Highlights
Waiting a year to fulfill Jodi's Fish Casserole request in Stardew Valley leads to a more rewarding cutscene with the whole family, including Kent.
Completing quests for villagers is an effective means of enhancing friendship in Stardew Valley, and Jodi's specific requests play a significant role in achieving this. While Jodi's Fish Casserole task may not yield any physical rewards, the added sense of fulfillment and sentiment it brings after a year of waiting elevates the gaming experience.
In Stardew Valley, there is a side request that offers the best reward if the player waits for a year to fulfill it. Despite the game's leniency with time, this is a considerably long wait. Usually, waiting in Stardew Valley involves waiting for crops to grow or items to ferment. The only other instances where time limits are involved are with random bulletin board requests. However, in this specific case, it is advised for the player to take their time to achieve the most satisfying outcome.
A great method to maximize friendship with the villagers in Stardew Valley is by completing quests for them. Periodically, requests will appear on the town bulletin board, asking the player to give a random item to a villager. Fulfilling these requests will improve the player's friendship with that villager. There are also quests triggered through other means, such as Robin's Lost Axe request being automatically mailed to the player on Spring 11. While these quests do not replace the importance of talking to the villagers and giving them gifts, they can significantly contribute to improving friendships with the residents of Pelican Town.
Jodi's Fish Request in Stardew Valley is Best Accomplished With the Whole Family
Local housewife Jodi, mother of Sam, one of the eligible bachelors in Stardew Valley, can be befriended by the player in Pelican Town. While she cannot be pursued as a romantic interest, it is still worthwhile to form a friendship with her, just like any other town resident. Jodi occasionally gives gifts to the player and even sends them two recipes through mail. Additionally, Jodi offers two unique quests to the player. One quest is initiated automatically, requiring the player to give her a piece of cauliflower. However, the more intriguing quest is the Fish Casserole request.
Once the player reaches four hearts of friendship with Jodi in Stardew Valley, they will receive a visit from her on a Monday. Jodi will ask the player to bring a Largemouth Bass to her house for dinner. The player has the freedom to bring the fish to her house between 7 and 8 PM on any day, as there is no specific time limit. This will unlock a special cutscene. It is important to note that there are two versions of this scene. If the player completes the request in Year 1, they will witness the cutscene with Jodi and Sam. However, starting from Year 2, the scene will include Kent, as he joins his family for the occasion.
While the cutscene serves as the sole reward, the second version is considered superior. Kent's struggles with PTSD in Stardew Valley are mentioned a few times, particularly during one of his personal heart events. It would be a kind gesture to allow Kent and his family to enjoy a well-deserved dinner together after everything they have endured. The same reasoning can be applied to the rest of the family as well. Throughout Year 1, they are concerned about Kent's well-being and whether he will safely return from war. Waiting to have the Fish Casserole dinner after Kent returns home feels more fitting, as it signifies the family being reunited.
In Stardew Valley, Jodi's request for Fish Casserole is quite uncommon. It does not provide any tangible rewards and does not contribute to achieving perfection in the game. It is simply a small favor that the player can do for a neighbor out of kindness. Although the reward may seem insignificant in the larger context, the player does have some control over it. Opting to delay fulfilling Jodi's request until Kent's return feels more fulfilling than having the dinner prior to the family reuniting. Despite the year-long wait, fulfilling Jodi's request becomes more worthwhile.
Stardew Valley is available now for mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One.