Starting a new life in Stardew Valley can feel overwhelming at first. You've just inherited your grandfather's old farm in Pelican Town, and suddenly you're faced with overgrown fields, mysterious caves, and a whole community of people to meet. Don't worry - we've all been there! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your first week in Stardew Valley a success.

Whether you're escaping from the corporate grind at Joja Corporation or just looking for a relaxing farming experience, this guide assumes you're starting from scratch. We'll cover the essential basics, help you avoid common beginner mistakes, and set you up for long-term success in your new farming life.

Your First Day: Essential Tasks and Priorities

Your first day in Stardew Valley sets the tone for your entire farming journey. Here’s exactly what you should focus on to get off to a great start:

Morning Priorities (6 AM - 12 PM)

When you wake up in your farmhouse, resist the urge to immediately start clearing your entire farm. Instead:

Check your TV - Click on the television to check the weather forecast for the day. This will tell you if it’s sunny or raining. Also, watch the "Livin' Off The Land" show for helpful Stardew Valley tips. Each episode offers valuable advice for new players, like the best crops to plant!
Water your parsnip seeds - Mayor Lewis has left you a gift of 15 parsnip seeds. Plant these immediately in a 3x5 grid near your house. To plant them, select the seeds in your inventory, and then click on the ground to place them. Use your watering can to water each one—just click on the seed after it’s planted. You’ll know it’s watered when the soil turns dark!
Meet Robin - Head north from your farm to meet Robin, the local carpenter. She’ll give you a quest to gather materials, which helps you learn the basics of crafting and building. It’s a great way to get familiar with the game!
Forage for spring items - While exploring, keep an eye out for spring onions (you can find these south of your farm), daffodils, leeks, and dandelions. These items not only restore your energy but can also be sold for some early income. For example, daffodils can sell for 30g each, which is a nice boost to your wallet!

Afternoon Activities (12 PM - 6 PM)

Clear a small area - Focus on clearing just enough space for a small garden plot. Use your scythe to cut down grass and small stones. This doesn’t cost you any energy, so it’s a great way to prepare your farm without wearing yourself out.
Visit Pierre's General Store - Located in the town square, Pierre sells a variety of seeds. If you’ve collected enough forageable items to sell, consider buying a few cauliflower or potato seeds. Cauliflower takes 12 days to grow but sells for a good price, making it a smart investment!
Meet the townspeople - As you wander around, take the time to introduce yourself to different villagers. This will help you complete introduction quests that give you small rewards. You don’t need to seek everyone out—just chat with people you encounter while exploring.

Evening Wind-Down (6 PM - 12 AM)

Check the beach - The beach is a great spot to find valuable forageables like seashells and coral. You might even discover washed-up items that you can sell or use in crafting!
Organize your inventory - To keep your items tidy, craft a chest using 50 wood (just open your crafting menu!). Place it near your house to store items you don’t need right away. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find what you need later.
Sleep before exhaustion - Aim to be in bed by midnight. Passing out can cost you money and energy the next day, so make sure to get a good night’s rest!

By following these Stardew Valley tips, you’ll set a solid foundation for your farming adventure. Remember, as a new player, it’s all about taking your time and enjoying the journey. Happy farming!

Week 1 Survival: Energy Management and Basic Farming

Energy is your most precious resource in early Stardew Valley. Here's how to manage it effectively. For comprehensive strategies and advanced tips, check out our detailed energy management guide:

Understanding Energy

You start each day with 270 energy.
Different tools consume different amounts of energy. For example, using your Axe takes 8 energy, while using your Pickaxe can take between 2 to 8 energy, depending on what you’re hitting. Your Hoe and Watering Can use 2 energy each.
When you run out of energy, you’ll move slowly, making it hard to get things done.
Don’t forget, sleeping restores all your energy fully, but make sure to hit the hay before 12 AM!

Smart Energy Usage

Do This:

Water your crops first thing in the morning: This helps you start your day right and ensures your plants are well taken care of. Each crop needs water daily to grow!
Forage for free energy restoration: Pick up wild plants like berries or dandelions around your farm. These can give you small boosts of energy without costing you anything.
Clear grass with your scythe (0 energy): This is a great way to tidy up your farm without using any of your precious energy. Plus, you might find some seeds!
Fish when your energy is low: Fishing is a relaxing activity that doesn't drain your energy. Try fishing at the beach or river when you need a break from farming. New to fishing? Our complete fishing guide covers everything from casting basics to the fishing mini-game.
Eat foraged items when below 50% energy: If you’re feeling low on energy, munch on those wild berries or dandelions. They’ll give you a boost so you can keep working!

