I've known about this game for a long time now but I've never tried it until now. I've played quite a few of those life/farm simulations before (mostly on mobile tho) so I know that this kind of game needs attention although it isn't stressful. I think the only thing that held me back from playing it is simulation games are always overwhelming.
Stardew Valley is very popular among cozy gamers for a reason. I think it's the highest-rated indie game on Steam even though it was released in 2016.
Lately I wanted to have a game in the background, something not stressful and no pressure, while I'm doing something else in the computer as well. I've been wanting to play games but I always have that pressure of recording the gameplay. Just a con if you want to create content. :D
Anyway, I finally jumped into the game and see what everyone's loving about.
Upon starting the game, you'll be faced with a character customization. It's just simple - hair, clothes, skin, then the name of the character and your farm. Then comes the story: You're tired of your corporate job and you happened to remember your grandfather's gift before he passed. Apparently it's a farm in a place called Stardew Valley and now you're in an adventure to start a new life.
After a few conversation with the Mayor and the local, you end up like this. No tutorials, no goals, nothing hahaha. Just basic controls on what to press and that's it.
There's just a little quest on talking to people but it's not time limited or anything. I proceeded to do that just to get an idea on the gameplay.
I went to town and started talking to people. I didn't even know how to do it at first cos I didn't catch the control part but thankfully I realized it was just right click lol.
Then I just roamed around to check the map. It's quite big. And so so beautiful. <3 I love the art so much and the map and how they are designed that it makes me motivated to design my own farm as well.
After walking around, cutting some grass and probably trees... I noticed that I have an energy bar and it is about to run out soon! Since the game didn't give any tutorials on anything, it' makes you think. Which I like!
If you're familiar with these games, it's common knowledge that you can replenish energy by sleeping or eating. Well, I didn't wanna sleep yet... so I went to a saloon to get something to eat.
Well... I only had 500 gold and the food costs this much????? I took salad I think just to replenish it temporarily haha.
It's not sustainable so I have to think of ways to earn money.
So I started working!!!
I was given seeds in the beginning to start but I think what I was planting here were mixed seeds I found while cutting grass and trees. It takes a few game days to grow them so I wanted to start early so they can grow while I wait.
Once they're ready to harvest, you can either keep them, sell them, or eat them to replenish your energy. Selling them can give you gold so you can upgrade your stuff though there is no pressure or rush in doing so.
After some time, I was given a fishing rod by one of the town people so we can use it to fish. I really hated fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons which was one of the reasons I only lasted a few hours playing it but in this game it's surprisingly easier or more enjoyable for me.
Fishing costs little energy but high reward so it is a nice way to earn gold in the beginning.
Another way to earn money and gain resources is to mine. It costs a lot of energy to do and there are enemies here as well but the reward is pretty good.
Another cool way to forage for something is to go to the beach. There are stuff there that you can find and can sell for a lot. I love going there for some extra money lol.
Anyway, that's it for now. I just spend my game days foraging, cutting trees, and planting both to earn money and to clean up my area.
I really love the game because there's no rush in anything unlike other games where you're supposed to do the quests in certain orders or you feel like you'll miss out a lot if you don't rush. This game just lets you do what you want and at your own pace. Even if it takes you game years, should be fine.
One thing that I am not a fan of currently is how short the days are. I think 15 minutes in real life is already 1 day in the game which feels too short. But I am also in the beginning stage so maybe it will get better once I know how to manage my time here better or get some stuff to automize things.
I really love it though lol. Ever since I started playing, I've been playing straight for hours. I didn't get bored because there's a lot of things that I can do.
I get now why the ratings on Steam are just so high. I'm excited to grow my farm haha!