Stardew Valley, the beloved farming simulation game, has taken the gaming world by storm with its charming gameplay and relaxing atmosphere. The addition of multiplayer co-op mode has further enhanced the experience, allowing players to share the joys and challenges of farming with their friends. In this article, we will explore some essential tips and money tricks for success in Stardew Valley co-op mode, making your farming journey even more enjoyable.
Number of Players
Before diving into the co-op gameplay, it’s crucial to consider the number of players in your farm. Stardew Valley supports up to four players in co-op mode, so gather your friends or invite random players to join you on this farming adventure. Keep in mind that each player will have their cabin, and it’s essential to decide on the division of work and responsibilities to ensure efficient progress.
Choosing Farm and Settings
When starting a co-op game, one player will become the host and choose the farm type and settings. Each farm type has its unique challenges and benefits, ranging from standard farms to wilderness or even special ones like the Riverland farm. Coordinate with your co-op partners and select a farm type that suits your collective preferences and playstyle.
Cabin Layout Options
In Stardew Valley’s co-op mode, you have the flexibility to change the cabin layout later in the game by asking Robin to move the cabins. If you’re playing as a duo, it’s generally best to opt for a closer cabin layout. This allows you and your partner to work together more efficiently and be in sync with your farming tasks. However, if you’re part of a larger group of four players, the choice of cabin layout can be more diverse. You may decide to stick closely together like a group of cabinmates or spread out to focus on individual tasks.
Money Style Considerations
Deciding how to manage money in your co-op farm is an essential aspect of successful collaboration. For duos, the “Money Shared” option works exceptionally well. By combining resources, you can easily purchase and upgrade farm necessities together. On the other hand, if you’re part of a bigger group, “Money Separated” might be a better fit. Each player contributes their fair share through hard work and dedication. It is also important to remember that money can also be given to specific players by visiting the Mayor’s house and using the green book inside, this plays an important role when choosing the Money Separated option.
Profit Margin Challenges
Customizing the profit margin allows you to adjust the level of difficulty in your co-op farm. Choosing anything other than the normal profit margin will result in lower profits from crops and products. For those seeking a challenge and a more immersive experience, experimenting with different profit margins can add excitement to your gameplay.
Farm Layout
Selecting the Perfect Farm Stardew Valley offers a variety of farm layouts for you and your friends to choose from. Depending on the number of players and your preferred playstyle, different farms may suit you better. Here are the available options:
- Standard Farm: Ideal for both duos and groups of four, offering ample space for crops and animals.
- Riverland Farm: Offers a unique experience with lots of water and islands, best suited for players who enjoy fishing. Less space for crops but abundant in fish availability.
- Forest Farm: Perfect for duos seeking a more relaxed gameplay, abundant with wood and foraging items. It is important to take note that this farm has less farming space than the Standard Farm.
- Hill-top Farm: Provides mining opportunities with quarry areas and geodes, appealing to those interested in mining.
- Wilderness Farm: Adds a challenge with monsters appearing at night, catering to players who seek excitement and action.
- Four Corners Farm: Specifically designed for larger groups, dividing the farm into four equal parts, each with distinct features reminiscent of other farms.
- Beach Farm: Offers a beachside setting and a steady supply of seashells, suited for players who love beach-themed activities.
Route (JojaMart vs Community Center)
A significant decision to make in your co-op journey is whether to follow the Joja Corporation route or the traditional Community Center route. The Joja Mart route allows you to purchase community development projects, while the Community Center route involves completing bundles to restore the dilapidated center. Discuss with your fellow players and opt for the path that aligns with your farming goals and desires for the community. However, considering this is a Co-Op gameplay, why not take the challenge of completing the Community Center?
Community Center
Pros:
- Diverse Rewards: Each completion of bundles within the Community Center offers various kinds of rewards, ranging from valuable items to useful tools.
