Summary
Gamers the world over have fallen in love withStardew Valleyfor its wholesome vibes, low-stakes action, and creative world building. Whether focusing on building the perfect farm or simply planting enough crops to get by while exploring the rest of creator ConcernedApe’s unusual world, there’s plenty to keep players coming backtime and againto start another homestead.
One of the funniest quirks of the game is its unusual NPC dialogue, which is available whenever the player runs into a character around town and chooses to interact. Affected by the time of year, friendship level with the player, and other factors like marital status, some wacky stuff comes out when the residents ofStardew Valleyopen their mouths.
There are no spoilers for the 1.6 update in this article.
10“It’s Okay To Get A Moderate Amount Of Sunlight. Just Don’t Get Burnt. Okay. Take Care! Stay Healthy.”
Awkward Health Concerns
Town doctor Harvey’sdialogue can feel a little more limited than some of the other NPCs, as he’s an unapologetically nerdy character focused on his job. Much of his seasonal speech options are focused on the chances of catching various coughs and colds, and this line is a summer favorite.
Part of what makes it funny for players is that it’s quite charming… in a stilted way. It’s easy to picture Harvey tripping over his words as he awkwardly attempts to say goodbye to the Farmer three separate ways, making him the opposite of the otherolder male marriage candidate, the flamboyant and wordy Elliott.
9“I’ll Tell You A Secret. Sometimes, When The Store Is Empty, I’ll Practice My Opera Singing Behind The Counter. Don’t Tell Anyone.”
Secret Shop Singing
One of the things that bonds theStardew Valleycommunity together is their mixed (but affectionate) attitude towardsshop owner Pierre. His dialogue, and comments from other characters, hint that he’s charging way too much money for the Farmer’s hard-earned produce… and complaining about its quality to boot.
Which all makes it extra entertaining when his business-focused mask slips, and he decides to alert the player to his secret passion for opera singing. If social media ever becomes a thing in theStardewuniverse, he’ll almost certainly go viral when daughter Abigail posts a clip.
8"Well, I’d Better Go. George Gets Grumpy If He Doesn’t Have His Oatmeal On Time…"
Grandma’s Grumpy Games
Friendly grandmother EvelyngivesStardew Valleya sweet edge when the Farmer first arrives, as she’s one of the most welcoming townsfolk. Busy taking care of her wheelchair-user husband, George, the pair play off each other cutely as his curmudgeonly nature contrasts with her sunny attitude.
Evelyn’s funniest dialogue gives the player the feeling of a long, enduring relationship, which is probably even more affectionate when the pair are alone. She rolls her eyes at herhusband’s grumpy tendencies, while always maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Balls Over Books
Gridball-obssessed himbo Alexis one of the most layered characters in theStardewuniverse, as he goes from a sports-focused jock to revealing that he’s trying to put on a brave face following the death of his parents.
This book-based bit of dialogue comes from the early days in-game, long before he opens up as the player’s relationship with him grows. One of the reasons behind the game’s enduring popularity is that characters who seem surface level and vapid at the start soon show their hidden depths, and Alex is a great example of that transformation… even if he never gains a love of reading.
6“Sometimes I’ll Hide An Egg Too Well And No One Finds It… Well, Until Summer Rolls Around. Then The Hot Air Starts To Bring Out The Rotten Smell… Hehe.”
Last One In Is A Rotten…
One occasion where gamers get a break from regular NPC dialogue is duringStardew’syearly festivals, where it’s worth taking the time to talk to all the villagers and see what they have to say. Whether slurping down food or bemoaning their losses at seasonal games, it’s a fun way to integrate deeper into the town’s culture.
A particularly cheeky line comes fromfisherman Willyduring the Spring Egg Festival, where he confesses that sometimes his hiding skills are just too good. It’s an early insight into the rather reserved character caring more about his hometown than he might first appear to, and hints at hisplayful nature down the line.
5“Hmm. I Just Remembered That I Was Supposed To Do Something… But I Forgot. This Happens To Me All The Time.”
Missing Mission Memories
A real testament to ConcernedApe’s ability to build relatable characters who also deliver on laughs isSam, the ADHD-flavored guitaristwho lives inStardew Valleywith his family. His dialogue options frequently reference being hungry, forgetting something important, or being too busy following whatever has grabbed his attention at the time to talk.
Like many other villagers, Sam slowly reveals more of himself to the player as he discusses his dreams of music stardom. His relationship with his father Kent, who returns from war during the second in-game year, can also be a complex one, making players appreciate the ditzy, lighter moments of Sam’s conversations.
As one ofStardew Valley’smost popular marriage candidates, and overwhelmingly loved by most players, it’s rare to find a player who hasn’t tied the knot withElliottduring at least one run-through. The foppish poet boasts some of the game’s silliest lines of dialogue, and that’s without factoring in his live novel reading.
Upon marrying the beach-dweller and moving him into the farm, the player will regularly be asked for reassurance that his precious, flowing locks aren’t headed for the chop. Given that Elliott has a benign spouse room and staysout of the Farmer’s wayon a weekly basis, he can be safe in the knowledge that his ears will stay warm.
3"Hey, How’d You Know I Was Hungry? This Looks Delicious!"
Strongest Teeth In The Valley
Purple-haired Abigail’sstrange response to being presented with rocks and gemstones is one of the most-memed moments in theStardewfandom. Anyone who frequents dedicated social media will often see pictures of real-life gems being posted with this caption.
Another layer to the funny preference for chowing down on the inedible is the fact that it hints at Abigail’s possibly mystical origins. Pieces of dialogue from many characters (along with her unusual hair) hint to the fact she may secretly be the Wizard’s daughter, and so might be tuning into gem vibrations in a magical way…
2"You!!! Was That Some Kind Of Sick Prank?! Those Are Very Private!"
Purple Shorts Prank
Town Mayor Lewisinitially comes across as a fairly serious character, offering the player their first introduction to the new farm and assigning their first quests. However, this mask quickly starts to slip as the implication of hissecret affair with Marnieis revealed… with his polka-dot shorts turning up in her bedroom for what are probably innocent reasons.
While the aim of the quest is to return them to Lewis in a hush-hush fashion, a funny Easter Egg pops up when the player chooses instead to include them in their annual grange display. The Mayor’s furious reaction is very amusing, and reminds players to be on the lookout for other hidden gems.
1"You Have Found A Stardrop! Your Mind Is Filled With Thoughts Of…"
Succulent Stardrop Sensation
Upon opening a new game ofStardew Valley, players are asked to fill in a ‘favorite thing’ box as part of the character creation screen. Many don’t think about this too hard, put in whatever funny or irreverent answer comes to mind, and then simply forget about it as the game begins. That is, until they come across their firstStardrop.
Consuming the magical fruit makes the Farmer think of their favorite thing… which they’ve likely recently specified is something like ‘poop,’ ‘cash,’ or worse. These moments are a real bright spot in the game, as they remind players that, no matter howfrustrating the Skull Cavern is, it’s also easy to set off a bomb on a meticulously planted field, or that if they keep missing a key item for the Community Center… soon enough, their mind will be filled with thoughts of poop once more.
