Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley

TL;DR: Milestones

Hit key Stardew Valley objectives in your first year. This guide outlines critical milestones like farm cleanup and initial crop planting for a prosperous star.

·Multi-source verified (126/126)

TL;DR: Milestones

This section outlines key objectives to aim for as you progress through your first year in Stardew Valley. Hitting these milestones will set you up for a prosperous farm and a strong start to your Pelican Town life.

Spring Year 1

  • Week 1: Farm Cleanup & Initial Crops
    • Clear a significant portion of your farm of weeds, stones, and logs. Focus on creating a 5x5 or 6x6 plot for initial crops.
    • Plant the 15 Parsnip Seeds you receive from Mayor Lewis. Water them daily.
    • Forage for Spring Onions in the Cindersap Forest and other wild edibles around town to sell for early income or consume for energy.
    • Fish at the river or ocean. Selling fish is a great early money-maker. Aim for at least Fishing Level 1.
    • Save at least 2000g to purchase additional crop seeds from Pierre's General Store. Consider planting more Parsnips or Potatoes for quick returns.
  • Week 2-3: Tool Upgrades & Mine Exploration
    • Upgrade your Watering Can to Copper at Clint's Blacksmith. This is crucial for expanding your crop fields efficiently. You'll need 5 Copper Bars (25 Copper Ore + 5 Coal) and 2000g.
    • Begin exploring the Mines. Your goal is to reach at least Floor 5-10 to start gathering Copper Ore and Coal.
    • Craft a Chest to store excess items and keep your inventory clear.
    • Start building relationships by talking to villagers daily.
  • End of Spring: Major Crop Harvest & Community Center Introduction
    • Harvest a large crop of Strawberries (if purchased at the Egg Festival on Spring 13th) or Potatoes/Cauliflower. This will be your primary income for the season.
    • Receive the letter from the Wizard introducing the Community Center. Visit it to unlock the bundles.
    • Start collecting items for the Spring Foraging Bundle (Wild Horseradish, Daffodil, Leek, Dandelion) and other early bundles you can complete.

Summer Year 1

  • Early Summer: Quality Sprinklers & Silo
    • Aim to craft at least one or two Quality Sprinklers (requires Farming Level 6, 1 Iron Bar, 1 Gold Bar, 1 Refined Quartz). These automate watering for an 8-tile radius.
    • Build a Silo on your farm (requires 100 Stone, 10 Clay, 5 Copper Bars, 100g) from Robin's Carpenter's Shop. This is essential for storing Hay for future animals.
    • Plant high-profit Summer crops like Blueberries or Melons. Blueberries are especially good due to multiple harvests.
  • Mid-Summer: Animal Acquisition & Further Mine Progress
    • Build a Coop (300 Wood, 100 Stone, 4000g) and purchase a few Chickens from Marnie's Ranch. Start collecting Eggs.
    • Continue progressing in the Mines, aiming for the lower levels to find Iron and Gold Ore.
    • Upgrade your Pickaxe to Copper or Iron to break larger rocks and clear more mine levels efficiently.
  • End of Summer: Kitchen Unlock & Fishing Rod Upgrade
    • Upgrade your Farmhouse to include a Kitchen (10,000g, 450 Wood) from Robin. This unlocks cooking, which is vital for energy and gifts.
    • Purchase a Fiberglass Rod (1800g) from Willy's Fish Shop. This allows you to use bait, making fishing easier and more profitable.
    • Focus on completing more Community Center bundles, especially those that unlock useful rewards like the Bridge Repair or Greenhouse.

Fall Year 1

  • Early Fall: Preserve Jars/Kegs & Stable
    • Craft several Preserve Jars (Farming Level 4, 40 Wood, 8 Coal, 1 Copper Bar) or Kegs (Farming Level 8, 30 Wood, 1 Iron Bar, 1 Copper Bar, 1 Oak Resin) to process your produce into more valuable artisan goods.
    • Build a Stable (10000g, 100 Hardwood, 5 Iron Bars) from Robin to get a Horse. This significantly speeds up travel around the valley.
    • Plant high-profit Fall crops like Cranberries or Pumpkins.
  • Mid-Fall: Deeper Mine Exploration & Animal Expansion
    • Reach the bottom of the Mines (Floor 120). This unlocks the Skull Cavern.
    • Build a Barn (350 Wood, 150 Stone, 6000g) and purchase a Cow or Goat from Marnie's Ranch. Start collecting Milk.
    • Consider upgrading your Axe to Steel or Gold to clear Hardwood stumps and logs more easily.
  • End of Fall: Greenhouse & Winter Preparations
    • Strive to complete the Pantry Bundle at the Community Center to unlock the Greenhouse. This allows you to grow any crop year-round.
    • Stockpile Hay for your animals for the upcoming Winter.
    • Start saving money for Winter seeds or fishing supplies, as farming will be limited.
    • Craft or purchase a Heater for your animal buildings to keep animals happy during Winter.