Villagers You Should Befriend Early

Summary

• Making friends in Stardew Valley is crucial for access to recipes and valuable items, improving gameplay.
• Showing generosity and giving gifts to NPCs can lead to free items, useful recipes, and increased friendship levels.
• Building relationships with villagers like Shane, Jodi, and Marnie can lead to helpful rewards and new recipes.

One of Stardew Valley‘s core mechanics is building relationships with NPCs. From romantic connections to neighborly bonds, the player can grow close to almost everyone in town and go from being an outsider to a real member of the community. The easiest way to win villagers’ hearts is through generosity. Giving gifts, running errands posted on the bulletin board, and simply talking to people will raise their affection.

Some of Pelican Town’s villagers, once befriended, are just as generous towards the player. Many will send recipes for home-cooked meals, or trinkets the player might appreciate. Here are some of the best friends the villagers can make early on in their playthrough.

Updated January 30, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Early in a Stardew Valley playthrough, it’s important to form bonds with other villagers. Plenty of NPCs are happy to help the player on their journey to revitalize their farm, and these characters in particular provide useful recipes and send handy gifts. There are many ways to make friends with someone in Stardew Valley, from giving gifts to completing quests to spending time together at the movie theater. With the 1.6 update, there have been a few changes to some villagers’ favorite gifts. With that in mind, here’s an updated guide with more gift options, and more villagers to befriend.

14

Shane

Free Food, Freshly Stolen From JojaMart

Shane
might come across as rude and unpleasant at first, but if players get to know him, they’ll realize he’s just unhappy and could use a friend in his life. If the player takes the time to be kind to him, he’ll start to open up. As his friendship with the player grows, he’ll send letters in the mail complete with food items that he “snagged from the back room of JojaMart.” These items may be either Pizza
or Pepper Poppers
. The latter is extremely helpful early in the game, since it provides +2 Farming and +1 Speed. At three hearts, he’ll send the recipe for this handy dish. At seven hearts, he’ll send the recipe for Strange Bun
.

Shane loves to receive Beer
as a gift, but if the player wants to help him get over his drinking problems, his favorite foods will do just as well. If the player dedicates themselves to befriending him early on and gives him a great gift on his birthday, they may even be able to convince Shane to join them in the Year 1 Flower Dance. Shane can usually be found at Marnie’s Ranch, his job at JojaMart, or at the Saloon.

Gifts & Quests

Shane’s favorite gifts to receive include:

• Beer
• Hot Pepper
• Pepper Poppers
• Pizza

Movie Theater Preferences

Shane is a bit more selective about the movies he likes than most other villagers, but there are a few he really enjoys. He’s not picky about concessions, either.

13

Jodi

Free Fertilizer Is Helpful Early On

The mother of Sam and Vincent, Jodi
spends her days cooking, cleaning, and spending time with her best friend Caroline. Though she may not have a huge farm of her own, it’s clear that she, like her friend, is still an avid gardener. This is evident from the letters she sends in the mail, stating that she ordered too much fertilizer and offering the extra to the player. This will be five units of either Basic Fertilizer
, Quality Fertilizer
, or Basic Retaining Soil
. It may not seem like much, but this can be a godsend early on, when players are still just starting to collect resources. At three and seven hearts, she will also share her recipes for Fried Calamari
and Ice Cream
, respectively.

Many of Jodi’s best gifts are cooked dishes, so give her a break from cooking by treating her to one of her favorite homemade meals. She can usually be found in her home, out for a stroll through Pelican Town with Caroline, or attending exercise class at Caroline’s house on Tuesdays.

Gifts & Quests

As with all befriendable villagers, players can give Jodi two gifts per week, plus an extra one on her birthday. Jodi’s Loved gifts include:

On Spring 19 in Year 1, Jodi will send the player a letter requesting a cauliflower for a recipe she’d like to cook. Bringing her one will grant the player 350g and one friendship heart with Jodi.

Movie Theater Preferences

Having no dislikes for any movies at the theater, it seems Jodi is a bit of a movie buff, with a particular love for the classics.

12

Marnie

Get Recipes & Free Animal Feed

The kindly proprietor of Marnie’s Ranch proves a great friend early in the game. New players in Year 1 sometimes struggle to feed their animals, so Marnie’s gifts of free hay are a godsend. Additionally, she sends recipes at three and seven hearts respectively: Pale Broth and Rhubarb Pie.

