Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life takes players on an immersive journey spanning a lifetime, beginning with a move to the enchanting Forgotten Valley. Each stage of life is portrayed in individual chapters, offering subtle variations and progressing several years into the future.
While certain gameplay elements, such as farm tasks and holidays, remain consistent, the storyline evolves with each subsequent chapter. The upkeep of the farm, although an integral part of A Wonderful Life, is just a fraction of the experience, as activities like marriage and raising children also play significant roles. As time marches on and circumstances change, players may find themselves unsure of what lies ahead. However, this chapter guide serves as a valuable resource, providing insights into the upcoming milestones and events as time flows by.
This guide contains major storyline spoilers.
Chapter One: Beginnings
In the charming game Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, players embark on a delightful journey as they make their way to the enchanting Forgotten Valley. This captivating story unfolds through the eyes of Takakura, a dear friend of their late father, who warmly greets them upon their arrival in this idyllic haven.
After personalizing their character, players will be presented with their residence and the residents of Forgotten Valley. On the first day, Takakura will furnish them with necessary farming equipment, a cow, and a dog as a companion. Initially, the farm consists of a humble single-room house, a small coop, a barn, and two cultivated fields.
Significant Occurrences:
Takakura will gift players a horse towards the middle of the Year
Players can purchase a Brush and Fishing Rod from Van
Players must choose a marriage candidate by the end of the Year or the game ends.
Chapter Two: Branching
At the conclusion of Year One, players embark on a joyous commitment of matrimony and have the opportunity to select the gender of their forthcoming child. By this point, the inhabitants of the valley shall be quite familiar, while the young offspring will have strikingly matured. Tragically, a beloved resident named Nina has departed, leaving behind her grieving husband, Gary. Consequently, Gary's disposition will be predominantly unfavorable throughout this chapter. Furthermore, a novel family relocates to the town, featuring an individual named Garret, whom players can ultimately acquire the Alarm Clock from.
With the players entering marital bliss and welcoming their bundle of joy, the farmhouse is set to undergo a significant transformation. An expansion project is in the works, which will bring forth a brand new kitchen and a dedicated bathroom space. The inclusion of the bathroom will prove to be invaluable, offering a daily opportunity to replenish one's stamina. Furthermore, their child will bear a striking resemblance to their beloved partner and inherit some of their interests and preferences. The players will have the delightful opportunity to indulge their child by purchasing toys, carrying them around, and enjoying quality time together amidst the scenic surroundings of the farm.
Key Events:
Van now sells Goats in Spring
Players can unlock a third crop field
Takakura will come home with Vinnie, a talking plant that can make Hybrid Crops
The Dig Site will be expanded if players find the stone tablet from the previous Year.
Chapter Three: Blessings
In Chapter Three, there is a significant time jump of several years. The player's child has now grown into an adolescent with increased freedom and diverse interests. To monitor their growth and pursuits, players can utilize the bag menu. Furthermore, the farmhouse undergoes another expansion, now housing an individual room exclusively for the player and their spouse.
The other children have reached their teenage years, and Gary's happiness has increased as more time has elapsed since Nina's passing. By establishing stronger relationships with specific residents, players can unlock numerous mini-games.
Van updates his inventory to include more decorations, including a teddy bear for 1,000,000G
The Dig Site will expand if players find the stone tablet the previous Year.
Chapter Four: Blooming
In Chapter Four, players will observe notable changes as signs of aging become apparent in both themselves and the elderly residents. Their child has now reached adolescence, often exhibiting a gloomy demeanor with a lack of positivity. Additionally, the other children have transitioned into young adulthood.
During this stage, it becomes crucial for players to focus on enhancing their skills and expanding the farm in order to unlock superior tools and farm equipment.
Key Events:
The Dig Site will expand if players find the stone tablet the previous Year.
Chapter Five: Traversal
In Chapter Five, both players and other adult residents will share a similar appearance. However, their child will have transitioned into a fully grown adult, brimming with ambitious dreams and aspirations, yet still uncertain about the precise path they wish to embark upon.
Throughout this chapter, numerous cut scenes will showcase the player and their partner pondering upon their child's chosen journey.
Key Events:
The Dig Site will expand if players find the stone tablet the previous Year.
Chapter Six: Twilight
The conclusion of Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life evokes bittersweet emotions. By this stage, both the player and the other inhabitants of the village have aged considerably, with gray hair and wrinkles. Aging brings a significant decline in stamina for the player, making it crucial to have upgraded tools and farm equipment to compensate for this loss of energy.
Throughout the final chapter, various cut scenes highlight the player's spouse and grown-up child reflecting on their shared experiences. These conversations subtly allude to what awaits them at the end of the year.
Key Events:
The Dig Site will expand if players find the final stone tablet from the previous Year
Players die at the end of the chapter.
Chapter Seven: Beyond
Chapter Seven is a revamped edition of Heaven Mode, where players are transported back to their youth and can carry on tending to their farm. Progress will remain unchanged, with crops and animals maintaining the same growth stages as before, as if no deaths had occurred.
All residents, with the exception of children, will also experience a youth regeneration. At this juncture in the story, Nina will not be resurrected. Players have the option to employ Beyond in order to complete any desired achievements, but additional time is required during the main narrative. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is currently accessible on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.