Stardew Valley Friendship Guide: Unlocking Secrets

Building strong relationships is key to thriving in the charming world of Stardew Valley. As a newcomer to Pelican Town, forging friendships with your neighbors is essential, whether you're seeking companionship or romance. While chatting and gifting are common methods, understanding the nuances of the friendship system is crucial for maximizing your bonds. This guide delves into the mechanics of friendship, providing tips and strategies to cultivate meaningful relationships with the townsfolk.

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Stardew Valley's 1.6 update has reignited the love for this farming sim, attracting both returning and new players. While the core friendship system remains largely unchanged, this update introduces subtle additions that seasoned and novice players alike should be aware of.

The Heart Scale

Access your relationship status with each NPC by opening the menu and selecting the heart tab. This displays each NPC and their current heart level (friendship level).

Reaching higher heart levels unlocks special Heart Events, mailed recipes, and unique dialogue options. However, the heart scale only tells part of the story; understanding friendship point accumulation is crucial.

What Is One Heart?

Each heart represents 250 friendship points. Almost every interaction—talking, gifting, etc.—influences friendship levels. Positive actions earn points, while ignoring or negatively interacting with an NPC decreases friendship.

Boosting Friendship Gain

To accelerate friendship growth, acquire the "Friendship 101" book. This book, obtainable as the ninth Prize Machine prize in the Mayor's Mansion (or with a 9% chance from the Bookseller in Year 3 for 20,000g), grants a permanent 10% bonus to friendship point gains from positive interactions.

Point Values for Character Interactions

Numerous actions affect friendship points. Here's a breakdown of common interactions:

Everyday Interactions

• Talking: +20 points (or +10 if the NPC is busy). Daily conversation prevents friendship decay.
• Bulletin Board Deliveries: +150 points with the recipient.
• Ignoring an NPC: -2 points per day (-10 if you've gifted a bouquet, -20 for your spouse).

Giving Gifts

• Loved Gifts: +80 points
• Liked Gifts: +45 points
• Neutral Gifts: +20 points
• Disliked Gifts: -20 points
• Hated Gifts: -40 points

Feast of the Winter Star gifts multiply points by 5x, and birthday gifts by 8x (including negative points for disliked/hated gifts).

Stardrop Tea

This universally loved gift grants +250 points (one heart), tripled on birthdays and the Feast of the Winter Star. It's obtainable from the Prize Machine, Golden Fishing Chests, the Helper's Bundle, or occasionally from the raccoon.

The Movie Theater

Invite an NPC with a movie ticket (1000g). Movie and concession choices affect friendship:

• Loved Movie: +200 points
• Liked Movie: +100 points
• Disliked Movie: 0 points
• Loved Concession: +50 points
• Liked Concession: +25 points
• Disliked Concession: 0 points

Conversations & Dialogue

Conversations offer opportunities to gain (+10 to +50 points) or lose friendship points. Heart Events can significantly impact friendship (+/- 200 points).

Festivals & Events

• Flower Dance (4+ hearts): +250 points (one heart) for dancing.
• Luau: Soup contributions affect friendship (+120 to -100 points).
• Community Center Bulletin Board: Completing all bundles grants +500 points (two hearts) with each non-datable villager.