Stardew Valley, like most cozy life-simulation games, boasts a staggering suite of customization options. Though its simple, retro graphical style doesn’t allow for particularly detailed character designs, the bevy of outfit and household-upgrade options, not to mention the gross degree of freedom players have over their farm layouts, makeStardew Valleyan easy-to-customize game for just about any player.
Additionally, it’s interesting to see howStardew Valley’s post-launch updates have expanded the personalization options that players have at their disposal. NotableStardewpatches have introduced features like the ability to customize flooring, adding a huge assortment of new furniture and clothing items, and even entirely new farm archetypes. And yet, there’s one bridge thatStardew Valleyhas yet to cross, and while it may seem tempting to do so on the surface, the game should steer clear of this path, as it would probably be a bit too great of a departure from its winning formula and identity.
Stardew Valley Could Add Villager Customization, But Shouldn’t
The Argument for NPC Customization in Stardew Valley
A multitude of games, from a multitude of different genres, allow players to personalize the appearance of non-player characters. For many, this is a rather appealing feature: hit titles likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsflesh out their customization optionsby expanding the boundaries of customization beyond the player-controlled avatar. Through these customization features, players can enjoy a far greater degree of control over the game world, which is understandably attractive.
When looking atAnimal Crossingin particular, the ability to customize villagers feeds into the broader idea of the game as a virtual zen garden. Challenge, befuddlement, and stress are not whatAnimal Crossingplayers are looking for; control over one’s environment, to an absolute degree, is a huge part of what makesAnimal Crossingso engaging from a customization standpoint. Giving NPCs outfits in the hopes that they will don them is a natural extension of this broader concept, and it’s understandable to wonder if this would not be to the benefit of any low-stakes, cozy gaming experience.
Despite Possible Benefits, NPC Customization and Stardew Aren’t a Good Match
Though often compared,Stardew Valleyand the likes ofAnimal Crossingare fundamentally different from one another. Though they both may slot into the “virtual zen garden” concept, being a safe space for players to live out a fantasy of quaint and relaxing small-town life,Stardew Valleyhas different narrative priorities. The unfolding relationships between the player-character and the various citizens of Pelican Town are less flexible than what is seen inAnimal Crossing, but also far more robust.
The NPCs ofStardew Valleyare independent, with their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, and ongoing conflicts. It’s not likeAnimal CrossingorDisney Dreamlight Valley, where the NPCs mostly exist in the background and can often feel more like set dressing, for better or worse. Considering this distinction, it would probably be a mistake for a futureStardew Valleyupdate to allow NPC customization, as this would be a bridge too far in terms of player control within this virtual world.
Stardew Valleyworks because Pelican Town feels like a real place, one that exists with or without the player. Each NPC has a routine, most have jobs, and all of them have unique stories to tell; they aren’t simply there to slot into the customization or power fantasy.Stardew’s NPCs are full of surprisesand have so much potential for unique interactions, so reducing them to doll-like characters that the player can dress up would run counter to the game’s strengths.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
