Stardew Valley: How The Friendship Point System Works

This Stardew Valley guide explains how to maximize friendship with villagers. Building relationships is crucial for integrating into Pelican Town, whether aiming for friendship or romance. While conversation and gifting are key, not all interactions are equal.

The Heart System:

The in-game heart meter (accessed via the menu) shows friendship levels with each NPC. Each heart represents 250 friendship points. Positive actions increase points, while negative actions decrease them.

Boosting Friendship Gain:

The "Friendship 101" book (obtained from the Prize Machine or the Bookseller in Year 3) provides a permanent 10% boost to friendship gains.

Interaction Point Values:

• Talking: +20 points (or +10 if the NPC is busy). Not talking results in a -2 point penalty daily (-10 with a bouquet given, -20 for spouse).
• Bulletin Board Deliveries: +150 points with the recipient.
• Gifts:
  • Loved: +80 points
  • Liked: +45 points
  • Neutral: +20 points
  • Disliked: -20 points
  • Hated: -40 points
  • Winter Star Festival: 5x points
  • Birthdays: 8x points

Special Gifts & Interactions:

• Stardrop Tea: +250 points (one heart), tripled on birthdays and the Winter Star Festival. Obtainable from the Prize Machine, Golden Fishing Chests, the Helper's Bundle, or from Raccoons.
• Movie Theater: Inviting an NPC to the movies with a movie ticket grants points based on their preferences for the film and concessions. Loved Movie: +200; Liked Movie: +100; Loved Concession: +50; Liked Concession: +25.
• Conversations: Dialogue choices can yield +10 to +50 points (or cause decreases). Heart Events can significantly impact friendship (+/- 200 points).

Festivals & Events:

• Flower Dance: Dancing with an NPC (4 hearts or more) grants +250 points (one heart).
• Luau: Contributing to the community soup yields varying points based on the soup's quality.
• Community Center (Bulletin Board Bundles): Completing all Bulletin Board bundles grants +500 points (two hearts) with each non-dateable villager.

The updated 1.6 version maintains this system, adding no fundamental changes but potentially influencing gift availability through new items. Strategic gift-giving, thoughtful conversations, and participation in festivals are key to forming strong bonds in Stardew Valley. Remember to consult individual villager preferences for optimal results.

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