1. Can I get my children back after turning them into doves?
No. Once you turn your children into doves, it is a permanent decision. There is no way to reverse the process or bring them back to your farm.
2. Will my spouse leave me if I turn our children into doves?
No, your spouse will not leave you, but they will remember what you did. They may make sad or reflective comments about the missing children. The impact on their happiness and the overall atmosphere of your home will be noticeable.
3. Can I have more children after using the Dark Shrine of Selfishness?
Yes. Turning your children into doves does allow you to have more children in the future, either through natural birth or adoption, with your spouse’s consent. It effectively resets your child limit.
4. What are the “cursed” events that unlock after turning children into doves?
These events are quite unsettling and provide a glimpse into a much darker side of Stardew Valley. They involve the children’s spirits in some way, and the full details can be found on the Stardew Valley Wiki, but be warned about potential spoilers if you would rather experience them blindly after making the offering.
5. Do I need to divorce my spouse before turning the children into doves?
No, divorce is not required. You can turn your children into doves while still married to your spouse. However, consider the emotional consequences this might have on your relationship.
6. Does the gender of my children matter when turning them into doves?
No, the gender of your children does not affect the outcome. The process and consequences are the same regardless of whether you have boys, girls, or one of each.
7. What happens if I’m pregnant with a child and then turn my other children into doves?
The effects take place on the children that already exist. The pregnancy would proceed normally, but the events with the doves may occur afterward.
8. Is the Dark Shrine of Selfishness the only way to get rid of children in Stardew Valley?
Yes, the Dark Shrine of Selfishness is the only way to permanently remove children from the game. There is no other in-game mechanism to achieve the same result.
9. Can I turn my children into doves in multiplayer?
Yes, the Dark Shrine of Selfishness is accessible in multiplayer. The host player would typically make the decision, but it’s crucial to discuss it with your co-op partners beforehand.
10. Does turning children into doves affect my relationship with other villagers?
No, your actions at the Dark Shrine of Selfishness do not affect your relationships with other villagers, only with your spouse. They remain blissfully unaware of your dark deed.
11. What happens if I have pets and turn my children into doves?
Your pets are blissfully unaffected by the transformation of your children into doves. They’ll continue to provide their usual companionship and affection, oblivious to the family drama.
12. Can I remarry after turning my children into doves and then divorcing my spouse?
Yes, you can remarry after divorcing your spouse, even if you have previously turned your children into doves. You are free to start a new family with a new partner.
13. Does the age of my children matter when turning them into doves?
No, the age of your children does not matter. Whether they are toddlers or infants, the result of the ritual is the same: they are transformed into doves and disappear.
14. Is there any achievement or reward for turning children into doves?
There is no direct achievement or reward specifically for turning children into doves, other than unlocking the two aforementioned “cursed” events. The primary reward is the ability to have more children in the future.
15. How often can I use the Dark Shrine of Selfishness?
You can only use the Dark Shrine of Selfishness to turn your children into doves once. After using it, the option disappears, even if you have more children later. You can only apply this effect one time per Stardew Valley playthrough.