Can You Get Unmarried in Stardew Valley? The Ultimate Divorce Guide
Yes, you absolutely can get unmarried in Stardew Valley. Just like real life, relationships don’t always work out, even in the idyllic Pelican Town. While the initial commitment of marriage might feel permanent, the game provides a somewhat dark, but effective, method for dissolving your marital bond. However, be warned: there are consequences, both emotional and in-game, to ending a marriage. So, let’s dive deep into the how, why, and what-ifs of divorce in Stardew Valley.
The Cold, Hard Truth: Filing for Divorce
Divorce in Stardew Valley isn’t a simple conversation. It requires a trip to a specific, somewhat hidden location and a hefty payment. Here’s the breakdown:
- Reach Level 10 in Foraging: This is a prerequisite to unlocking the area you need. You’ll need to prove your wilderness skills before proceeding.
- Complete the “Goblin Problems” Quest: This quest, triggered after gaining access to the Witch’s Swamp, involves giving the Goblin a Void Mayonnaise.
- Access the Witch’s Hut: After completing the quest, the henchman blocking the path to the Witch’s Hut will disappear, granting you access. The Witch’s Hut is located in the Witch’s Swamp.
- The Dark Shrine of Divorce: Inside the Witch’s Hut, you’ll find three Dark Shrines. The one you’re interested in is the Dark Shrine of Divorce. Interacting with it will allow you to file for divorce from your current spouse.
- The Price of Freedom: Divorcing your spouse will cost you 50,000 gold. It’s a steep price to pay, reflecting the gravity of the decision.
- Confirmation and Aftermath: The next morning, your ex-spouse will be gone. They will move back to their original home (or lack thereof). Their heart level with you will reset to zero.
Understanding the Consequences of Divorce
Divorce in Stardew Valley isn’t just a mechanical process. It has emotional and practical ramifications:
- Negative Interactions: Your ex-spouse will be heartbroken and resentful. Interacting with them will result in negative dialogue and potentially hostile reactions. They will avoid you and generally be miserable.
- Lost Benefits: You’ll lose all the benefits that came with being married, such as the spouse helping around the farm, giving you gifts, and providing unique recipes.
- Children: If you have children with your spouse, they will remain on the farm. However, there’s another, even darker option available… (more on that later).
The Darkest Secret: Voiding Your Children
This is where Stardew Valley takes a turn into unexpectedly grim territory. The Witch’s Hut also houses the Dark Shrine of Selfishness. For the cost of a Prismatic Shard (a rare item) you can turn your children into doves, permanently removing them from the game. This is a non-reversible action. It’s a controversial option, and many players consider it morally reprehensible, even within the context of a video game. It’s a testament to the depth of choice and consequence present in Stardew Valley.
Avoiding Divorce: Prevention is Key
While divorce is an option, it’s generally better to avoid it altogether. Here are some tips for maintaining a happy marriage in Stardew Valley:
- Give Gifts Regularly: Each spouse has preferred gifts that will significantly increase their happiness. Learn their likes and dislikes.
- Talk to Your Spouse Daily: Even a simple “hello” can make a difference. Neglecting your spouse can lead to unhappiness.
- Participate in Festivals Together: Take your spouse to festivals and interact with them during the event.
- Complete Their Quests: Keep an eye out for quests on the community board that involve your spouse. Completing these will boost your relationship.
- Maintain a Tidy Farmhouse: A messy farmhouse can negatively impact your spouse’s happiness.
Finding Love Again: Remarrying
After a divorce, you are free to pursue new relationships and remarry. The process is the same as the first time: reach 10 hearts with a new candidate, give them the Mermaid’s Pendant, and wait three days for the wedding.
The Moral of the Story
Divorce in Stardew Valley is a serious decision with lasting consequences. It’s a mechanic that adds depth and realism to the game, forcing players to consider the impact of their choices. While the option to erase your children from existence is disturbing, it highlights the freedom (and potential for darkness) that the game offers. Ultimately, whether you choose to divorce, remarry, or live a life of lonely reflection is up to you. The world of Stardew Valley is yours to shape, for better or for worse. You can always connect and share game play tips with others on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get divorced more than once?
Yes, you can get divorced multiple times in Stardew Valley. Each divorce will cost you 50,000 gold and require a trip to the Witch’s Hut.
2. Does my ex-spouse ever forgive me?
No, your ex-spouse will not forgive you after a divorce. Their heart level will remain at zero, and they will continue to exhibit negative behavior towards you. There is no way to repair the relationship.
3. What happens to my children if I don’t turn them into doves?
If you don’t use the Dark Shrine of Selfishness, your children will remain in the farmhouse after the divorce. They will stay there even if you remarry.
4. Does my ex-spouse take any of my possessions when they leave?
No, your ex-spouse does not take any of your possessions when they leave. Everything in the farmhouse and on the farm remains yours.
5. Can I prevent my spouse from becoming unhappy?
While you can’t guarantee 100% happiness, consistently giving gifts, talking to your spouse, and maintaining a tidy farmhouse will significantly reduce the likelihood of them becoming unhappy.
6. Can I divorce Krobus?
Yes, if you have Krobus as your roommate, you can “evict” him through the same process at the Witch’s Hut. He will then return to the Sewers.
7. Does my ex-spouse still attend festivals?
Yes, your ex-spouse will still attend festivals, but they will avoid you and generally appear sad.
8. Can I remarry my ex-spouse?
No, once you divorce a spouse, you cannot remarry them. The relationship is permanently severed.
9. Is there any way to reconcile with my spouse without divorcing them?
Yes, if your spouse is unhappy but you don’t want to divorce, you can try to improve your relationship with them by giving gifts, talking to them, and completing their quests. Their happiness will gradually increase over time.
10. Does the difficulty of romancing someone affect the likelihood of divorce?
No, the initial difficulty of romancing a character does not affect the likelihood of divorce. Divorce is solely determined by your actions after marriage.
11. Does my spouse’s dialogue change after a divorce?
Yes, your ex-spouse’s dialogue will change significantly after a divorce. They will express sadness, anger, and resentment towards you.
12. Are there any achievements or rewards for divorcing someone?
No, there are no achievements or rewards for divorcing someone. It is purely a gameplay mechanic with negative consequences.
13. What happens if I try to give my ex-spouse a gift after the divorce?
Your ex-spouse will react negatively and refuse to accept the gift. They will express their disdain for you.
14. Does the type of farm I choose affect my spouse’s happiness?
No, the type of farm you choose does not directly affect your spouse’s happiness. However, some farm types might make it easier to gather resources that your spouse likes as gifts.
15. Is it possible to get divorced by accident?
It is highly unlikely to get divorced by accident. The process requires multiple steps and a significant gold investment, making it difficult to do unintentionally.