Running in Stardew Valley may seem as simple as just pressing a button or key. However, there are a few nuances to sprinting around that can change the way you play the game. This guide will help make you a master at zooming around your farming world as fast as possible. So, let’s dive right into the details.
First things first, getting around in Stardew Valley is entirely straightforward. By default, your character will walk using the arrow keys on your keyboard or the joystick on your controller to move in any direction.
But as you’ll immediately learn, the default pace isn’t exactly peppy. Walking is nice when you aren’t in a rush, but when you have an entire farm to manage and a town to explore, efficiency is key. So, how do you run in Stardew Valley?
How to Run with Keyboard and Controller
To run in Stardew Valley, you need to hold down the Left Shift key on your keyboard (for PC) or push the joystick left on your console controller or Joycon. As long as you’re holding it down, your character will move at a quicker pace.
This is the default control scheme, and many players are perfectly satisfied with it. Primarily, defaulting to walk instead of run makes it easier to move tile-to-tile around your farm.
Still, it’s a bit of a nuisance if you frequently need to sprint between farm, town, and mines.
How to Auto Run
More savvy Stardew Valley players might have already spotted the “Always Run” option in the game’s settings. To find it, simply open up the menu and navigate to the settings menu.
Turning this on means your character will run instead of walk by default. Using this setting, holding the Left Shift key or holding the joystick to the left will make your character slow down to a walking pace.
It’s a neat little flip that can help you save precious time.
Can You Run in Multiplayer?
Yes, you can run in multiplayer sessions. Running becomes even more fun when you’re playing Stardew Valley with friends.
After all, why walk through your farm when you can race? Whether its getting around quickly or getting work done before nightfall, the option to run remains intact throughout multiplayer.
How to Run on a Horse
There is one world traversal option in Stardew Valley that is even faster than running. What’s the secret, you may ask? Horses, of course!
Once you’ve built the Stable, you’ll get access to a horse that can take you wherever you need to go much faster than your own feet can carry you.
Horses are perfect for those busy Stardew Valley days when you’ve got to run across your farm, drop by the mines, and maybe even squeeze in a date with one of the town’s eligible bachelors or bachelorettes.
Does Running Burn Energy in Stardew Valley?
Time and energy are precious commodities in Stardew Valley. Fortunately, running doesn’t use up more of your energy than simply walking. However, farming, mining, and fishing will sap the energy right out of you. As always, managing your energy levels is crucial to running your farm efficiently.
Of course, running around all day might make it seem like you’re burning through energy faster. Don’t worry, though! That’s just because you’re getting more done in less time.
Trust me, once you get the hang of running in Stardew Valley, you’ll never go back to walking. I personally enabled auto-run and never looked back.
Running isn’t exclusively a matter of efficiency; walking does have its purposes. Feel free to use whichever option you like in a given situation.
After all, getting the most out of the game isn’t always about squeezing as much as you can into a working day. Still, whether you’re sprinting to catch the last train, rushing to ask your favorite villager to dance at the Flower Dance, or racing your friends in multiplayer, running is an essential part of Stardew Valley gameplay.
