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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. Each of the six Stardew Valley bachelors is amazing in their own way, but there is a definite hierarchy of marriage candidates who give the best benefits.
Updated June 3, 2022 by Erik Petrovich: Of the six bachelors Stardew Valley players can romance, some offer plainly better benefits than others. These Stardew bachelors are Alex, Elliot, Harvey, Sam, Sebastian, and Shane, though mods can expand this selection significantly. When it comes to the question of who is the best bachelor in Stardew Valley, it’s ultimately a personal decision. Someone like Shane who might make for a typically bad companion might charm you in other ways (like his chicken), while traditionally romantic characters like Elliot might put you off. Each of the bachelors in Stardew Valley has likes, dislikes, and a unique branching story that reveals more about who they are. Be sure to refer to this list so you don’t accidentally gift your intended partner the wrong things.
6 Shane
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.
Dating and Marriage
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.
When you marry Shane, he sets up a small chicken cook to the side of the house in the spouse feature zone. Here, he can sometimes be seen tending to his little pet, and on some days he cooks Omelets, Pizzas, or Pepper Poppers for the player.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Beer, Hot Pepper, Pizza, Pepper Poppers Likes : All Eggs and Fruit Dislikes : All mushrooms, foraged crops, Pickles, and Quartz
5 Sam
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.RELATED: Games With The Most Inclusive Romance Options
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.
Dating and Marriage
Unfortunately, this lovable doofus has a bit of a dull character arc. 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. Sneaking into his room for a date is a sweet moment, even if it gets awkward when his mom barges in.
When you marry Sam, he will make pancakes every so often for the player. Additionally, he sets up a half-pipe behind the house. Every so often he can be found outside skateboarding in this area.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar, Pizza, Tigerseye Likes : All Eggs (barring the Void Egg), Joja Cola Dislikes : All Mushrooms and Vegetables, all foraged crops, ore and bars, Pickles, Mayonnaise, Coal
4 Alex
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.
Dating and Marriage
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. Afterward it is sad to see him reminisce about what could have been.
When you marry Alex, he will sometimes make Omelets, Hashbrowns, or Pancakes for breakfast. After settling in he sets up an outdoor workout space in the space next to the house, where he can be seen lifting weights on random days.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner Likes : All Eggs (barring the Void Egg) Dislikes : Salmonberry, Wild Horseradish, Holly, Quartz
3 Elliott
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. 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.
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Dating and Marriage
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. At the end of his event line, he says that he appreciates the player’s encouragement so much that when he finally finishes his novel he dedicates it to the farmer.
When you marry Elliot, he makes Coffee every few days for the player, which gives a small speed boost. He sets up a small reading and writing garden in the outdoor space next to the house, where he can be seen working on his novels or reading on some days.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Crab Cakes, Duck Feather, Lobster, Pomegranate, Squid Ink, Tom Kha Soup Likes : All Fruit, Octopus, Squid Dislikes : All mushrooms and milk, all foraged crops, Amaranth, Quartz, Sea Cucumber
2 Harvey
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.
Dating and Marriage
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.
When you marry Harvey, he will make the player a Complete Breakfast every few days. In the space outdoors used for spouse features, he sets up a small garden, just like Elliot (though it is visually different). Similar to Elliot, he can often be seen here reading, though he can also be found more regularly at the clinic.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal, Truffle Oil, Wine Likes : All Fruit and mushrooms, all foraged crops (barring Spice Berry and Salmonberry), Duck Egg, Duck Feather, Ginger, Goat Milk, Quartz Dislikes : Sea shells, Spice Berry, Salmonberry, baked and sweet goods, Bread, Cheese, Pizza, Rice Pudding
1 Sebastian
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.
Dating and Marriage
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.
When you marry Sebastian, he makes Coffee sometimes for the player in the mornings. He sets up a display area for his motorcycle in the space outdoors, where he can be seen working on it every so often.
Likes and Dislikes
Loves : Frozen Tear, Obsidian, Pumpkin Soup, Sashimi, Void Egg Likes : Flounder, Quartz Dislikes : All flowers and mushrooms (except Poppy and Red Mushrooms), all foraged ingredients, all artisan goods, all eggs (barring the Void Egg), Clay, Complete Breakfast, Omelet
Stardew Valley is available for Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation Vita and PS4, and Xbox One
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