Big Coop vs. Deluxe Coop in Stardew Valley: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The difference between the Big Coop and the Deluxe Coop in Stardew Valley lies primarily in the animal types they can house and the added convenience features. The Big Coop expands the variety of animals you can raise and introduces an incubator to hatch eggs, while the Deluxe Coop further expands animal capacity and introduces an autofeed system which automatically feeds your animals as long as hay is available in your silos. These upgrades significantly improve animal care and farming efficiency.
Understanding the Coop Progression
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the coop upgrade path in Stardew Valley. You start with a basic Coop, then upgrade it to a Big Coop, and finally to a Deluxe Coop. You cannot skip any of these steps; you must upgrade sequentially.
The Basic Coop
The initial Coop allows you to house chickens. That’s it! Building this is the first step towards expanding your animal empire.
Big Coop: Expanding Your Animal Options
Upgrading to the Big Coop costs 12,000 gold, 450 wood, and 200 stone. This upgrade brings several key improvements:
- Increased Animal Capacity: The Big Coop can house up to 8 animals, doubling the capacity of the basic Coop.
- New Animal Types: In addition to chickens, the Big Coop can house ducks and void chickens.
- Incubator: A crucial addition, the incubator allows you to hatch eggs and add new animals to your Coop. This is the only way to get a dinosaur or void chicken aside from the rare chance of a witch dropping a void egg in the coop overnight.
- Hay Hopper: Provides easy access to the coop’s hay supply.
Deluxe Coop: Automation and Maximum Capacity
The Deluxe Coop upgrade costs 25,000 gold, 550 wood, and 300 stone. It is the pinnacle of coop technology, offering:
- Max Animal Capacity: The Deluxe Coop can house up to 12 animals, maximizing your coop’s potential.
- New Animal Types: The Deluxe Coop adds the ability to house golden chickens and rabbits, further diversifying your farm.
- Autofeed System: This is the most significant upgrade. The Autofeed System automatically dispenses hay from your silos onto the feeding bench, eliminating the need to manually place hay each day. This saves time and effort, especially as your farm grows. This only works as long as there is hay in your silo.
Strategic Considerations: When to Upgrade
Deciding when to upgrade your coop depends on your farming strategy and resource availability. Here’s a general guideline:
- Early Game: Focus on building the initial Coop to establish a steady income from eggs.
- Mid-Game: Prioritize upgrading to the Big Coop to increase animal capacity, unlock new animal types like ducks and void chickens, and gain access to the incubator. The incubator is particularly valuable for obtaining rare animal types, boosting your farm’s diversity and income.
- Late-Game: Upgrade to the Deluxe Coop as soon as resources allow, as the autofeed system significantly reduces daily chores and frees up time for other activities like mining, fishing, or socializing with the townspeople.
Coop Animals: A Quick Overview
Here’s a brief rundown of the animals you can house in each coop level:
- Coop: Chickens
- Big Coop: Chickens, Ducks, Void Chickens
- Deluxe Coop: Chickens, Ducks, Void Chickens, Golden Chickens, Rabbits, Dinosaurs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about coops in Stardew Valley, to further your understanding:
-
Does the Big Coop replace the original Coop? Yes, upgrading to the Big Coop replaces your existing Coop. It doesn’t create a new building; it transforms the existing one.
-
How many animals can live in the Big Coop? The Big Coop can house up to 8 animals.
-
Does the Big Coop have an incubator? Yes, the Big Coop has an incubator, allowing you to hatch eggs and add new animals to your coop.
-
What animals can the Deluxe Coop house? The Deluxe Coop can house chickens, ducks, void chickens, golden chickens, dinosaurs, and rabbits.
-
Does the Deluxe Coop feed automatically? Yes, the Deluxe Coop features an Autofeed System that automatically distributes hay from your silos to the feeding bench.
-
How many animals can live in the Deluxe Coop? The Deluxe Coop can house up to 12 animals.
-
Do I need to close the coop doors at night? It’s generally a good idea to close the coop doors at night to protect your animals from potential wild animal attacks. If the animals are outside during the night, they are vulnerable.
-
Can I move animals from one coop to another? Yes, you can move animals between coops by clicking on the animal and selecting the house icon.
-
How do I get a void chicken? You can get a void chicken by either incubating a void egg (randomly given by a witch event) in the Big Coop or Deluxe Coop, or by purchasing one from Krobus in the Sewers for 5,000 gold.
-
How do I get a dinosaur? You can get a dinosaur by incubating a dinosaur egg in the Big Coop or Deluxe Coop. Dinosaur eggs can be found by digging up Artifact Spots, fishing, or in Skull Cavern.
-
Do I need a heater in my coop during winter? Only a single heater is required in the coop or barn to keep your animals happy during winter. Additional heaters provide no additional benefit.
-
Is it okay to let chickens roam free? Yes, letting chickens roam free allows them to eat grass, which can reduce the amount of hay you need to feed them. However, be sure to close the coop doors at night to protect them.
-
What happens if I don’t feed my animals? If you don’t feed your animals, they will become unhappy and stop producing eggs, milk, or wool.
-
How do silos work with the Autofeed System in the Deluxe Coop? The Autofeed System automatically takes hay from the silos and distributes it to the feeding bench in the Deluxe Coop. Ensure you have enough hay in your silos, especially during winter when animals cannot graze outside.
-
What is the most profitable animal to have in a Deluxe Coop? Rabbit’s Foot are used in a bundle and loved by most, and golden chickens lay golden eggs which sells for quite a bit. All animals will bring profits.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Coop Strategy
Upgrading your coops in Stardew Valley is a worthwhile investment that enhances your farming efficiency and opens up new possibilities for animal husbandry. From the basic Coop to the Deluxe Coop, each upgrade brings significant advantages that contribute to a more prosperous and enjoyable farming experience. Carefully consider your resources and priorities when deciding when to upgrade, and enjoy the benefits of a well-managed coop system!
For more information on educational games and their impact, consider exploring resources provided by organizations such as the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).