- Friendship Boost: Completing the Community Center is not only beneficial for your farm but also brings a significant friendship boost from all the townsfolk, fostering better relationships.
- Expanded Shopping: Choosing the Community Center route leads to Pierre’s shop staying open seven days a week, providing more convenience for your shopping needs.
- Unlocking the Movie Theater: Successfully restoring the Community Center grants access to the town’s movie theater, offering entertainment and a new social spot.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Completing the Community Center takes considerable time and effort, typically spanning at least a year. It requires consistent dedication to gather the necessary items and complete the bundles.
Joja Mart
Pros:
- Quicker Unlocks: Opting for the Joja Mart route allows for faster unlocks of various upgrades and resources, reducing the time needed to access certain benefits.
- Simplified Requirements: Unlike the Community Center, which demands specific items for bundles, Joja Mart progression solely requires monetary contributions.
- Early Access to Autopetter: By choosing Joja Mart, you can acquire the Autopetter tool earlier in the game, making it more convenient to care for your animals.
Cons:
- Lack of Small Rewards: Unlike the Community Center, which offers incremental rewards with each bundle completion, Joja Mart lacks these small rewards, potentially leaving you feeling less accomplished along the way.
- Substantial Monetary Investment: Completing the Joja Mart route demands a significant amount of money, making it a costly endeavor that may strain your finances.
Division of Work
An essential aspect of a successful co-op farm is the division of work. Assign specific tasks to each player based on their preferences and strengths. One player might excel at farming and tending to crops, while another might focus on mining or fishing. Open communication and cooperation among the players will lead to a more efficient, profitable, and enjoyable farming experience.
In this gameplay I was the one focused on Farming, Foraging, and Socializing, while my duo partner was the one focused on Mining, Fishing, and Combat. This sped up the completion of the Community Center! Why not incorporate a similar strategy into your next co-op gameplay?
Tips and Tricks
1. Multiplication glitch
One of the most widely known tricks in Stardew Valley’s co-op mode is the Multiplication Glitch. To execute this glitch, have you and another player place an item on the ground and use a pickaxe tool simultaneously. When done correctly, the item will duplicate, allowing you to amass valuable resources quickly. This exploit is particularly beneficial if you have an iridium sprinkler, as it facilitates easy item duplication.
2. Unlimited Grass
Ensure a steady supply of grass for your barn animals by planting a patch of grass under a fence. The animals won’t be able to eat the grass beneath the fence, allowing it to grow indefinitely. With this trick, you’ll never have to worry about running out of grass for your livestock.
3. Greenhouse Exploits
Once you unlock the greenhouse, you gain access to a year-round growing space unaffected by changing seasons. Optimize this advantage by planting trees, ancient fruits, and starfruit, as they yield high-earning produce. Utilizing the greenhouse effectively can significantly boost your income.
4. Season Grass
Take advantage of the last day of winter to employ the Season Grass exploit. Plant a few grass starters around the farm before sleeping for the next day. Witness a dramatic growth of grass all over your farm, as grass tends to grow rapidly with the start of each new season. This trick ensures a bountiful supply of grass for your livestock.
5. New Money
In the early stages of the game, befriend Caroline and reach level 2 friendship. Caroline will reward you with the recipe for tea saplings, which are quick to produce and complete. Utilize this advantage in your first spring to generate additional income for you and your friends. Watch this for detailed steps for this trick.
Stardew Valley’s co-op mode offers a fantastic opportunity to share the joys of farming with friends while discovering new tricks and techniques to maximize your earnings. From exploiting glitches to making the most of the greenhouse, these tips and money tricks will undoubtedly elevate your co-op farming experience. Embrace teamwork, communication, and a dash of creativity, and you’ll find yourselves building the most prosperous farm in the valley. Happy farming!
Read more about Stardew Valley Tips and Tricks!
Ultimate Guide: How to Get Rich with Chicken Coops in Stardew Valley – Step-by-Step Strategies and Tips – Retro Canister
