In Stardew Valley, you are a disgruntled office worker sick and tired of the corporate rate race. To remedy this, our protagonist moves to a secluded little town to live on their late grandfather's farm. The town in question, Pelican Town, is teeming with unique citizens ready to befriend.
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As the office-worker-turned-farmer gets to know the townies, romance presents itself. In total there are 12 romanceable characters – six men and six women. Every potential suitor is amazing in their own way, but there is a definite hierarchy of marriage candidates who give the best benefits.
Updated May 5, 2021 by Erik Petrovich: Each of the bachelors in Stardew Valley update or change the farm in some way when married. Each bachelor will set up an outdoor area for their own recreational activities, and on rainy days and days where your partner doesn't leave the farm, they will make food or offer special gifts to the player. Depending on what kind of playstyle you would like to pursue in Stardew Valley, marrying the right person is an important detail.
6 Shane
- Sets up a small chicken coop next to the house
- Rainy Days: Large Egg, Pale Ale, Void Egg, Pepper Poppers, and Beer
- Regular Food: Omelet, Pepper Poppers, Pizza
Shane is an aspiring film director, but his mindless job at Joja Mart leaves him feeling empty. To fill the void, Shane drinks – A lot. When you meet him, Shane is a depressed alcoholic who feels he has no reason to live. He's distant and aloof and feels like the world doesn't want him. During his character arc, Shane talks about killing himself while passed out. It proves to be a wake-up call and he becomes intent on improving himself and contributing to the world in whatever ways he can.
However, choosing to marry Shane changes his story. Instead of staying on the road to recovery, Shane quits his job and doubles down on his drinking habits. He stays home, he's mopey and rude, and despite his sweet moments, he takes considerable steps backward. Shane's disposition after marriage shows he needs time to work on himself before making a lifelong commitment. For his sake, steer clear of Shane.
5 Sam
- Sets up a half-pipe for skateboarding behind the house
- Rainy Days: Cactus Fruit, Coconut, Earth Crystal, Geode, Pizza
- Regular Food: Pancakes
Sam is a musician and skateboard enthusiast with a knack for irritating his mom. He likes to spend most of his time skateboarding around town, playing pool in the pub, or playing guitar in his room. Sam is generous and lovable in a goofy way. No one has ever accused Sam of being too sharp, that's for sure. Unfortunately, this lovable doofus has a bit of a dull character arc.
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His father is deployed in the military for the first year of the game, but the interesting story beats regarding that story are given to his kid brother, Vincent. Instead of using his changing family dynamic as a way to grow, Sam doesn't really react to the stress around him. There's a lack of depth of character in Sam, making him a less desirable marriage candidate. However, he does have some romantic beats, too. Sneaking into his room for a date is a sweet moment, even if it gets awkward when his mom barges in.
4 Alex
- Sets up an outdoor weight-lifting space next to the house
- Rainy Days: Survival Burger, Dish O' The Sea, Fried Eel, Cripsy Bass, Baked Fish
- Regular Food: Omelet, Hashbrowns, Pancakes
Alex is an aspiring pro gridball player with more muscles than brains, although he does show insecurity about his lack of intelligence. It's easy to pigeonhole Alex as a stereotype, but as you get to know him you learn that he has a big heart and is more vulnerable than first meets the eye. Throughout his arc, Alex tells the player about his abusive father and his mother's death. Once he feels more comfortable, he lives with his heart on his sleeve, making him a bit more endearing.
Additionally, when playing as a man, watching Alex struggle with his internalized homophobia and coming to terms with having feelings for the player showcases his strength of character. Unfortunately, there are some pretty lackluster moments during Alex's story. His special event date is arguably one of the worst in the game, and he eventually gives up on his dream of becoming a pro gridball player once married. It's sad to watch him reminisce about what could have been.
3 Elliott
- Sets up a small reading and writing garden next to the house
- Rainy Days: Fried Calamari, Chowder, Fish Stew
- Regular Food: Coffee
Elliott is an aspiring novelist who lives in a cabin by the sea, which is just as picturesque as it sounds. Elliott is incredibly intelligent and passionate, often waxing poetic about whatever strikes his interest. He's ambitious and chases his dreams, even if he gets discouraged now and then. Most of Elliott's arc is about overcoming his own self-doubt. He appreciates the player's encouragement so much that when he finally finishes his novel he dedicates it to the farmer!
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Elliott opens up quickly to the protag, considering the farmer to be a good friend almost immediately. However, Elliott's fatal flaw is that he's a bit too perfect. When married, Elliott always tells the farmer how blessed he is to have them in his life. It's sweet, but there's a distinct lack of realism here. Elliott's melodrama can become exhausting and grating over time when it's not balanced out with any major character flaws. Elliott is definitely good marriage material, but only if you want to be married to a doting, idealistic writer.
2 Harvey
- Sets up a small garden to read in behind the house
- Rainy Days: Salmon Dinner, Cripsy Bass, Fried Eel, Carp Surprise, Vegetable Medley
- Regular Food: Complete Breakfast
Harvey is Stardew Valley's resident doctor, and he's both intelligent and sensitive. Harvey shows himself to be quite the anxious nerd and he's socially oblivious, but his dorkiness makes him endearing. Harvey may be a ball of nerves, but he's incredibly kind and committed to keeping the town healthy. Unfortunately, the first parts of Harvey's arc are pretty boring – you just get to see him playing doctor rather than getting to know him.
His character and personality develop over time, though. Between catching him at an aerobics class and stumbling in on him playing on his airplane radio, it's hard not to love an adorkable doctor. Additionally, Harvey displays impressive maturity. When telling the farmer about his dreams to be a pilot, Harvey is at peace with the fact that that wasn't in the cards for him. Harvey is also blessed with one of the most romantic dates in the game. In marriage, Harvey is an absolute joy to have around without being just too much like Elliot.
1 Sebastian
- Sets up an area for his motorcycle next to the house
- Rainy Days: Obsidian, Void Essence, Bat Wing, Frozen Tear, Amethyst, Cave Carrot
- Regular Food: Coffee
When first meeting Sebastian, it's easy to misconstrue him as a misanthropic, edgy loner – however, getting to know Sebastian might entirely change how you see him. He's a freelance computer programmer saving up so he can move away from the town because he struggles to connect with his family and other locals. His character arc is all about the farmer and Sebastian learning to understand one another. Throughout his arc, he works hard to reexamine his goals and desires, eventually realizing that it's his duty to create his own happiness.
Sebastian's self-reflective (but not somber) nature and fierce independence showcase maturity most other bachelors don't possess. When pursuing a relationship, Sebastian is one of the few marriage candidates who keeps his job, still hangs out with his friends, and enjoys his alone time. Additionally, he speaks frankly about the relationship, showcasing an honesty that is unique to his romance. His romance is based on mutual respect and honesty, and he's the most realistic husband in the game. Without a doubt, Sebastian is the best bachelor in Stardew Valley.