Kent is unique among Stardew Valley's villagers in that players cannot meet him until the start of their second in-game year. As his wife Jodi and their sons Sam and Vincent will explain, he's been away fighting in the war. But even though he's finally home, it's hard for Kent to readjust.
Though Stardew Valley is a lighthearted game, it doesn't shy away from serious issues. Kent's time in the war has left him with PTSD, and he needs people by his side. Here's how players can show the war-torn soldier some kindness, and build the friendship that can help keep him going.
Gift Guide
Kent might be a little distant at first, but gifts are a great way to get him to open up. Show some generosity to welcome him home to Pelican Town, but keep his likes and dislikes in mind! Be sure to remember his birthday, Spring 4, as any gift given on this day will provide 8x the usual friendship points.
Loved Gifts
When presented to Kent, the following items increase his friendship with the player by 80 points. Cook him a favorite dish, or offer a precious treasure to really get on his good side.
- Cooked dishes: Fiddlehead Risotto, Roasted Hazelnuts
- All universal loves
Liked Gifts
Since Kent's list of loves is shorter than most, the following items make good choices too. These will increase friendship by 45 points each.
- Cooked dishes except those mentioned below
- All fruit
- Artisan goods such as wine, cheese, and honey
- Daffodil
Disliked & Hated Gifts
It's never a good idea to give villagers gifts that they dislike or hate — this will lead to a decrease in friendship. While Hated gifts subtract more friendship points than Disliked ones, it's best to avoid the items below altogether when finding a gift for Kent.
- Piña Colada
- Quartz
- Snow Yam
- Holly
- Cooked dishes: Algae Soup, Sashimi, Tortilla
- All artifacts, building materials, trash, and fish
Interactions & Effects On Friendship
Heart Event
Once the player reaches three hearts with Kent, enter his home while he and Jodi are both there. Jodi greets the player while making some popcorn, when Kent screams and comes rushing into the room, angrily telling Jodi that the popping sounds gave him flashbacks of the war. The player has three dialogue choices:
- Blame Jodi, saying she should have known better.
- Understand that Kent is hurting, but remind him not to blame Jodi.
- Lie, saying that they asked for popcorn.
Choosing the second response will calm Kent down, slightly increasing friendship with the player, and he will apologize to Jodi. If the player chooses either of the other responses, he will become angry with them, and friendship will decrease.
Quests
- Help Wanted: Like any of the villagers, Kent may post a notice on the board outside Pierre's store requesting a random item. Delivering it to him will reward the player with 150 friendship points.
- A Soldier's Star: On the 15th of Summer in Year 2, Kent sends a letter to the player asking to purchase a Starfruit as an anniversary gift for Jodi. Upon delivering the Starfruit to Kent, he will pay 500g and friendship will increase by 1 heart.
Friendship Perks
Once Kent and the player grow closer, he'll eventually start sending items and sharing recipes with his friend and neighbor. Generosity is a two-way street in Stardew Valley!
Gifts
Once the player has gained any number of friendship points with Kent, he may send them items in the mail. The higher the friendship value, the greater chance of Kent sending a gift.
- Cherry Bomb
- Bomb
- Mega Bomb
- Battery Pack
Recipes
When Kent's relationship with the player reaches certain thresholds, he will share a few of his kitchen secrets.
- Three Hearts: Crispy Bass, which restores 90 energy and 40 health.
- Seven Hearts: Super Meal, which restores 160 energy and 72 health. This dish also provides +40 Max Energy and increases Speed by 1.