Can I Get Rid of the Old Building in Stardew Valley?
Yes, the old, dilapidated building located on your farm when you first start Stardew Valley can be removed! It’s a bit of a process, and you’ll need to progress through the game, but you’re not stuck with it forever. Its removal opens up valuable real estate for expansion and farm beautification.
Understanding the Old Building
The old building in Stardew Valley is a prominent feature of your farm when you first inherit it from your grandfather. Initially, it serves no functional purpose. It’s simply an eyesore and a reminder of the neglected state of your new property. While it might seem tempting to tear it down immediately, you’ll quickly realize that you can’t do so without reaching a certain milestone in the game.
How to Remove the Old Building
The key to removing the old building lies in upgrading your farmhouse. Specifically, you need to upgrade your farmhouse to its final upgrade. Here’s a breakdown:
- Upgrade 1 (Available from Robin at the Carpenter’s Shop): This first upgrade expands your house, adds a kitchen, and allows you to cook. The resources required are usually 10,000g and 450 Wood.
- Upgrade 2 (Available from Robin at the Carpenter’s Shop after Upgrade 1): This second upgrade adds a nursery and another room. It is required for marrying and having children. The resources required are usually 50,000g and 150 Hardwood.
- The Final Upgrade (Available from Robin at the Carpenter’s Shop after Upgrade 2): This final upgrade adds a cellar to your farmhouse and allows you to age wine and cheese. This upgrade requires you to get 100,000g.
Once you’ve purchased the final farmhouse upgrade, Robin will offer you the option to remove the old building. Accepting this will cause her to tear it down, freeing up space on your farm.
Why Remove the Old Building?
While the old building might add to the initial rustic charm (or lack thereof) of your farm, there are several compelling reasons to remove it once you have the opportunity:
- Space: The most obvious benefit is the extra space. This can be used for placing new farm buildings, planting more crops, or creating aesthetically pleasing pathways and decorations.
- Aesthetics: Let’s face it; the old building isn’t the prettiest thing on the farm. Removing it instantly improves the overall look and feel of your property.
- Farm Layout Optimization: The position of the old building can sometimes hinder your farm layout plans. Its removal allows you to design your farm more efficiently and strategically.
Preparing for Removal
Before you rush off to upgrade your farmhouse and tear down the old building, consider these factors:
- Financial Planning: Upgrading your farmhouse takes a significant amount of gold. Plan ahead and start saving early in the game.
- Resource Gathering: You will need plenty of wood and hardwood for the farmhouse upgrades. Start chopping down trees and collecting hardwood from the Secret Woods or your farm.
- Farm Layout: Have a general idea of how you want to use the space freed up by the old building’s removal. This will help you optimize your farm layout immediately after it’s gone.
FAQs About Removing the Old Building
Here are some frequently asked questions about the old building in Stardew Valley:
1. What happens if I accidentally say no to Robin when she offers to remove the old building?
Don’t worry! Robin will offer you the option again when you talk to her at the Carpenter’s Shop. The option will remain available until you accept it.
2. Can I move the old building instead of removing it?
Unfortunately, no. The old building is permanently fixed in its location and cannot be moved. Your only option is to remove it entirely.
3. Does removing the old building affect my relationship with any of the villagers?
No, removing the old building has no impact on your relationships with the villagers. It’s purely a cosmetic and spatial change on your farm.
4. Can I rebuild the old building after I remove it?
No, once the old building is removed, it’s gone for good. There’s no way to rebuild it or revert back to its original state.
5. Does the old building contain any hidden items or secrets?
No, the old building is purely decorative and doesn’t contain any hidden items, secrets, or quests. Its only purpose is to be removed eventually.
6. Is it worth it to remove the old building?
Absolutely! The extra space and improved aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment, especially as you progress further into the game and want to expand your farm.
7. How long does it take for Robin to remove the old building?
Robin removes the old building instantly. Once you agree to the demolition, it will disappear immediately.
8. Can I customize the look of the old building before removing it?
No, you cannot customize the appearance of the old building. It remains in its default dilapidated state until you choose to remove it.
9. Does removing the old building affect my farm’s “grandpa’s evaluation” at the beginning of year 3?
No, the presence or absence of the old building has no impact on your grandpa’s evaluation. His evaluation is based on your earnings, skills, relationships, and other achievements.
10. Can I remove the old building before upgrading my house fully?
No, you must fully upgrade your farmhouse before Robin offers to remove the old building. This is a prerequisite that cannot be bypassed.
11. What if I want to keep the old building for aesthetic reasons?
That’s perfectly fine! It’s your farm, and you can choose to keep the old building if you like its appearance. There’s no obligation to remove it.
12. Does the old building block the path of my animals?
Potentially. Depending on your farm layout and where your animal buildings are located, the old building could slightly obstruct their movement. Removing it can help them move around more freely.
13. Will I get any materials from the old building when it’s removed?
No, you won’t receive any materials (such as wood or stone) when the old building is demolished. It simply disappears.
14. Is it possible to remove other unwanted buildings on my farm?
Yes, you can move or demolish most of the buildings you place on your farm through Robin at the Carpenter’s Shop. This includes barns, coops, sheds, and other structures.
15. What should I put in the space after removing the old building?
That’s entirely up to you! Common choices include more crop plots, a new building like a shed or slime hutch, decorative items like statues or pathways, or even a cozy seating area for your farmer to relax. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, while you start with a less-than-perfect farm, Stardew Valley gives you the agency to shape your land the way you want. The removal of the old building is a significant step in that journey, allowing you to create the farm of your dreams. So, focus on upgrading your farmhouse, and soon you’ll be saying goodbye to that old eyesore and hello to a brighter, more spacious future!