What is the Favorite Thing in Stardew Valley? A Comprehensive Guide
The “Favorite Thing” in Stardew Valley is a seemingly minor but surprisingly personalized element of the game. At the start of your farming adventure, you’re prompted to enter your favorite thing into a text box. While it might seem like a throwaway detail, this choice actually has a small but significant impact on your gameplay experience. Specifically, your chosen favorite thing triggers a unique message when you consume a Stardrop, a rare item that permanently increases your energy. Additionally, the text you input can unlock secret messages, adding another layer of intrigue for players who like to experiment. Beyond these hidden messages, the Favorite Thing doesn’t affect the core gameplay mechanics, so ultimately it’s an opportunity to personalize your character’s journey.
Unpacking the “Favorite Thing”
The Stardrop Message
When you first acquire and consume a Stardrop, you’ll see a message that incorporates your chosen favorite thing. It’s a delightful little touch that acknowledges your personal preference. The message isn’t pivotal, but it contributes to the overall cozy and charming atmosphere of Stardew Valley. For example, if your favorite thing is “Chocolate,” the message might say something like, “You feel a burst of energy! Your love for Chocolate fills you with warmth.”
Secret Messages
The truly exciting aspect of the Favorite Thing is the presence of secret messages. By entering specific keywords, you can unlock unexpected and often humorous text upon consuming a Stardrop. These messages are often references to popular culture, memes, or inside jokes. Experimenting with different words and phrases is part of the fun, rewarding curious players with these Easter eggs. It encourages players to engage with a seemingly simple feature in a much more imaginative way. These secret messages are a great example of the developer’s attention to detail and desire to engage with the player community.
Beyond the Messages
Apart from these fun interactions with Stardrops, the Favorite Thing doesn’t have any other impact on gameplay. There are no stat bonuses or special abilities tied to your choice. This allows players to freely choose something that genuinely resonates with them, be it a personal inside joke, a favorite food, or even just a silly word. This freedom from gameplay mechanics means that the Favorite Thing is purely about adding a layer of personalized flavor to your Stardew Valley experience.
Changing Your Favorite Thing
If you initially chose something you’re not happy with, don’t worry! You’re not stuck with it for the entirety of your playthrough. Once you’ve achieved four hearts with the Wizard, he’ll allow you access to his basement. Inside, you’ll find a shrine that provides the ability to change your character’s appearance, name, and, most importantly, your Favorite Thing. This provides a way to update this personal touch and ensures that players aren’t stuck with an initial choice they might regret.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Does the Favorite Thing affect my character’s abilities?
No, the Favorite Thing does not influence your character’s stats, skills, or abilities. Its only function is to generate a message when you eat a Stardrop and potentially trigger a secret message. It’s a purely cosmetic and personalized feature.
2. Can I change my Favorite Thing more than once?
Yes, you can change your Favorite Thing as many times as you want by revisiting the shrine in the Wizard’s basement, as long as you’ve gained four hearts with him. There is no limit on how often you can do this.
3. Are there any official lists of secret messages?
While there are no official lists directly from the developers, the Stardew Valley community has compiled extensive lists of known secret phrases. Exploring these lists can be fun if you enjoy uncovering the hidden Easter eggs. However, it can also take some fun out of the discovery.
4. Can my Favorite Thing be multiple words?
Yes, your Favorite Thing can be multiple words. However, there might be a character limit, so keep it relatively concise. It’s best to experiment to see what phrases work best.
5. What are some examples of common Favorite Things?
Many players choose personal favorites like “coffee,” “chocolate,” or “my dog,” while others opt for humorous options like “void chicken” or “pizza”. It is entirely up to personal preference.
6. How do I get a Stardrop?
Stardrops are rare items found throughout the game. You obtain them by achieving specific milestones like completing the bundles at the Community Center, reaching the bottom of the mines, or marrying one of the town’s marriage candidates.
7. Does my pet have a favorite thing in Stardew Valley?
No, pets in Stardew Valley do not have their own Favorite Thing. This is solely a feature for the player character. However, they will love you no matter what your favorite thing is.
8. Does anyone else in the game react to my Favorite Thing?
Aside from the Stardrop messages, NPCs in Stardew Valley do not react to your Favorite Thing. It is a feature solely for the player character.
9. Can my Favorite Thing be a character name in Stardew Valley?
Yes, you can use a character name as your Favorite Thing. The game will simply incorporate it into the message as it would with any other word or phrase.
10. What happens if I put in a number as my Favorite Thing?
Entering a number as your Favorite Thing will result in it being used in the Stardrop message like any other word or phrase, without any special or unique outcomes.
11. Can I use symbols or special characters in my Favorite Thing?
The game does not support all symbols or special characters. Some might be accepted, but it is best to stick to letters and numbers to avoid unexpected issues.
12. Is the Favorite Thing important for completion of the game?
No, the Favorite Thing is purely cosmetic and does not affect your ability to progress or complete any objectives in Stardew Valley. It’s purely a personalized feature.
13. Is there a best Favorite Thing to put in?
No, there is no “best” Favorite Thing. The best choice is something that’s personal and meaningful to you, or something you think will lead to fun secret messages. The game encourages creativity and personal expression.
14. Does the Favorite Thing appear anywhere else besides the Stardrop message?
No, apart from the Stardrop message, the Favorite Thing is not displayed anywhere else within the game. It is a subtle personal touch.
15. If I delete my game and start over, will I have the same Favorite Thing?
No, you will be prompted to choose a new Favorite Thing every time you start a new game. Each new playthrough is a fresh start, and you can choose something new.
Conclusion
The Favorite Thing in Stardew Valley is a deceptively simple feature that adds a layer of personal expression to the game. While it doesn’t impact gameplay mechanics, it provides a fun way to personalize your experience, discover secret messages, and add a touch of charm to your journey. Whether you choose something heartfelt or humorous, it’s a small but significant part of what makes Stardew Valley so special. So, take some time to consider what your true favorite thing is, and let it add a unique flavor to your farming adventure!