The Ultimate Stardew Valley Bachelorette Ranking: Find Your Perfect Match!

Stardew Valley is widely recognized as one of the top "cozy" games, and for good reason. It offers players a high level of freedom in establishing their own farms, resulting in enjoyable and low-risk gameplay. However, the game offers much more than just farming. It has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, not just due to its easily understandable gameplay, but also because of its exploration options, life simulation elements, and romance choices. While Stardew Valley has influenced other games, it has also taken inspiration from classic titles like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon.

Similar to Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley permits players to marry specific non-player characters (NPCs). However, Stardew Valley takes this system a step further, allowing players to optimize their farms by involving their spouses who contribute through daily chores and gifts. What sets romance in Stardew Valley apart is its inclusive approach, as players can romance and marry any NPC regardless of their gender. This grants players the freedom to explore romantic storylines and perks from all eligible characters. Despite this, there are certain NPCs that are considered better choices than others.

S-Tier

Haley - Stardew Valley newcomers may be discouraged by Haley's initially standoffish and rude behavior. She often dismisses the player's attempts at friendship and appears overly concerned with her image and shallow matters. However, delving deeper into her character reveals that she is actually quite complex, harboring a deep love for photography and a desire to make a positive impact. The player has the unique ability to bring out her altruistic qualities, making her romance storyline particularly fulfilling. Many Stardew Valley fans are drawn to Haley for this reason.

Abigail - Abigail, with her alternative and quirky personality, consistently ranks high on lists of the best Stardew Valley characters. Her charming demeanor, unique style, and confident attitude make her highly memorable. Standing out with her Goth aesthetic in the rural town of Pelican Town, she captivates players' attention. Furthermore, she presents players with rare monster drops as gifts after marriage, proving her usefulness even beyond romance. Her love for gaming also makes her a natural favorite amongst Stardew Valley players.

A-Tier

Emily - Happy and bubbly Emily stands as one of the most popular romance options in Stardew Valley. While her romance storyline may not possess the same level of uniqueness as Maru's, it still carries some delightful moments like the dream-linking scene. Nevertheless, Emily charms players with her likable personality, reasonable gift preferences, and reliable presence at the saloon. Successfully romancing her becomes a relatively easy task in the game. Additionally, she proves to be a wonderful partner post-marriage, offering players valuable gifts that enhance their farming experience.

B-Tier

Maru - Maru stands out as one of the most captivating romance choices in the game. A brilliant mind in the realms of technology and science, she showcases her impressive engineering skills by creating exceptional inventions. One of her notable creations is a sentient robot, which plays a significant role in one of her relationship scenes with the player. Her romance plot exudes a refreshing, lighthearted vibe, serving as a delightful departure from the somber narratives of other characters. Additionally, she offers some of the most rewarding post-marriage presents. Although Maru's storyline may lack the allure of mystery and intrigue that some players crave, it is worth noting that many of her preferred gifts are scarce and costly, making her pursuit a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, her unique story and valuable in-game advantages make her a worthwhile romance option.

C-Tier

Penny's charm in Stardew Valley lies in its plethora of unexpected surprises, captivating in-game events, intricate gameplay systems, and extensive exploration choices. While interacting with non-playable characters (NPCs) provides a much-needed respite from the rest of the game, Penny offers a grounded and leisurely experience. As an educator and mentor, Penny possesses a kind spirit and a genuine affection for children, learning, and providing support to her loved ones. However, beneath her warm demeanor, Penny's narrative unravels a darker side, as players delve deeper into her struggles with her alcoholic mother, Pam.

Despite her undeniable appeal, Penny falls short as a romantic interest due to her relatively unremarkable nature. Although her inherent scholarly and pure-hearted persona is undeniably endearing, her motivations to make a positive impact on her community and loved ones lack depth, often embodying a character archetype that many players will find overly familiar.

Leah - Leah possesses a multitude of admirable traits. Her intelligence, talent, and kind-hearted nature naturally draw many players to her. Her fondness for foraged items makes her an easy choice for gift-giving in Stardew Valley, and creative players may relate to her challenges in pursuing an art career. Additionally, her cabin's convenient location just south of the player's negates the need for unnecessary detours to interact with her or present her with gifts.

Despite these positive attributes, Leah falls slightly short when compared to the other bachelorettes in Stardew Valley. While her story of artistic struggles is relatable, some players may find it repetitive. Furthermore, her ongoing issues with her ex-partner might be seen as burdensome by certain individuals. Additionally, her post-marriage gifts may not be particularly noteworthy.

Stardew Valley is available on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One.