Avoid This:

Clearing large rocks or logs early on: Stick to smaller debris until you upgrade your tools. This saves your energy for more important tasks!
Watering too many crops before you have sprinklers: Don’t overdo it! Focus on a manageable number of crops to keep your energy up.
Working until exhaustion: If you see your energy meter is getting low, take a break! It’s better to stop and recharge than to slow down to a crawl.
Selling all your foraged food items: Hold onto some for snacks! Eating them can keep you going when you need an energy boost.

Basic Farming Strategy

For your first week, keep farming simple:

Start small - Plant only what you can water daily without exhausting yourself. Aim for 20-30 crops maximum to keep it manageable.
Choose profitable crops:
- Parsnips: They take just 4 days to grow and are a reliable source of profit. You can sell them for 20g each!
- Potatoes: These take 6 days to grow and have a chance to produce multiple potatoes per harvest. This means more cash for you!
- Cauliflower: While they take 12 days to grow and are high profit, they can be risky for beginners, so plant them if you have some experience.
Want to learn more about the most profitable crops for each season? Our best crops guide has detailed profit analysis for every crop.
Create an efficient layout: Here’s a simple layout example to maximize your space:
```
[C][C][C][C][C]
[C][C][C][C][C]
[C][C][S][C][C]
[C][C][C][C][C]
[C][C][C][C][C]
```
Here, 'C' is for Crop, and 'S' is for Scarecrow, which protects 8 tiles in each direction from pesky crows.
Save money for Summer - Aim to have at least 2,000g saved up for summer seeds. This way, you can plant more profitable crops when the new season rolls around!

With these Stardew Valley tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful farming adventure. Remember, managing your energy is key, and these strategies will help you thrive! If you need more Stardew Valley help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy farming!

Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Learning from others' mistakes can save you time and frustration. Here are the most common pitfalls:

Mistake #1: Overextending Your Farm

The Problem: You might be excited to plant a huge farm with 100+ crops in your first week, but this can lead to a lot of daily watering. You'll find yourself spending all day just trying to keep up!

The Solution: Instead, start with 20-30 crops maximum. This way, you can easily manage your watering and still have time for other activities like foraging or mining. Focus on quick-growing crops like parsnips or beans in the beginning. Once you get a sprinkler or upgrade your watering can, you can think about expanding your farm.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Community Center

The Problem: If you skip visiting the Community Center, you might miss out on valuable rewards that can help you throughout your Stardew Valley adventure.

The Solution: Make it a point to visit the Community Center after the 5th of Spring. Start collecting bundle items right away, even if you can't complete the bundles yet. For instance, gather spring foraging items like wild horseradish or dandelions. Completing bundles early can unlock useful rewards like bridge repairs or crafting recipes that will help your farm thrive.

Mistake #3: Selling Everything

The Problem: Selling every item you find might seem like a good idea for quick cash, but you could end up needing those items later for quests, bundles, or crafting.

The Solution: Keep at least one of everything you collect. Build chests for storage to stay organized:

Forage Chest: Store your foraged items like berries and mushrooms here.
Crop Chest: Keep your extra crops like potatoes or strawberries for later use.
Mining Chest: Store ores, gems, and other materials you find while mining.
Fish Chest: Keep fish and cooking ingredients separate for easy access.

This way, you’ll always have what you need when quests come up or when you want to craft something special!

Mistake #4: Neglecting Relationships

The Problem: You might get so focused on farming that you forget to connect with the villagers. This can lead to missing out on fun benefits like recipes, gifts, or even friendship events!

The Solution: Make it a habit to talk to villagers whenever you pass by them. You can also give birthday gifts (check the calendar outside Pierre's shop for reminders). Many villagers appreciate foraged items like flowers or wild fruit, so keep an eye out for those while you explore. Building friendships can unlock new storylines and help you feel more at home in Stardew Valley. To learn which gifts each villager loves most, check out our comprehensive gift guide.

Mistake #5: Poor Time Management

The Problem: You might find yourself running out of time and passing out in the mines or far from your home, which can be frustrating and lead to lost progress!