Players can find Marnie
in her shop (though not always behind the counter, to the chagrin of many). She spends Tuesdays at aerobics with Caroline and the other Pelican Town ladies, and visits the Saloon most evenings.

Gifts & Quests

If players are looking to befriend the rancher, Marnie’s loved gifts include:

On the third of Fall in Year 1, players will receive a letter from Marnie asking for 1 bunch of Amaranth, which triggers the quest “Cow’s Delight.” Completing this quest will boost friendship by one heart.

Movie Theater Preferences

Like Jodi, Marnie seems to enjoy the moviegoing experience in general, as she has no dislikes for movies the theater shows. But it seems she’s especially a fan of holiday movies.

11

Lewis

Get Free Money in the Mail

It pays to be good friends with the mayor of Pelican Town — literally. The higher the player’s friendship with Lewis
, the more likely he is to send them 500g from the Stardew Valley Agricultural Fund. At three and seven hearts, he sends recipes for Spaghetti
and Eggplant Parmesan.

Lewis can usually be found in his Manor, at Pierre’s, or in the Saloon. As tempting as it may be, players who want to gain the Mayor’s favor should avoid playing pranks on him with the Lucky Purple Shorts, since this will decrease their friendship with him.

Gifts & Quests

Lewis’ Loved gifts are all relatively easy to craft, cook, or grow:

Players will also receive two quests that each increase friendship with Lewis by one heart:

• “Mayor’s Shorts”: In a letter received on Summer 3 in Year 1, Lewis asks the player to retrieve his Lucky Purple Shorts from Marnie’s bedroom. The farmer must have at least two hearts of friendship with Marnie to access her room.
• “Mayor’s Need”: Received on Summer 21 in Year 2, this quest asks the player to bring Lewis a bottle of Truffle Oil.

Movie Theater Preferences

Like many other villagers, Lewis doesn’t seem to like movies that fall on the spookier side of things. But he enjoys most movies at the theater, and is pretty easygoing when it comes to concessions.

10

Caroline

Learn to Craft the Tea Bush

Befriending Caroline is the only way to get the Tea Sapling
crafting recipe. This allows them to grow and harvest tea leaves, which they can brew into Green Tea using a keg. This unique drink increases the player’s maximum energy. At three and seven hearts respectively, she also shares recipes for some simple and restorative meals: Parsnip Soup
and Vegetable Medley.

Find Caroline at home in her room or the kitchen, or spending time with Jodi in the gardens or near the fountain.

Gifts & Quests

It’s no surprise that Caroline loves Green Tea, but there are a few other items players can give her to win her friendship. Her Loved gifts include:

Caroline has one quest, “Carving Pumpkins,” in which she sends the player a letter on Fall 19 in Year 1 asking for a pumpkin to carve for the upcoming Spirit’s Eve festival. Bringing her the gourd will increase friendship by one heart.

Movie Theater Preferences

Caroline likes most movies, but it seems she especially enjoys exciting or uplifting films.

9

Robin

Learn to Craft Special Home Decor

Once she and the player become good friends, Robin
will teach the player some carpentry secrets. At six hearts, if the player enters her home while she is there, a cutscene will play in which she teaches the player to craft Flute Blocks and Drum Blocks. She may also send the player 50 pieces of wood in the mail. At seven hearts, she’ll share a recipe for Pumpkin Soup
, which buffs Luck and Defense by +2 each.

Robin’s can be found in her shop most days, or the Stardrop Saloon in the evenings. On Tuesdays, she’ll be at Caroline’s aerobics meet-up.

Gifts & Quests

Robin only has a few Loved gifts, but luckily, none of them are too difficult to come by:

Robin also has two side-quests that raise friendship with the player by one heart each:

• “Robin’s Lost Axe”: Received in the mail on Spring 11 in Year 1, this quest asks the player to find Robin’s axe in Cindersap Forest.
• “Robin’s Request”: Received in the mail on Winter 21 in Year 1. Bring Robin 10 pieces of Hardwood to complete this quest.

Movie Theater Preferences

Robin’s favorite movie is a little surprising — perhaps she has a secret gaming hobby?

8

George

Learn to Cook Lucky Dishes

The recipes that George
sends the player both provide Luck boosts. This buff proves useful in almost every aspect of the game, from fishing to foraging to mining. Like most villagers, he sends these recipes once the player reaches three and seven hearts: Fried Eel
and Spicy Eel
.

