Can I Have a Boyfriend While Married in Stardew Valley?
The short answer is: yes, you can have a boyfriend while married in Stardew Valley, but with significant consequences. The game allows you to date multiple non-player characters (NPCs) simultaneously, even while you’re married to one of them. However, this isn’t without its drawbacks, primarily centered around your spouse’s jealousy. While Stardew Valley doesn’t explicitly punish you in a game-breaking way for “cheating,” it does introduce relationship penalties that can affect your in-game life. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of this complex social dynamic in the Valley.
Navigating Romance and Marriage in Stardew Valley
Multiple Relationships: The Bouquet and Beyond
Stardew Valley provides a straightforward system for initiating and maintaining relationships. You can offer a bouquet to any eligible bachelor or bachelorette once you’ve reached 8 hearts of friendship with them. Accepting a bouquet signifies the beginning of a romantic relationship, and you can date multiple NPCs this way. However, it’s important to note that once you’re married, the rules shift slightly, especially when it comes to giving gifts.
The Green-Eyed Monster: Spousal Jealousy
When you are married, giving gifts to any NPC of the same gender as your spouse, while also dating that NPC, can trigger jealousy. The probability of your spouse becoming jealous ranges from 20% to 40%, influenced by your daily luck. When jealousy is triggered, you will incur a 30 friendship point penalty with your spouse. Furthermore, the next time you speak with them, they will express their displeasure with an angry message. This can definitely add some tension to your domestic life in Stardew Valley.
What Happens if You Date Everyone
While it might seem tempting to collect all the hearts Stardew Valley has to offer, dating everyone comes with its own special event. If you are dating all the available NPCs (bachelorettes, if you’re a female character, or bachelors if you’re a male character), a cutscene will trigger at the Stardrop Saloon. This scene involves a confrontation where all your partners express their hurt and anger. Consequently, your relationship with each of them will experience a significant decrease. This cutscene is a good example of Stardew Valley not letting you get away with playing the field without experiencing the emotional repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I date multiple people before getting married?
Yes, you can absolutely date multiple people before you get married. There are no negative consequences for dating multiple NPCs before settling down, besides the slight friendship decrease if you trigger the mass dating cutscene. You can even give a bouquet to everyone.
What happens when I give gifts to people of the opposite gender to my spouse?
Giving gifts to people of the opposite gender to your spouse while married will not trigger any jealousy mechanics. You can continue to befriend these characters as normal without upsetting your spouse.
Does my spouse always get jealous when I give gifts?
No, jealousy only triggers when you give a gift to an NPC of the same gender as your spouse, and only if you are also dating that NPC. The chance of jealousy ranges between 20 and 40%, depending on your daily luck.
Is it worth it to date everyone in Stardew Valley?
Dating everyone in Stardew Valley is possible but can lead to the aforementioned confrontation scene in the Saloon which results in a major reduction of your friendship level with those characters. If you are looking to maximize your relationships and have long-term benefits it is not recommended to date everyone.
Can I remarry my ex-spouse in Stardew Valley?
Yes, you can remarry an ex-spouse. To do this, you will need to visit the Witch’s Hut and interact with the shrine there. This will cost 30,000g, but it will erase your ex-spouse’s memory, allowing you to date and remarry them.
What happens when I divorce my spouse?
When you divorce your spouse, they will move back to their original house, and the custom room they had in your farmhouse will disappear. Additionally, any spouse-specific areas behind the house will also be removed. Your ex-spouse will not talk to you anymore beyond a few basic dialogues, and you will no longer be able to befriend them again without erasing their memory.
How do I get a boyfriend/girlfriend in Stardew Valley?
To get a boyfriend or girlfriend, you need to reach 8 hearts with an eligible NPC and then give them a bouquet. Once accepted, this will initiate a romantic relationship. To propose marriage, you need to reach 10 hearts and give them the Mermaid Pendant.
Who is the most popular character to romance in Stardew Valley?
Abigail is often cited as one of the most popular romance options in Stardew Valley. Other popular characters include Sebastian, Harvey, Emily, and Maru.
Who is the most difficult character to romance in Stardew Valley?
Haley is considered one of the most difficult characters to romance initially due to her somewhat snobbish and mean demeanor at the start of the game. She is not as receptive to most gifts during the first few heart levels.
Do spouses help out on the farm?
Yes, spouses help out on the farm. They can water crops, feed livestock, and cook breakfast and dinner for you.
Can I have children with a spouse in Stardew Valley?
Yes, you can have children with your spouse. After some time after marriage, your spouse will ask you if you want to have a child. If you say yes, then a little while after that, a baby will appear!
Does my spouse move into my farmhouse?
Yes, your spouse will move into your farmhouse after the wedding ceremony and will add a unique, personal room to your house.
Can I date and marry another player in multiplayer?
Yes, you can date and marry another player in a multiplayer game. The system is similar to marrying an NPC, and you can even have children with them. The main player will be asked randomly if they want to have a child, similar to the query when married to an NPC. If they say yes, the farmhand will then be asked as well.
Can I get Krobus as a roommate?
Yes, you can get Krobus as a roommate. While you cannot marry him, he essentially acts like a spouse. He will move into your house and even help out with certain things.
Is it worth marrying in Stardew Valley?
Marrying in Stardew Valley does provide benefits. Aside from the companionship and relationship growth, spouses will provide gifts, assist with farm chores, and some even provide unique items based on their preferences, making it worthwhile to marry if that interests you.
Conclusion
While Stardew Valley allows for some unconventional relationship dynamics, it also provides consequences that remind you that actions have repercussions. You can certainly have a “boyfriend” while married, but be prepared for the chance of a jealous spouse and a dip in friendship. Understanding these mechanics will help you make informed decisions about your romantic journey in Stardew Valley. Whether you choose to play the field or stay loyal to one, each path has its own challenges and rewards.