Stardew Valley: How The Friendship Point System Works

This guide delves into the mechanics of friendship in Stardew Valley, explaining how to maximize relationships with villagers, whether for friendship or romance. While conversation and gifting are key, the impact varies significantly.

The Heart System:

The in-game heart meter displays friendship levels with each NPC. Reaching certain heart levels unlocks special events, mail, and dialogue options. Each heart requires 250 friendship points.

Boosting Friendship Gains:

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

Interaction Point Values:

• Talking: +20 points (or +10 if the NPC is busy). Failing to talk results in a friendship decrease (-2 points daily, or -10 if a bouquet was given, or -20 for a spouse).
• Bulletin Board Deliveries: +150 points with the recipient.

Gifting:

Gift preferences vary, impacting friendship points significantly:

• Loved: +80 points
• Liked: +45 points
• Neutral: +20 points
• Disliked: -20 points
• Hated: -40 points

Birthday and Feast of the Winter Star gifts multiply these values (x8 and x5 respectively). Avoid disliked/hated gifts on these days!

Stardrop Tea:

This universally loved gift grants +250 points (+750 on birthdays/Winter Star). It can be obtained from the Prize Machine, Golden Fishing Chests, the Helper's Bundle, or from the raccoon for completing requests.

Movie Theater:

Inviting an NPC to the movies (using a Movie Ticket and concessions) yields varying points based on choices:

• Loved Movie: +200 points
• Liked Movie: +100 points
• Disliked Movie: 0 points
• Loved Concession: +50 points
• Liked Concession: +25 points
• Disliked Concession: 0 points

Conversations and Dialogue:

Careful dialogue choices during conversations and Heart Events can significantly impact friendship (up to +50 or -200 points).

Festivals and Events:

• Flower Dance: +250 points for a successful dance (requires 4 hearts or more).
• Luau: Soup contributions affect friendship with all villagers.
• Community Center (Bulletin Board Bundles): Completing all five bundles grants +500 points with each non-dateable villager.

By understanding these mechanics and utilizing strategies like the Friendship 101 book and thoughtful gift-giving, players can cultivate strong relationships within Pelican Town.