It’s easy to assume that Stardew Valley is a farming game, and nothing more—but that’s not entirely true. And, in reality, there are numerous different Stardew Valley professions you’ll need to choose between to find the right one for your game style. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the many different Stardew Valley professions and skills you should know to help you make the most of your game.
What are Stardew Valley Professions?
Professions are an incredibly influential part of the Stardew Valley game, and they can potentially influence how you play overall. In line with this thought, it’s easy to understand why picking the right profession for your farm is vital.
A profession in Stardew Valley, at its simplest, is a specialism in particular activities, providing boosts to different aspects of gameplay. Some of the different professions available in the game include:
- Rancher
- Tiller
- Coopmaster
- Artisan
- Shepherd
- Agriculturist
- Miner
- Geologist
- Blacksmith
- Excavator
- Prospector
- Gemologist
- Forester
- Gatherer
- Lumberjack
- Botanist
- Tapper
- Tracker
- Fisher
- Trapper
- Angler
- Mariner
- Pirate
- Luremaster
- Fighter
- Scout
- Brute
- Acrobat
- Defender
- Desperado
The Different Stardew Valley Professions You Could Choose
There are many different professions you could choose in Stardew Valley, and understanding the differences between these could help you pick the right path. These are as follows. Don’t forget—once you choose a Level 5 profession, this will limit the type of profession you can take at Level 10.
Now, let’s be real—Stardew Valley is a farming game, first and foremost. As such, for most players, the first skill you’ll level up to Level 5 will be farming, and this opens up your first choice of profession: rancher or tiller. Rancher increases the value of animal products by 20%, while tiller makes all grown crops worth 10% more (not foraged plants).
Skill Level 5 Upgrades Effects Level 10 Upgrades Effects
Farming Rancher Increases the value of animal products by 20% Coopmaster Improves coop product quality, reduces incubation times, and coop animals are befriended more quickly.
Shepherd Barn product quality rises and sheep grow wool more quickly. Barn animals are befriended more easily.
- Tiller Increases the value of crops by 10% (applies to all grown crops, but not to foraged plants) Artisan All artisan goods, such as wine and cheese, are increased in value by 40%.
- Agriculturalist All crops grow 10% faster.
- Mining Miner Every vein gives one more ore Blacksmith Metal bars are increased in value by 50%.
- Prospector Coal chances are doubled when mining.
- Geologist 50% chance per mining node that gems and geodes will spawn in pairs. Excavator Doubled chances of finding geodes.
- Gemologist Value of gems increased by 30%.
- Foraging Forester 25% more wood per tree felled. Lumberjack Any tree has the chance to give hardwood.
- Tapper Syrup value increased by 25%.
- Gatherer 20% chance of a double harvest when foraging items. Botanist Ensures that all foraged plants are of the highest possible quality.
- Tracker Forageable item locations are shown.
- Fishing Fisher All fish ar e worth 25% more. Angler Fish are worth 50% more
- Pirate Double chances of finding treasure.
- Trapper Crafting crab pots uses fewer resources. Mariner Crab pots will not produce junk items anymore.
- Luremaster Bait is no longer needed for crab pots.
- Combat Fighter Do 10% more damage per attack and receive an additional 15 HP. Brute Do 15% more damage per attack.
- Defender Receive 25 more HP.
- Scout 50% greater critical strike chance. Acrobat Reduced special move cooldown times by 50%.
- Desperado Doubles critical strike damage.
What are the Best Stardew Valley Professions?
Ranch or Tiller in Stardew Valley?Whether you choose the ranch or tiller profession in Stardew will depend on whether you are focusing on livestock or arable crops. Rancher can increase animal products significantly, although the increased value of faster growing crops can also be lucrative once you unlock agriculturalist.
Stardew Valley: Miner or Geologist?
When it comes to miner or geologist in Stardew Valley, it’s important to consider how you are playing and your mining goals. Generally, miner will be better as it increases the amount of ore you can find; however, geologist can offer more earning opportunities from mining.
Stardew Valley: Fighter or Scout?
Choosing between fighter or scout in Stardew will likely depend on your normal combat strategy. If ou rely heavily on criticals and special moves, scout will likely be better suited; however, fighter may be more practical for those who don’t use specials.
Forester or Gatherer in Stardew?
Generally speaking, forester will be more useful for most people. However, if you do spend a lot of time foraging, you may want to consider the gatherer profession and its subsequent upgrades.
FAQs
Changing your Stardew Valley professions is possible once you have unlocked the sewers, which will allow you to use the Statue of Uncertainty. The cost to change your profession with the Statue of Uncertainty is 10,000G, and you will be given the chance to choose a new profession the following morning. Keep in mind that you will lose any bonuses associated with a profession you change your selections.
You get professions in Stardew Valley by leveling up your skills. This will allow you to select a profession when you reach the relevant skill level, and your choice will then provide a range of different bonuses to your game.
The level you need to reach to gain a profession will depend on the profession in question. The first professions appear at Level 5 of a certain skill, and the second profession appears at Level 10. For example, once you reach Level 5 in farming, you can choose between either Rancher or Tiller; then, at level 10, you can choose between Coopmaster or Shepherd (for Ranchers) and Artisan or Agriculturist (for Tillers).
Final Thoughts
Stardew Valley professions are an incredibly important component of the game, but it’s incredibly easy to overlook these when getting started—leaving you in a tricky position when it’s time to choose. As such, being aware of the different professions can be incredibly helpful, and today’s guide should have equipped you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your own game.