The Solution: Always keep an eye on the clock. It takes about 1 in-game hour to walk from the mines to your farm, so make a plan. Set mental checkpoints, like "At 9 PM, I head home." This will help you manage your time better and ensure you always make it back before you pass out!

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a successful adventure in Stardew Valley. Happy farming!

Setting Up for Success: Month 1 Goals

By the end of Spring Year 1, aim to achieve these realistic goals:

Week 1-2 Goals

[ ] Reach Farming Level 2
[ ] Earn 5,000g total
[ ] Clear space for 40-50 crops
[ ] Build 3-4 chests for organization
[ ] Meet at least 10 villagers
[ ] Complete "Introductions" quest

Week 3-4 Goals

[ ] Reach Farming Level 4
[ ] Upgrade your backpack (2,000g at Pierre's)
[ ] Build a chicken coop or save for one
[ ] Start mining (reach at least level 20) - check our mining guide for combat tips and safety strategies
[ ] Catch 10 different fish
[ ] Complete at least 2 Community Center bundles

End of Spring Checklist

[ ] Save 3,000g+ for Summer seeds
[ ] Have basic farm infrastructure (scarecrows, chests, paths)
[ ] Reach 2+ hearts with at least 3 villagers
[ ] Unlock the minecarts (complete boiler room bundles)
[ ] Prepare preserved jars or kegs for Summer

When to Focus on Each Game Aspect

Stardew Valley offers many activities, but timing is crucial. Here's when to prioritize each:

Immediate Focus (Spring Year 1)

Farming: Your primary income source
Foraging: Free food and easy money
Fishing: Great money when energy is low
Social: Talk to people you naturally encounter

Soon After (Late Spring/Early Summer)

Mining: Once you have food for energy restoration
Animals: After establishing steady crop income
Community Center: As you collect bundle items
Tool Upgrades: When you have spare resources

Can Wait (Fall or Later)

House Upgrades: Nice but not essential early
Marriage: Build friendships first
Skull Cavern: Requires desert access
Ginger Island: Late-game content

Your Daily Routine Template

Here's a sample daily routine for maximum efficiency:

6:00 AM: Wake up, check TV, water crops 8:00 AM: Tend animals (if any), collect eggs/milk 9:00 AM: Forage, clear farm, or mine 2:00 PM: Visit town, shop, socialize 5:00 PM: Fish at the ocean or river 9:00 PM: Organize inventory, plan tomorrow 11:00 PM: Head to bed

Remember: This is just a template! Rainy days are perfect for mining since crops don't need watering. Adjust based on your current goals and energy levels.

Quick Reference: Essential Early Game Tips

Keep these tips handy for your first month:

Always carry food - Even spring onions can save your day
Check garbage cans - Seriously! You can find useful items (just don't let villagers see you)
Save one of everything - You never know what you'll need for bundles or quests
Upgrade your backpack ASAP - 2,000g at Pierre's doubles your carrying capacity
Use the shipping box - Items shipped are collected overnight and paid the next morning
Watch TV daily - Weather, tips, and recipes are invaluable
Don't stress about optimization - Stardew Valley has no real "game over." Play at your own pace!

Moving Forward: What's Next?

Once you've mastered these basics, you're ready to explore deeper game mechanics:

Advanced Farming: Crop rotation, greenhouse optimization, and ancient fruit
Relationship Building: Marriage candidates, heart events, and friendship benefits
Money Making: Artisan goods, optimal crop choices, and the desert casino
Combat: Weapon choices, monster hunting, and special item drops
Completionist Goals: Museum collection, cooking recipes, and achievement hunting

Remember, Stardew Valley is about creating your own perfect farm life. There's no "wrong" way to play - these tips just help you avoid early frustration and set a strong foundation.

Final Thoughts

Starting Stardew Valley can feel like drinking from a fire hose of information, but remember: the game is designed to be discovered over time. You can't mess up permanently, seasons repeat every year, and there's always tomorrow to try again.

Focus on small, achievable goals. Celebrate little victories like your first giant crop or reaching the bottom of the mines. Most importantly, enjoy the journey of transforming from a corporate cubicle dweller into Pelican Town's newest farming sensation.

Welcome to Stardew Valley - your grandfather would be proud! Now grab that watering can and start building the farm of your dreams. Happy farming!

Stardew Valley Complete Beginner's Guide: Your First Week Success Plan