Summary
AStardew Valleyfan created a comprehensive guide of the game’s essentials so his mom could learn to play. After his mom posted the printed guide to Reddit, theStardew Valleycommunity wanted their own copies to help prevent mistakes and remember helpful tips while playing the game. With a game so packed with content, many players said they still forget things from the guide even after playing for hundreds of hours.
Stardew Valleyis popular for its sweet and casual style, but behind the approachable gameplay lies hundreds of hours' worth of collectibles, quests, and lore. With so much to explore and accomplish, players often must rely on the game’s wiki to keep track of what they’ve collected, the schedules of their favorite characters, and more. When aiming forperfection inStardew Valley,players must collect hundreds of in-game items, craft and cook every recipe, complete quests, reach full friendship with every character, and much more. These tasks are a lot to keep track of, especially for inexperienced players.
Lucky for this aspiring gamer mom, her 17-year-old son created a guide to the ins and outs ofStardew Valley, complete with a suggested daily schedule, trackers for collectibles, crop information, and much more. The 14-page guide includes tips for making money, traversing theSkull Caverns inStardew Valley, and even a page for personal notes and checklists. His mom sharedthe link to the guide, complete with the son’s disclaimer: “… it’s no masterpiece… You may want to add that nothing is mandatory, but I just made it for people who are bad at making decisions themselves.”
Despite his own critiques, manyStardewfans did find the guide to be a masterpiece that could help new and experienced players alike. The guide is especially handy for players who arestartingStardew Valleyfor the first time, and may not know about the wiki, or perhaps don’t want too many spoilers. With so much to do in the game, sometimes even wiki searches can become overwhelming as players attempt to remember and discover everythingStardew Valleyhas to offer. Even simple touches like the notes page, formatted in empty dialogue boxes from the game itself, can make navigating a player’s goals much easier.
While many praised the guide for its helpfulness, several players noted what a sweet gesture the guide was for his mother. For some parents, it can be difficult to bridge technological gaps to play games and bond with their kids. Especially withgames as content-rich asStardew Valley,learning to play and navigate every facet of a game can be an intimidating task that prevents some parents and beginners from ever trying. But for many children in the gaming world, no quality time could be better than sharing their love of games with their family.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
