Despite releasing five years ago, Stardew Valley continues to be a popular game with a strong following. But, of course, the majority of Stardew Valley's appeal can be attributed to its charming and relaxing gameplay, allowing the game to be a digital refuge of some sort from the real world's problems.
While Stardew Valley generally remains a wholesome experience at its core, the game has its share of dealing with difficulties that most people experience in real life, seen through its wide cast of characters. For example, it is no secret that one of the most popular bachelors in Stardew Valley is Sebastian. However, he is a little bit more difficult to get to know due to his introverted personality. However, once players do get to know him, it appears that Sebastian may be suffering from a certain degree of social anxiety.
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Signs That Sebastian May Have Developed Social Anxiety
For the uninitiated, Sebastian lives in the carpenter's shop with his mom Robin, stepdad Demetrius, and stepsister Maru. When speaking to Sebastian, he reveals to the player how he tends to feel underappreciated, talking about how his mom and stepdad seem to favor Maru more than him. Exploring Sebastian's house, players will notice that he doesn't have his own room. Instead, the house's basement has been converted to his room, where he spends most of his time working as a programmer.
Although it wasn't explicitly revealed whether it was Sebastian's choice to make the basement his room. However, he hints to the player that he is not a fan of it, saying, "maybe my room would be less depressing if I had a window." Additionally, once players develop a deeper relationship with Sebastian, he tells them that he longs to leave Pelican Town, given that he doesn't feel he belongs. Finally, while the game doesn't directly say that Sebastian suffers from social anxiety and possibly depression, it is implied in some dialogue. For example, in one conversation, Sebastian tells the player that being around people makes him feel anxious, and he likes the rain because it "makes everyone disappear."
Possible Causes of Sebastian's Social Anxiety
While it is difficult to say for certain whether Sebastian does suffer from social anxiety, it is evident that certain events in his life led him to isolate himself from his family and most of Pelican Town's residents. One of Sebastian's stories tells players how Demetrius made him get rid of a snow goon he made but allowed Maru to keep her cute little snowman. Additionally, he reveals how his family and most people from Pelican Town cannot understand his work as a programmer, which fuels his feeling of being misunderstood and underappreciated.
These events are most likely the reasons why Sebastian likes to keep to himself to avoid being judged by other people. Luckily, Sebastian does have some friends and allies in Pelican Town, such as Sam and Abigail. However, things get better for Sebastian once the player engages in a romantic relationship with him. Once married, Sebastian would tell players how he used to feel underappreciated at home but is now happy thanks to the player welcoming him to their lives.
In the end, stories like Sebastian's make Stardew Valley a unique game, filled with different storylines that expose players to people from all walks of life. While players should expect to spend the majority of their time tending to their farm, raising animals, gathering resources, and other activities, interacting with the many villagers of Pelican Town allows players to discover their unique stories and personalities that levels up the fun gameplay experience that Stardew Valley has to offer.
Stardew Valley is available now on Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.