Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide

New to Stardew Valley? What to do in your first days, how to make money, and the tips that make your first spring on the farm much smoother.

Updated 3 November 2026Checked for patch 1.62 sources
Image: ConcernedApe / YouTube

Stardew Valley is a cosy farming and life game: you inherit your grandfather's old farm, grow crops, raise animals, fish, explore the mines and become part of the community of Pelican Town. There's no wrong way to play – but a good start makes the first season much more fun.

Your first days

Plant ParsnipsPlant the 15 Parsnip Seeds you start with – they're ready in four days.
Meet everyoneIntroduce yourself to the villagers to start your first quest – and make friends.
Buy more seedsSpend your first earnings at Pierre's on more spring crops.
Get a fishing rodWilly gives you a rod after he writes to you – fishing is great early money.

Bigger goals

Community CenterComplete bundles of items to restore it and unlock the Greenhouse, the bus and more.
The MinesOres, gems and monsters – the mines open after the first few days.
Make friends and marryGifts and conversations raise friendship. Twelve villagers can be married.
Ginger IslandLater in the game, repair Willy's boat to reach a tropical island.
FestivalsDon't miss the town festivals – they unlock items you can't get elsewhere.
MasteryVersion 1.6 added Mastery – extra skill rewards after you max out your skills.

Tips for new farmers

Go to bed by 2 a.m.If you're still awake at 2 a.m. you pass out and lose some money.
Watch your energyTools drain energy. Eat food or go to bed early when it runs low.
Craft sprinklersThey water crops for you – your farm can grow much bigger once you have them.
Forage everythingWild plants are free money and useful for bundles.
No rushThere's no deadline that matters – play at your own pace.

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Reference page written by AI (Claude) and checked against the sources above. Games change with every patch – the patch this page was last checked for is shown at the top.