This guide delves into the mechanics of friendship in Stardew Valley, detailing how to maximize your relationships with the villagers. Building strong bonds is crucial, whether you aim for friendship or romance.
The Heart System
The in-game heart gauge (accessed via the menu) displays your friendship level with each NPC. Each heart represents 250 friendship points. Reaching heart milestones unlocks special events, mail, and dialogue options.
Friendship Point Acquisition
Gaining 250 friendship points earns one heart. Various interactions contribute:
Daily Interactions:
- Talking: +20 (or +10 if they're busy). Failing to talk results in a friendship decrease (-2, -10 with a bouquet, -20 for spouse).
- Bulletin Board Deliveries: +150 with the recipient.
Gifting:
Gift preferences vary:
- Loved: +80
- Liked: +45
- Neutral: +20
- Disliked: -20
- Hated: -40
Birthday and Feast of the Winter Star gifts multiply these values (x8 and x5 respectively).
Stardrop Tea:
This universally loved gift grants +250 points (+750 on birthdays/Winter Star). It can be obtained through the Prize Machine, Golden Fishing Chests, the Helper's Bundle, or from the raccoon.
Movie Theater:
Inviting an NPC to the movies (using a Movie Ticket) yields varying points based on movie and concession choices.
Conversations:
Dialogue choices significantly impact friendship, with positive responses granting +10 to +50 points, while negative ones decrease it. Heart Events offer similar opportunities for substantial gains or losses.
Festivals and Events
- Flower Dance: Dancing (+250 points) requires at least four hearts.
- Luau: Soup contributions affect friendship levels.
- Community Center (Bulletin Board Bundles): Completing all bundles grants +500 points with each non-dateable villager.
Friendship 101 Book
This book (obtained from the Prize Machine or the Bookseller) permanently boosts friendship gains by 10%.
The information provided is current as of January 4th, 2025, reflecting the 1.6 update. Remember that careful gift selection and positive interactions are key to building strong relationships in Pelican Town.
