I’ve been thinking about how to answer this for a while now. Several months ago, Squigglyruth had a thread detailing how she chose her year one strategy. I found it really helpful. I would like to be helpful too, but I’m not really the type to pull out a calculator and run the numbers on crop value or skill level. Fortunately, the forums are filled with members who enjoy that. I’ll just benefit from their hard work. So, here is my general Stardew Valley strategy.
1. Create a character that speaks to me. I generally start a new save file with certain goals in mind. I’ll make a character and pick a farm type based on those goals. But, if the farmer and I aren’t connecting, I’ll delete the file and start fresh.
2. Don’t rush into marriage. I usually like to get married in the game and hope to someday marry every available villager. However, some villagers tickle my fancy more than others. Nothing kills my interest in my farm faster than an uninspiring spouse.
3. Experiment. I love to try different year one openings. Unlock the desert at the end of the first spring? Check. Make money mining and smelting? Check. Level 5 fishing on day 4? Check. This really helped me focus on what I truly enjoy.
4. Do what you enjoy. Farming and foraging are my favorite in game skill. Planting wild seeds fulfills both needs, so I try to plant them my first year. Thanks to Squigglyruth, I discovered that I love to brew beer in my first summer and fall. Are there more profitable crops? Yep. Does it matter to me? Not usually. Heck, I’m unabashedly team pumpkin pickles over cranberries in fall.
5. Splurge on good weapons. Combat is so much more enjoyable with quality weapon you handle well.
6. use sheds for fun and profit. My beach farm has 7 sheds- 1 work shop, 4 for processing and 2 to decorate. I wish the villagers would come visit my aquarium and tea room. For now, I’ll just have to pretend.
7. Don’t be afraid to change things. There really is no wrong way to play, so if you’re unhappy with something change it. Restart an unpleasant day, destroy that slime hutch, reduce your crop field. You do not want to know how often I rearrange my farm. I want a farm I enjoy.
8. Don’t forget the villagers! Some of them will send you great gifts in the mail, some will crack you up with the things they say and some you will torment. Would you like some corn, Pierre? Heh, heh. Don’t forget the wizard! Access to his basement is worth the effort of raising his friendship level.
Anyway, that’s how I approach a new game. I know my answer is different from most of the ones you will get, but I hope it helps some one.