Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Pam

Though Stardew Valley’s NPCs might seem one-dimensional at first glance, many have a much deeper story beneath the surface. One such character is Pam, who spends most nights drinking away her troubles at the Stardrop Saloon.

Though she has hardships in her life, a friend can be good for Pam — and have a few benefits for the player as well. Building friendships with others is a key part of Stardew Valley, and even though Pam can be gruff, taking the time to get her to warm up can be worth it. Here’s how to win her over.

Updated December 19, 2024, by Demaris Oxman: Now that Stardew Valley’s 1.6 update is available for players on every platform, many are exploring what this version has to offer for the first time. As farmers get settled in Pelican Town, they’ll meet plenty of villagers worth befriending, and one such person is Pam. For those who want to get to know the regular at Gus’ saloon (and later, the bus driver to Calico Desert), here are a few tips and tricks.

Best Gifts To Give Pam

Loved Gifts

By treating Pam to a drink or one of her favorite meals, players can increase their friendship with her by 80 points. Note that any gift given to Pam on her birthday, Spring 18, will count for 8x the usual point value.

Liked Gifts

Though not as great of an increase, Liked gifts will increase the player’s friendship with Pam by 45 points. The following are all good choices, if the player doesn’t have Pam’s Loved gifts on hand.

• Daffodil
• All fruit ; e.g. Blueberry, Grape, Apricot
• All artisan goods, except for Oil and Void Mayonnaise
• All gemstones
• All flowers, except for Poppy

Disliked & Hated Gifts

If the player gives Pam a gift that she dislikes or hates, her friendship with the player will decrease. Hated gifts lead to a greater drop in points than disliked ones, but none of the below are good choices when the player is trying to gain favor with Pam.

• Quartz
• Eggs
• Holly
• Octopus and Squid
• Universal Dislikes and Hates: all trash (except for Joja Cola, which is neutral for Pam), artifacts, seeds, crafting materials, geodes, etc.

Movie Theater

Once the player has unlocked the Movie Theater by completing the Missing Bundle, they can invite Pam to the movies by gifting her a movie ticket. Pam likes every movie the theater shows, so players can’t go wrong when choosing what to see. Pam’s favorite concessions are Nachos and Stardrop Sorbet. She likes most other concessions, but dislikes the following items:

• Apple Slices
• Black Licorice
• Cappuccino Mousse Cake
• Hummus Snack Pack
• Jasmine Tea
• Kale Smoothie
• Panzanella Salad

Quests

Like most of Pelican Town’s villagers, Pam will occasionally request the player’s help with one thing or another. Accepting her errands will lead to an increase in friendship.

• Pam Is Thirsty: On the 14th of Summer, Pam will send the player a letter requesting a Pale Ale. If they bring it to her, they will receive 350g and one friendship heart.
• Pam Needs Juice: In another letter, this time on Fall 19 in Year 2, Pam requests a battery for her TV remote. Once again, players will receive one friendship heart, as well as 400g.

Friendship Benefits & Perks

As with most villagers, Pam will occasionally send the player a gift in the mail. The higher their friendship level, the more likely she is to send an item. Her gifts include Beer, which is not very useful, but also Battery Pack and Energy Tonic, which can be incredibly beneficial.

Recipes

Once the player reaches certain friendship thresholds, Pam will send them recipes in the mail.

• At three hearts, Pam will send her recipe for Cheese Cauliflower. Using the two title ingredients, players can use the dish to restore 138 Energy and 62 Health.
• At seven hearts, players will receive Pam’s recipe for Stuffing. With bread, cranberries, and a hazelnut, players can cook up this dish that will restore 170 Energy and 76 Health. It also buffs the player’s Defense by +2.