Waypoint · Home Ground
Stardew Valley: a first evening on the farm
One hour, which is about four in-game days. Plant parsnips, meet three people, catch a fish. That is a real start.
Pick the Standard farm
The other layouts are lovely but ask for a plan. Standard is the most forgiving first year.
Plant all fifteen parsnips on day one
Clear a small patch by the house, hoe, plant, water. They take four days and pay for the next batch.
Walk into town and say hello
Talk to Pierre in the shop, Lewis the mayor and whoever is on the bridge. Every conversation counts towards friendship.
Get the fishing rod on day two
Willy at the beach gives it to you. Fishing is worth more than farming in the first week and it is very calm.
Sleep by midnight
Energy and money both drop if you stay up. The game is not in a hurry and neither should you be.
Check the calendar in Pierre's shop
Birthdays and festivals are listed. The egg festival in spring is the first one worth attending.
Before you go
- The community centre bundles are the long-term map; look at them early and don't stress about them.
- Ship items in the wooden box by the house; money arrives overnight.
- Gifts matter: everyone has favourites and the town's wiki knows them all.
- There is nothing to buy inside the game, ever.
Read the full Stardew Valley chart entry for the bearings, the toll and who it suits.