Wholesome, charming games are something of a rarity in the gaming industry. While many gamers enjoy fast-paced, action-packed shooters and hack-and-slashes, some take pleasure in simpler things and times. Stardew Valley is just that — a pleasant, rurally based farming game. Nothing reflects these ideas more than the Stardew Valley Grandpa, an NPC and narrator who scores, judges, and rewards players based on their in-game decisions.
This comes to us later in the game after we’ve completed a wide variety of quests, tasks, and farming duties. It’s a way for your Grandfather to evaluate your progress after a certain time period, with a point system to work with. Maximizing the points he awards can lead to some lucrative bonuses, though. Here’s how Grandpa determines his points for you in Stardew Valley, along with an understanding of how his Shrine’s candles work.
The Stardew Valley Grandpa Scoring System
For those somehow unaware, or those that click through dialogue screens like nothing else, the Stardew Valley Grandpa is the initiating force behind the entire game. Immediately after creating a character, players are introduced to him by receiving an inheritance: a large farming estate. Grandpa’s generosity isn’t exactly unconditional though. From beyond the grave, Grandpa assigns points based on players’ actions and can also provide subsequent bonuses.
The first two in-game years are when Grandpa assigns his points. Anyone wanting to up their Stardew Valley crop yields and items needs to take special care right from the beginning. Once the 3rd year has lapsed, Grandpa will come back as a ghost briefly to reward the player. After that, he’ll essentially vanish from the game, and where your journey in the Valley can be played indefinitely afterward.
Grandpa’s Point System Rewards
There are a total of 21 possible points to be earned through Grandpa’s evaluation. Several categories of milestones provide the player with “Grandpa points”. These include total earnings, character and experience levels, Achievements, Friendship milestones, and a few acquisitions. However, getting the bonus doesn’t require hitting each goal outlined below.
To put it simply, only 12 points need to be earned to get all the benefits out of the Grandpa point system. Perfectionists and completionists may get some satisfaction out of getting all 21, but it’s not required. Also, candles around Grandpa’s altar signal your point progress. If all four are lit, that’s a good sign.
So what do players get out of maxing out their points? Well, once the first two years are up, they’re treated to the Statue of Perfection. This item grants a random amount of Iridium Ore each day, ranging from two to eight pieces. Iridium Ore isn’t exactly easy to come by, being a rare monster drop and all. To get the bonus, be sure to earn at least 12 of the points listed below.
Earnings Goals
- 50,000 Gold – 1 point
- 100,000 Gold – 1 point
- 200,000 Gold – 1 point
- 300,000 Gold – 1 point
- 500,000 Gold – 1 point
- 1,000,000 Gold – 2 points
Total Possible Points: 7
Friendship Goals
- Completely Upgraded House and Married – 1 point
- 8 Heart Friendship with 5 Villagers – 1 point
- 8 Heart Friendship with 10 Villagers – 1 point
- 5 Heart Pet Friendship – 1 point
Total Possible points: 4
Level Goals
- 30 Skill Levels – 1 point
- 50 Skill Levels – 1 point
Total Possible Points: 2
Achievement Goals
- Completed Museum Collection – 1 point
- Catch All Fish Types – 1 point
- Ship Each Item – 1 point
Total Possible Points: 3
Miscellaneous Goals/Acquisitions
- Completed Community Center – 1 point
- Community Center Completion Ceremony – 2 points
- Received Skull Key – 1 point
- Received Rusty Key – 1 point
Total Possible Points: 5
Now that you’ve got Grandpa’s blessing, he’ll move on to the afterlife. From this moment, the farmhouse is ultimately yours, for he’ll visit you once and only once. The journey is yours to embark on, to continue raising land given by your dearly departed elder.
