Stardew Valley is known as one of the best "cozy" games around, and for good reason. The game allows players a great deal of freedom when it comes to setting up a farm, which offers satisfying, low-stakes gameplay, but there is also a surprising amount of content to enjoy outside the core farming loop. Stardew Valley has influenced many games, not only through its easy-to-grasp gameplay loop, but also through its exploration options, life-sim elements, and romance options. As much as Stardew Valley has influenced a number of games, it has also been influenced by classic games like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon.
Taking a page out of Harvest Moon's playbook, Stardew Valley even allows players to marry certain NPCs, though Stardew Valley arguably takes this system further; players can even optimize their Stardew Valley farms by incorporating a spouse, as they will contribute through daily chores and gifts for the player. One other way that romance in Stardew Valley stands apart is through its inclusive nature, as every NPC can be romanced and married, regardless of gender. This gives players more freedom and allows them to experience the romantic plotlines and benefits of every eligible character. With all that said, there are certainly some NPCs who are better choices than others.
S-Tier
Haley - Stardew Valley newcomers may be quite put off by Haley, as she is easily the most standoffish and outright rude characters in the game. She will regularly dismiss the player character when they attempt to befriend her and seems generally image-obsessed and shallow. However, a bit of digging will reveal that she is actually one of the most complex characters in the game, with a deep love of photography and a desire to do good. Her strong, altruistic traits are brought out by the player, which makes her romance plot one of the most rewarding. Haley is a favorite of many Stardew Valley fans for this reason.
Abigail - Alternative, quirky Abigail regularly tops lists of the best Stardew Valley characters thanks to her charming personality, unique style, and unapologetic attitude. Her Goth aesthetic stands out against the rural backdrop of Pelican Town, and she is one of the most memorable NPCs in the game, generally speaking. On top of this, she offers the players rare monster drops as gifts, so her post-marriage utility is arguably one of the best. She also loves gaming, making her a natural fit for many Stardew Valley players.
A-Tier
Emily - Cheerful and bubbly Emily is one of the most popular Stardew Valley romance options. Her romance plot is another lighthearted one, although it lacks some of the originality of Maru's despite high points like the dream-linking scene. However, she is a generally likable NPC with realistic gift standards and a steady post at the saloon, making her one of the easiest Stardew Valley characters to romance. She also provides the player with some of the best post-marriage gifts, so she can be a great boon for players looking to get the most out of their farm.
B-Tier
Maru - Maru is definitely among the more interesting romance options in the game. She is a tech and science prodigy, using her considerable engineering skills to craft unique inventions, one of which being a sentient robot that factors into one of her relationship scenes with the player. Her low-stakes, lighthearted romance plot is also a nice change of pace compared to the darker, more serious stories of some of the other NPCs. She also offers some of the best post-marriage gifts. Stardew Valley players who love mystery and intrigue may not be too drawn to Maru, however, as her storyline is a bit shallow. Many of her favorite gifts are also rare or expensive, which makes her somewhat difficult to court. Still, she offers a unique story and powerful in-game benefits.
C-Tier
Penny -Stardew Valley is full of surprises, as it is packed with engaging in-game events, deep gameplay systems, and complex exploration options. Building relationships with NPCs can serve as welcome downtime in comparison to the rest of the game, and Penny is a solid option for a more grounded, slow-paced experience. A school teacher and tutor, Penny is a warm soul who loves children, learning, and supporting those she loves. Her story does have a bit of a dark side, as players come to learn more about her struggles with her alcoholic mother Pam.
Penny's biggest flaw as a romance option is that she is comparatively bland. Her bookish, pure-hearted persona is certainly endearing and makes her one of the best Stardew Valley characters to befriend, but there isn't much complexity behind her desire to do right by her community and loved ones, and she fills a character archetype that most players will already be all too familiar with.
Leah - Leah has a lot going for her. She is a smart, talented, and kind-hearted individual, and it makes sense that many players would naturally gravitate toward her. Her affinity for foraged goods makes her one of the easier Stardew Valley players to find gifts for, and it's likely that her struggles with her art career will resonate with creative players. Plus, her cabin is conveniently located just south of the player's, so it's not necessary to go out of the way to talk to her or bring her gifts.
Despite all these positive qualities, Leah is somewhat lacking when compared to the other Stardew Valley bachelorettes. The story of her artistic struggles is understandable, but it's also a bit one-note, and some players might find that her ongoing difficulties with her ex make for a bit too much baggage. Her post-marriage gifts aren't too much to write home about, either.
Stardew Valley is available on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One.
