Stardew Valley Year 1 Checklist (What to Do First)

Your first year in Stardew Valley sets the tone for everything after. You don’t have to do it all — but a few priorities each season pay off hugely. Here’s a relaxed Year 1 checklist to keep you on track without turning a cozy game into a chore.

New to the valley? Start with our beginner’s guide.

Spring (Year 1)

• Plant crops on day one — parsnips first, then reinvest. See the best crops guide.
• Buy Strawberry seeds at the Egg Festival (day 13) and plant them — top spring earner.
• Meet everyone in town and start learning birthdays (gift guide).
• Start the Community Center bundles — donate spring crops, foraged items, and fish.
• Upgrade your watering can or pickaxe when you can spare the tool for two days.

Summer (Year 1)

• Go big on Blueberries (multi-harvest = steady income). Add kegs and start making wine.
• Buy a coop, then a barn — animals + artisan goods (mayo, cheese) compound your income.
• Push into the Mines for ore and the metals you need for upgrades.
• Fish on rainy days — great money and Community Center bundle progress.

Fall (Year 1)

• Cranberries + Pumpkins for income; keep the kegs running.
• Aim to finish a few Community Center rooms — the greenhouse reward is a game-changer (how to unlock it).
• Hit Friendship milestones with anyone you’re interested in befriending or romancing.
• Catch the Traveling Cart on Fridays/Sundays for rare seeds (maybe even Ancient Fruit).

Winter (Year 1)

• Nothing grows outside — mine deep, fish, and prep fields for a huge Spring.
• Finish tool upgrades and stock up on resources.
• Complete more bundles with stored items and the money (Vault) bundles.

Don’t stress the “perfect” year

You won’t do everything in Year 1 — and that’s fine. Stardew has no real fail state. Hit a few of these each season and you’ll start Year 2 rich, well-equipped, and with friends all over town.

Keep going: how to make money fast · best crops · gift guide. 🌱