Stardew Valley is a captivating RPG that allows players to create their ideal countryside haven. The game begins with the protagonist inheriting a dilapidated farm in the picturesque Pelican Town after receiving a letter from their deceased Grandpa. The ultimate goal is to revitalize the farm, forge meaningful connections with the locals, and embrace a tranquil life in the countryside.
After two years in Pelican Town, Grandpa's Ghost visits the farmer to assess their progress. This comprehensive guide equips players with all the necessary knowledge to confidently face Grandpa's Evaluation in Stardew Valley.
What is Grandpa’s Evaluation?
On Spring 1, Year 3, the farmer's late grandfather inexplicably reappears to assess their accomplishments on the farm. The evaluation of Grandpa, known as Grandpa's Evaluation, relies on the number of candles that illuminate his Shrine, which can be found in the Northwest corner of The Farm.
It is the goal of every player to impress Grandpa by effectively lighting all four candles on his shrine prior to the start of the third year. These special candles act as a symbol of the player's progress and achievements.
The Scoring System
Below is a table showing the breakdown of the 21 points that need to be achieved within the first two years of the player's farm life. These points are divided into five different milestones, along with the corresponding number of points that can be earned by completing each milestone.
Milestone | Requirements | Points Earned | Total Points |
Total Earnings | Earn 50,000 gold | 1 | 7 |
Earn 100,000 gold | 1 | ||
Earn 200,000 gold | 1 | ||
Earn 300,000 gold | 1 | ||
Earn 500,000 gold | 1 | ||
Earn 1,000,000 gold | 2 | ||
Player’s Skill Level | Reach a total of 30 levels across all Skills. | 1 | 2 |
Reach a total of 50 levels across all Skills (Achieve Level 10 in every Skill) | 1 | ||
Achievements | Master Angler: Catch every fish in the game | 1 | 3 |
Full Shipment: Ship all items | 1 | ||
A Complete Collection: Complete the museum’s collection | 1 | ||
Friendship | Reach eight Friendship Hearts with at least 5 villagers | 1 | 4 |
Reach eight Friendship Hearts with at least 10 villagers | 1 | ||
Get married with at least two Farmhouse upgrades (Kitchen and Nursery) | 1 | ||
Reach approximately five Friendship Hearts with the Pet. | 1 | ||
Miscellaneous | Restore the Community Center | 1 | 5 |
The Community Center Opening ceremony takes place | 2 | ||
Obtain the Skull Key by reaching the bottom of The Mines (Floor 120) | 1 | ||
Obtain the Rusty Key by completing the museum collection | 1 |
Rewards
Players who successfully illuminate four candles on Grandpa's Shrine will be awarded the Statue of Perfection. This statue resembles maneki-neko figurines, which are renowned as symbols of good fortune for small enterprises. Crafted from pure iridium, the statue possesses the power to generate 2-8 Iridium Ore each day.
To ignite the Shrine's four candles, players must attain a score of 12 points or higher.
Shrine Candles Lit | Total Points Earned |
1 | 0 to 3 |
2 | 4 to 7 |
3 | 8 to 11 |
4 | 12+ |
Re-evaluation
Players who have not been attentive to their game progress and have failed Grandpa's Evaluation on their initial try have the option to request a re-evaluation. By depositing 1 Diamond into Grandpa's Shrine, players are granted a second opportunity to successfully complete Grandpa's Evaluation.
Grandpa's Ghost may revisit the player's progress in Stardew Valley either the next day or, in certain instances, on the first day of the subsequent season.
However, players should keep in mind that this evaluation does not impact their gameplay in any way, and they can continue playing the game indefinitely.
Tips for Completing the Evaluation
Completing Grandpa’s Evaluation does not require players to hit each of the milestones. They can focus on the easier ones that offer the most points.
Players may find the Achievement-related milestones initially daunting, thus they can divert their attention towards advancing their Skills and attaining their financial objectives. Concentrating on the completion of all Bundles in the Community Center enables players to restore it, and participating in the subsequent re-opening Ceremony grants them an opportunity to earn three points.
Choosing to turn the Community Center into a Joja Warehouse results in missing out on earning these points. Moreover, building friendships with the villagers and attaining eight hearts with most of them is not a challenging task. By daily interactions and giving Loved Gifts, players can cultivate these relationships. Additionally, petting their cat or dog every day offers another swift way to earn a point.
Players can acquire the Rusty Key by generously donating a total of 60 items to the Museum’s Collection. Venturing into the Mines, players not only enhance their Mining and Combat abilities but also progress to deeper levels to acquire the coveted Skull Key.
Stardew Valley
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s): RPG, Simulation
Multiplayer: Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Estimated Gameplay Duration: 53 Hours
Check it out on Steam.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Stardew Valley, I am excited to share my opinions and feelings about Grandpa's Evaluation. Grandpa's Evaluation is a challenging but rewarding experience that tests players' skills and knowledge of the game.
The comprehensive guide provides valuable information on the scoring system, rewards, and re-evaluation process, making it easier for players to understand the requirements and prepare for the evaluation.
I appreciate the inclusion of expert tips, such as focusing on easier milestones and building friendships with villagers, which can help players maximize their chances of success. Overall, I believe that Grandpa's Evaluation is a well-designed and engaging feature that adds depth and replay value to Stardew Valley.