Hello, friends! In this guide, we’ll discuss common mistakes that beginners tend to make in the early stages of Stardew Valley and how to avoid them.
1. Buying the Iridium Rod
As we know, fishing is a great way to make money in the early game. After buying the Fiberglass Rod and fishing for a few days, you might be tempted to buy the Iridium Rod when Willy offers it to you. However, it’s not recommended for beginners, as the only advantage it offers over the Fiberglass Rod is the ability to use bait and tackle. It doesn’t cast further, catch fish faster, or increase the chance of finding treasure chests. Stick with the Fiberglass Rod when money is tight.
2. Upgrading to the 36-slot Backpack
Inventory management can be frustrating in the early game, as cutting grass and chopping trees quickly fill up your limited space. The first thing new players should do is build chests to store items. After upgrading to the 24-slot backpack at Pierre’s shop for 2,000 gold, you might be tempted to upgrade to the 36-slot version for 10,000 gold, but it’s not necessary. The 24-slot backpack is sufficient for most situations, and better inventory management, such as storing unused items and tools in chests, is key.
3. Building a Coop
Stardew Valley’s tutorial for new players could be better. After planting the Parsnips, the game gives you a quest to build a coop. However, this can be a financial trap for beginners, as coops offer low returns and can tie you down to raising chickens. It’s better to wait until late summer when you have more money before considering raising chickens.
4. Prioritizing Tool Upgrades
Upgrading tools can greatly improve your efficiency in the game. Some players may focus on upgrading tools, such as the watering can and hoe, to copper and then iron. However, this can cause you to miss out on other important aspects of the game. The main focus should be on the Community Center bundles, which are the true heart of Stardew Valley.
5. Upgrading Your House
Who doesn’t want a bigger house? When you find out that you can upgrade your house in the game, you might be tempted to save money and wood to do so. However, upgrading your house doesn’t significantly impact your gameplay progress. The first house upgrade adds a kitchen, but you likely won’t have many recipes to cook. While some dishes have special effects, most don’t offer much value. The second house upgrade adds a nursery, which is mainly useful for getting married and having children.
To summarize, avoid these five common mistakes when starting your Stardew Valley journey. Focus on developing your money-making abilities first. As you progress and earn more money, you can slowly explore other aspects of the game for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.