Though he might seem like a grumpy old coot, George isn’t actually too hard to befriend. His Loved gifts are easy to obtain, especially Leeks — which, as a spring forage item, are plentiful in the earliest days of a playthrough. Bring gifts or quest items to George’s home, where he’s usually in front of the TV, to remind him that people do care about him.

Gifts & Quests

George only has two Loved gifts (aside from the Universal Loves) but fortunately, they are easy to forage and to cook:

On the 25th of Summer in Year 1, George will send the player a letter, initiating the quest “Knee Therapy.” Bring him a Hot Pepper for his aching joints, and friendship with George will increase by one heart.

Movie Theater Preferences

When it comes to movies, it looks like George is a fan of the classics, but doesn’t really like scary films.

7

Willy

Learn Lots of Recipes to Boost the Fishing Skill

While most NPCs share two cooking recipes at most, Willy
has four that he sends the player at three, five, seven, and nine friendship hearts. Unsurprisingly, all of his “ol’ pappy’s” recipes boost the Fishing skill. This makes them useful for completing the community center fish tank, catching legendary fish, or completing quests that require fishing prowess. They also, as one might expect, all contain fish — Willy knows how to put his catch to good use. The recipes, in the order received, are:

Look for Willy fishing at the docks, behind the counter in his shop, or grabbing a drink at the saloon.

Gifts & Quests

Willy loves rare treasures, a few homegrown items, and some hard-to-catch fish. Judging by the recipes he sends the player, he might like having fresh ingredients — or maybe he’s pleased to have a friend who loves fishing as much as he does. His Loved gifts include:

Willy sends the player two quests by mail, which boost friendship by one heart each:

• “Catch a Squid”: Received on Winter 2 in Year 1, this quest is self-explanatory. Hook one of these sea creatures and bring it to Willy for him to admire. The player will get to keep the fish after Willy examines it.
• “Catch a Lingcod”: Received on Winter 13 in Year 2, the objective here is much the same: catch a Lingcod in the mountain lake.

Movie Theater Preferences

Willy likes every movie that the theater shows — he has no dislikes, but no loved movies either. As long as players pick out a good snack for him, he’ll have a fun moviegoing experience.

6

Clint

Get Restorative Recipes & Free Crafting Materials

In his letters, Clint sends the player a copper, iron, or gold bar. During Year 1, these can prove to be invaluable crafting resources. Clint also sends his recipes for Algae Soup
and Bean Hotpot
at three and seven hearts. The former is a great way to convert a plentiful ingredient into useful energy, while the latter boosts maximum energy and only requires a few green beans to make.

Drop by the blacksmith shop to chat with Clint, or catch him grabbing a drink at the Saloon.

Gifts & Quests

Many of Clint’s favorite gifts can be found in the mines, but he has a few favorite foods as well.

The blacksmith has two quests that raise friendship:

• “Clint’s Attempt”: On Winter 6 in Year 1, Clint asks the player to bring an amethyst to Emily, and tell her it’s from him.
• “A Favor For Clint”: On Winter 17 in Year 1, Clint sends the player a letter asking them to bring him an Iron Bar.

Movie Theater Preferences

Clint likes most movies, but it seems he doesn’t care for stiff older films.

5

Pam

Sends Surprisingly Useful Items

Pam’s letters sometimes just include a mug of beer. However, she may send the player a Battery Pack
, useful in crafting. Even better, she sometimes sends Energy Tonic, which restores 500 energy. She also sends the player recipes for Cheese Cauliflower
and Stuffing
. The latter’s defense buff proves especially useful for fighting monsters.

Players can find Pam in the Saloon, or at the bus stop if it has been repaired.

Gifts & Quests

As players might suspect, Pam loves most alcoholic drinks in Stardew Valley, but she has other Loved gifts as well:

Pam also has two quests, which she will send to the player via letters in the mail:

• “Pam Is Thirsty,” received Summer 14 in Year 1.
• “Pam Needs Juice,” received Fall 19 in Year 2.

Both of these are simple item-fetch quests that raise friendship by 1 heart each. Bring Pam a Battery Pack for the first, and a Pale Ale for the second.

Movie Theater Preferences

Pam is pretty easygoing at the movie theater; she likes all movies that the theater shows. Choose the right concession, and she’ll have a great time.

