Who is the Best Spouse in Stardew Valley Ranked?
The “best” spouse in Stardew Valley is subjective and depends entirely on your play style and priorities. However, considering factors like helpfulness on the farm, gift-giving habits, personality, and ease of romance, a balanced ranking emerges. While Abigail consistently tops popularity polls, her in-game benefits are arguably less impactful than some other spouses. Therefore, a reasonable ranking, considering all factors, would be:
- Maru: For players who value practical assistance, Maru excels. She frequently gifts useful crafting materials like Batteries, Hardwood, and Refined Quartz, essential for advanced farming and technology. Her offered dishes, like Crab Cakes and Fried Mushroom, are a great help when delving in the mines.
- Harvey: Harvey is the town doctor, and his care for your farmer extends into married life. He is prone to giving you health-boosting items. The best part, though, is his constant reassurance about your character’s health and well-being, which is a lovely touch.
- Leah: Leah is often considered one of the easiest to romance and provides a steady supply of foraged goods, especially mushrooms for those who chose the Fruit Bat Cave. Her artistic nature also brings a unique flair to the farmhouse.
- Abigail: While a popular choice due to her quirky personality, Abigail’s gifts are less consistently useful, often consisting of Bombs and Quartz. Her love for the mines is appealing, though.
- Emily: Emily is a kind and creative spouse known for her unique fashion sense and love of gems. She occasionally gifts Wool and Cloth, valuable for animal husbandry and crafting.
- Sebastian: A brooding programmer, Sebastian offers a satisfying romance arc. He occasionally gifts Coffee (speed boost!) and his room is great if you want a “gamer” vibe in your house.
- Elliott: A romantic writer, Elliott provides a tranquil presence on the farm. He occasionally gifts Crab Cakes and other fishing-related items.
- Penny: A sweet and bookish villager, Penny focuses on improving the community and her family. She occasionally gifts home-cooked meals.
- Sam: A cheerful musician, Sam brings energy to the farm. While his gifts can be less impactful, his upbeat personality is a welcome addition.
- Alex: A jock with a hidden soft side, Alex provides a heartwarming character arc. Although he doesn’t provide the most useful of gifts, many players enjoy his presence in their home.
Ultimately, the “best” spouse is the one that resonates most with you on a personal level. Do you value in-game benefits or a compelling story? It all depends on you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stardew Valley Spouses
Is it better to marry for benefits or personality in Stardew Valley?
The choice is entirely yours. Marrying for benefits, like Maru’s crafting materials, can provide a slight gameplay advantage. However, many players prioritize personality and choose a spouse whose storyline and interactions they enjoy. There’s no “wrong” way to play Stardew Valley.
Does it matter who you marry in Stardew Valley?
Yes and no. No spouse gives you anything game-breakingly powerful. The gifts they provide are generally obtainable through other means. However, each spouse offers a unique storyline, dialogue, and room in your farmhouse, changing the atmosphere of your home. The best choice for you will depend on your priorities as a player.
Who is the easiest spouse to romance in Stardew Valley?
Leah is often considered one of the easiest to romance. She loves foraged items, making it simple to give her gifts regularly, even early in the game.
Who is the hardest spouse to romance in Stardew Valley?
Haley is often considered the most difficult to romance initially due to her snobbish personality and dislike of common gifts. Winning her over requires specific gifts and perseverance.
Do spouses get jealous in Stardew Valley?
Yes, spouses can get jealous. If you give a gift to a dating candidate of the same gender as your spouse, your spouse will express their displeasure. This only applies to dating candidates, not regular villagers.
What are the benefits of marrying in Stardew Valley?
Marrying a villager allows them to move into your farmhouse. They will help with chores around the farm, like watering crops, feeding animals, and repairing fences. Spouses also give gifts and have unique heart events, expanding their storyline.
Can you divorce your spouse in Stardew Valley?
Yes, you can divorce your spouse at the Mayor’s Manor for 50,000g. After divorcing, you can erase their memory at the Witch’s Hut, preventing them from remembering your marriage.
Can you have children in Stardew Valley?
Yes, after marrying and reaching a high level of friendship with your spouse, they may ask if you want to have a child. You can have up to two children naturally or adopt children if you’re in a same-sex relationship.
Do children grow up in Stardew Valley?
No, children in Stardew Valley never grow past the Toddler stage (Stage 4).
Can you marry Krobus in Stardew Valley?
No, you cannot marry Krobus. However, he can become your roommate. Once he moves in, he acts somewhat like a spouse, offering companionship and sometimes helping around the farm.
What gifts do spouses like to receive in Stardew Valley?
Each spouse has unique loved gifts. General loved gifts include Prismatic Shards and Golden Pumpkins. Consulting the Stardew Valley Wiki or a gift guide is helpful for finding each villager’s preferences. Giving loved gifts significantly increases friendship levels.
Can you date multiple people at once in Stardew Valley?
Yes, you can date multiple villagers simultaneously by giving them bouquets. However, doing so can lead to the “group heart event,” where your dating partners confront you. You will have to choose one person to date exclusively.
Is Abigail the Wizard’s daughter in Stardew Valley?
Yes, it is heavily implied (and practically confirmed) that Abigail is the Wizard’s daughter. This adds a layer of intrigue to her character and storyline.
What happens if you give Abigail quartz in Stardew Valley?
Abigail likes Quartz, so giving it to her will increase your friendship level. Her response will be a humorous “Hey, how’d you know I was hungry? This looks delicious!”
What are heart events in Stardew Valley?
Heart events are special cutscenes that trigger when you reach certain friendship levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hearts) with a villager. These events reveal more about their personality and backstory, deepening your relationship. For more information on the role-playing that occurs within the game, check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
This information should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the best spouses in Stardew Valley, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your own gameplay preferences. Good luck choosing your perfect partner!