Stardew Valley’s Bachelors and Bachelorettes Need Happily Ever Afters

There is still more that Stardew Valley can do with its bachelors and bachelorettes that is worth considering. The marriage candidates in Stardew Valley are some of the most prominent characters in the game due to their very nature. They get bigger roles than most inhabitants of Pelican Town, and the player can even choose one of them to marry and live on their farm with them. There’s little doubt that their numbers account for many of the game’s most recognizable and popular characters. However, there is one issue with them that could still be resolved in an update.

The option to get married in Stardew Valley is an excellent one for role-players. Pelican Town has several bachelors and bachelorettes to choose from, consisting of:

• Abigail
• Alex
• Elliott
• Emily
• Haley
• Harvey
• Leah
• Maru
• Penny
• Sam
• Sebastian
• Shane

Getting married will have the player’s chosen spouse move with them to the farm. In addition to giving them new dialogue, they will occasionally give the player gifts, do chores every once in a while, and unlock the ability to have children. In addition, spouses have a special 14-heart event that acts as an epilogue of sorts for their story, adding yet another perk.

Stardew Valley Needs Something For the Other Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Stardew Valley’s 14-Heart Events Are a Major Perk of Marriage

The 14-heart events are even more impactful than Stardew Valley‘s 10-heart events because while the latter solidifies a relationship, 14-heart events frequently give them a satisfying arc. For example, Leah is finally able to make money through her art, and Elliot goes on a book tour after finishing his novel. Granted, this doesn’t hold true for every 14-heart event, since some aren’t quite as connected to the spouse’s overall story. Rather, despite how good they are, they do highlight one issue the game has otherwise.

Stardew Valley’s Unchosen Marriage Options’ Stories Don’t Get Closure

Bachelors and Bachelorettes that the player doesn’t marry just have their stories stopped. The character stories in Stardew Valley are easy to get interested in, and leaving them without a proper conclusion just doesn’t feel right. After the player has chosen their spouse, perhaps maxing out hearts for the other candidates could unlock a new scene that wraps up their personal character arc. That way, the player’s spouse won’t be the only one who can get a definitively happy ending in the game. Considering how likable the cast as a whole is, giving more of their stories closure would be a worthwhile move.

Stardew’s Bachelors and Bachelorettes Could Have Other Options

Another angle that the game could take is the option to pair up the marriage candidates players had not chosen. Stardew Valley‘s Flower Dance has pairings for every marriage candidate that they default to if the player doesn’t choose them for the dance. In addition, there are hints towards certain couples in-game, teasing pairings such as Alex/Haley and Abigail/Sebastian. The option to pair up some of the implied couples could be one that could open after players get married. Of course, these couples are only implied and not specifically canonical. Still, some players may enjoy the idea of playing matchmaker in Pelican Town.

At the moment, getting married is the only real way to get a proper ending for one of Stardew Valley‘s potential spouses. Stardew Valley‘s characters deserve an epilogue that doesn’t leave their personal plotlines only partially finished. Currently, players can only truly see one story at a time through to completion. A reworking of the game’s relationship mechanics could offer more for the bachelors and bachelorettes than simply being the player’s marriage options. Through new heart events, Stardew Valley can ensure that more than one marriage candidate gets a happy ending.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a hit Indie release that spawned a cult following thanks to its similarities to titles like Harvest Moon and The Sims. Players will take control of their own characters as they are dropped into the eponymous Stardew Valley and given an old dilapidated farm. They’ll cultivate new crops and relationships with the NPCs scattered around the area, as well as combat monsters and embark on other quests.

Released

February 26, 2016

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

Publisher(s)

ConcernedApe

Genre(s)

RPG , Simulation

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer , Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

How Long To Beat

53 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

1 GB (November 2023)

Metascore

89

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical or Horizontal

Number of Players

1-4

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

Local Co-Op Support

1-4 Players