4

Emily

Easy Recipes & Valuable Gifts

Once befriended, Emily
may send the player Cloth
and Wool
. These are hard to find early in the game, since the player cannot get Sheep until the fully upgrade the Barn. The player can use these items to make new clothes or build a mill. Emily will also give the player her recipes for Salad
and Red Plate
, meals that require few ingredients but restore lots of energy.

Emily is usually at home sewing or shopping at Pierre’s during the day, before she heads to work at the Saloon at 4pm.

Gifts & Quests

Emily’s Loved gifts include:

For her quest “Fresh Fruit,” received on Spring 6 of Year 2, bring Emily an Apricot to increase friendship by 1 heart.

Movie Theater Preferences

Emily likes most movies shown at the theater, but it seems she isn’t a fan of spooky films.

3

The Wizard

Though he doesn’t send any recipes, the items the Wizard
sends in the mail are pretty valuable, including gemstones and purple mushrooms. The latter restores large amounts of health and energy, making them invaluable for mining expeditions. At four hearts, the player can access his basement to change their appearance.

To win over this mysterious figure, try bringing him one of the gifts listed below. He can be found in his tower all day throughout all seasons, so it’s not hard to track him down.

Gifts & Quests

The Wizard’s Loved gifts are hard to come by, and according to him, have powerful arcane properties:

The Wizard has two quests that result in a 1-heart friendship increase:

• “A Dark Reagent”: On Winter 12 in Year 1, the Wizard will send a letter asking the player for one Void Essence.
• “Staff of Power”: On Winter 5 in Year 2, the Wizard announces via mail that he is building a staff, and asks for one Iridium Bar to complete it.

Movie Theater Preferences

It seems the Wizard isn’t a big fan of most movies, but if the player takes him to see one particular film and chooses the right snack, he’ll enjoy the experience.

2

Gus

The Saloon Owner Keeps Players Well-Fed

Once befriended, the proprietor of the Stardrop Saloon sends the player free food in the mail. There are a number of dishes he might send: Baked Fish
, Bean Hotpot
, Fish Taco
, Omelet
, Pancakes
, Spaghetti
, and Vegetable Medley
Early in the game, the player expends lots of energy chopping trees and breaking rocks, and they won’t have a kitchen until they upgrade the Farmhouse. This makes Gus’ homemade meals incredibly helpful. Some of these tasty treats also increase Foraging or Fishing skills, or provide extra energy. Players obtain the recipes for Salmon Dinner
and Cranberry Sauce
from Gus at three and seven hearts respectively.

Gus is easy to find; simply drop by the Stardrop Saloon for a quick chat and to offer a gift.

Gifts & Quests

Unsurprisingly, the way to Gus’s heart lies with delicious food, as the following are his Loved gifts:

• Tropical Curry
• Escargot
• Fish Taco
• Orange
• Diamond

Gus has three quests that increase friendship, each related to new recipes he wants to make.

• “Fish Stew”: On Winter 26 in Year 1, Gus requests an Albacore to make fish stew.
• “Wanted: Lobster”: On Fall 6 in Year 2, Gus asks the player to bring him a Lobster.
• “Exotic Spirits”: On Winter 19 in Year 2, Gus wants a Coconut to make a drink at the saloon.

Movie Theater Preferences

Gus is a fan of most movies at the theater, but is rather selective about his snack choices.

1

Linus

The Kindhearted Hermit Shares His Fishing Secrets

Though he may be an outsider, Linus is one of the best friends the player can have. Once the player earns his trust, he teaches them his recipe for Wild Bait, massively increasing fishing potential by giving players the chance to catch two fish at once. He’ll also send Catfish
, Largemouth Bass
, Sashimi
, Fried Calamari
, or Maki Roll
. At three and seven hearts respectively, he also sends recipes players can make with their fishing spoils: Sashimi and Fish Tacos.

Linus isn’t hard to befriend, as his Liked and Loved gifts are easy to find through foraging. Players will usually find Linus in his tent, or wandering the nearby wilderness.

Gifts & Quests

Linus is a simple man, who can be won over with some fresh produce or a few of his favorite meals. His Loved gifts include his favorite foods:

On Fall 8, Linus will send the player a letter telling him that he lost his blackberry basket while foraging for the fall fruits. Returning it to him will earn the player one friendship heart.

Movie Theater Preferences

It seems Linus isn’t really a fan of the movies, as he dislikes every film shown at the theater. However, if the player does decide to take him along for a screening, keep his Concessions preferences in mind: