Does anybody have any tips for returning SDV players that haven’t played in a few years?

[Mysterionz]

Hey.

If you read my intro thread, you may know I’ve been playing SDV on and off for a few years now, last time I played was January 2019. SDV players, do you have any tips for someone that hasn’t played since the start of 2019?

Thanks,

Erika

Mods, feel free to move this thread to a different section if game discussion doesn’t fit.

 

[Pangaearocks]

Depends what you are looking for I suppose? What did you like doing in the game? What maps have you played? Maybe try a different one? Any particular challenges or self-restrictions you want to try out? Currently I'm doing a no-farming save, which is both liberating and limiting, but so far has been fun.

Since you haven't played the game in about three years, a lot has changed with the 1.5 expansion. Hadn't played with that patch myself. Actually, before picking up the game recently, I hadn't played for probably about two years. You'll find many new features and 'events' now, so maybe just starting a save and doing whatever you fancy is a good start.

 

[Lew Zealand]

I started a new save with each of the 2 major expansions since I started with v1.3 in 2017, and I chose a new map and ended up with a new spouse for each. So along with the additions to the storyline, the general playthrough was different enough to be fully fun and entertaining. I very much recommend this. Some of the new content can happen already in Year 1, though you're likely going through Summer before seeing the first of those opportunities.

In addition to the above changes, maybe focus a different thing than what you remember doing on that old save: Maybe more Mining than Farming. Maybe more Fishing than Combat (if you got the hang of Fishing of course!). Maybe more Farm design and layout than land-use efficiency. Maybe just taking it eeeeeasy and committing to that 6-hour workday from noon-6pm, capped off with JotPK in the Saloon until past midnight. Maybe Tailoring every outfit in the game (focus on getting Cloth to get access to the Sewing Machine asap) and then obtaining the unTailorable shirts.

Here's a tip to make those early stages less frustrating: focus on befriending Caroline to 2 (using Foraged Daffodils) to get the Tea Sapling recipe and then craft and sell those. They make a lot of g for the effort and can ease that shortage of g that happens in early game. IMO it's a little too overpowered for a first-time player as the process of finding the game mechanics is much of the Magic of playing SDV but you've played already so IMO this is fair game. I did this in my most recent save and yesh, it's real nice!

 

[imnvs]

Were it me?

I would take either an old save that was way end game, like completed the CC and don't have anything to do but make money... take that save, load it up, and discover the new content. OR start a new save and learn the new content on the way.

I would not take one in the middle. All or nothing only.

 

[JuliB00]

First tip: play a new farm. If you haven't played in a while I suggest an easier farm layout like the forest or standard farm. Corner farm is cool with solo play because it helps you section off the areas of your farm more easily. Forest farm will always be the more aesthetic in my opinion but if you are looking for creative freedom you can never go wrong with the standard farm.

Two: REMIX the community center bundles AND the mines. Personally I only ever play with remixed mine rewards because you have a chance to get the crystal shoes which are white on your sprite and they go with every outfit. I like having the extra immunity because I hate debuffs especially in the early game in the mines. It is also nice not knowing what you will get. As for the CC, sometimes the remixed bundles are harder but if you get lucky you can get a really easy year 1 completable CC. "Guarantee year one completable" is always an option if you don't want to remix the CC bundles. This will guarantee that the traveling cart will sell red cabbages at least once in year one but if you miss it then you're kinda stuck.

Three: watch inspiring design videos and try to plan your farm layout from the beginning so you don't spend so much time struggling on how to design your farm in the moment wasting those precious in game hours.

Four: PATHWAYS! Not only are they pretty, but walking on them also slightly increases your running speed and they help you design your farm.

Five: Play with a friend! You can make them do all the work (LOL) while you troll OR you can choose to cooperate and make a very successful early game farm to earn tons of stonks and be rich after your first in game year.

Six: Make friends with townspeople so they bombard you with gifts in the mail and manipulate the spouses for the items they give you for their 14 heart events.

 

[ougiocean]

One: Marry Harvey
Two: Play on Forest Farm
Three: Mine
Four: Play with your friends if they have the game
Five: Work towards the bus and then the rest of the CC
Six: Divorce Harvey on year 3
Seven: Marry Haley
Eight: Divorce Haley
Nine: Befriend all townfolk