Mastering Stardew Valley: A Thorough Guide to Grandpa's Evaluation

Every player of Stardew Valley knows there's plenty at stake when undertaking the laid-back agrarian lifestyle of Pelican Town. The ultimate justification comes in the form of Grandpa's Evaluation, the spectral assessment of your successful farm management. This guide unpacks the process, helping you achieve the best possible result and making your ghostly Grandpa proud.

Understanding Grandpa's Evaluation

At the dawn of the third year in the game, your protagonist’s deceased grandfather visits from beyond to evaluate your progress on the farm. The performance barometer is Grandpa's Shrine, nestled at the Northwest corner of The Farm. As Grandpa evaluates your achievements, the shrine illuminates with a number of candles, each indicating how successful you have been. Strive to light all four candles for the optimal evaluation score.

Navigating the Scoring System

The game offers a total of 21 points across five different milestones. Achieving these milestones within the first two years of your farming life is the key to an impressive score during Grandpa's Evaluation. Below is the breakdown of the milestones and achievable points:

• Total Earnings Milestone: Accumulate earnings up to 1,000,000 gold for a total of 7 points.
• Player’s Skill Level: Reach a total of 50 levels across all Skills for 2 points.
• Achievements Milestone: Master angling, complete the museum’s collection and ship all items for a total of 3 points.
• Friendship Milestone: Reach eight Friendship Hearts with at least ten villagers, get married, and foster your pet-farmer bond for a total of 4 points.
• Miscellaneous Milestone: Restore the Community Center and delve into The Mines to earn a total of 5 points.

Lighting Up Your Rewards

The reward for dedicating yourself to optimizing your farm life is the Statue of Perfection. Win this coveted trophy made of pure iridium by lighting up four candles at Grandpa's Shrine, implying a score of 12 points or above. Here's how the number of lit candles translates into your total points:

• 1 lit candle - 0 to 3 total points
• 2 lit candles - 4 to 7 total points
• 3 lit candles - 8 to 11 total points
• 4 lit candles - 12+ total points

Second Chance: Grandpa's Re-evaluation

In the event that you don't meet Grandpa's Evaluation criteria on the first go, the game offers you a second chance. Offering a Diamond to Grandpa's Shrine triggers a reevaluation, allowing you another opportunity to prove your farming skills. This friendly ghostly evaluation merely influences your game story with no bearing on your game lifespan.

Cultivating Success: Key Tips

It's essential to prioritize the easier milestones that yield the most points while navigating the Evaluation. Focusing on Skill Leveling and earning gold are effective strategies. Enhancing relationships with townsfolk, diligently petting your farm animals, and taking on the courageous quest into The Mines can accrue handy points. Remember, the ultimate aim is an enriched in-game life, rather than just winning.