Slow Progress is… still progress?

[Pigeon.of.Paper]

I’m nearly done with Year 1 and at around a bit more that 10k, no kegs and full hearts with three people. I have no idea how I spent more than triple of my current balance in one year. ;-; Is this worrying?
…actually, now that I think about it and consider my trauma from Animal Crossing’s very emotionally demanding villagers, I think I know why I’m so poor.

Honestly, I think that it’s okay to play the game at any pace at all, even if said pace is slower than a snail. Is this an acceptable pace to play the game at? What are your opinions?

 

[Mango Choo-choo]

Do you feel happy?
If you are happy, ignore the progress.
It is a single-player game not a PVP ranking game.

Even in Animal Crossing, nothing can make you traumatic.

It is just a game, not your work.
No rules say you must be faster than a snail.
Progress is nothing.
You happiness comes first.

 

[Lew Zealand]

I’m nearly done with Year 1 and at around a bit more that 10k, no kegs and full hearts with three people. I have no idea how I spent more than triple of my current balance in one year. ;-; Is this worrying?
…actually, now that I think about it and consider my trauma from Animal Crossing’s very emotionally demanding villagers, I think I know why I’m so poor.

Honestly, I think that it’s okay to play the game at any pace at all, even if said pace is slower than a snail. Is this an acceptable pace to play the game at? What are your opinions?

Yes, every pace is the right pace to play Stardew at, including yours! Nothing is forced on you and you're free to ignore everything and do what you want, everyone will continue what they were doing before you arrived at the Valley and they will enjoy their interactions with the new Farmer when and if that happens.

There's never a hurry.

 

[DOBITEUS]

Same response as my homies above. This a game, not homework

 

[Yogurt_The_Cow]

Honestly? Your pace is more than acceptable—it's wonderful. Stardew Valley is meant to be enjoyed however you want, and the fact that you’ve built relationships, saved over 10k, and are finishing your first year is actually a solid accomplishment—especially without kegs or major money-makers yet. A lot of people rush to optimize every second, but they miss out on the charm, the characters, and the calm.

Also, yes—Animal Crossing villagers can be guilt-tripping emotional monsters in pastel sweaters. If you've been bending over backwards to talk to everyone and give them gifts like you're trying to avoid a breakup, then it totally makes sense why your funds are low. Emotional damage costs gold, apparently.

And just to say: it’s not about how fast you earn gold or unlock things. Playing slow means you’re probably making deeper memories with the game. You’re getting to know the town and its people, not just sprinting toward perfection. The kegs, the money, the farm automation? That all comes with time.

 

[Wolf Haley]

yeah I have to say my first year ever, I ended it off flat broke with like seven seeds and a whole lot of nothing