Stardew Valley: Ranking the 6 Most Challenging Bachelors to Date

While real-life dating can be complex, Stardew Valley offers a charmingly simplistic approach to romance. Yet, within the cozy confines of Pelican Town, some bachelors prove more challenging to woo than others. This ranking explores the datable men in Stardew Valley, from the easiest to the most difficult to win over.

Before diving into the list, here’s a quick overview of all the bachelors in Stardew Valley along with their best and worst traits:

Ranking Criteria

This list ranks the bachelors based on the overall dating experience, not just the typical gift-giving and scheduling aspects. Factors like personality, potential red flags, and Heart Events all play a part in determining how challenging these bachelors are to date.

If you're curious about which bachelors are tough to woo based solely on their favorite gifts, here's a brief insight: Sam and Shane are relatively easy because their favorite gifts are easy to find, while Elliott and Sebastian are harder because they're less accessible in the early game.

6. Sam

The Challenge: He Can Be Immature  

Favorite Gifts: Pizza, Tigerseye, Maple Bar, Cactus Fruit

Sam might display occasional immaturity, but overall, he’s one of the easier bachelors to date. He maintains a steady personality throughout the game, avoiding monotony while remaining approachable.

Dating Sam is convenient due to his love for common items like Pizza and Joja Cola, making it easy to build a relationship with him early on.

5. Sebastian

The Challenge: He’s a Reserved Loner  

Favorite Gifts: Frog Egg, Frozen Tear, Obsidian, Pumpkin Pie, Sashimi, Void Egg

Sebastian is a fan-favorite bachelor in Pelican Town, though getting him to open up can be a bit of a struggle. As a character who often keeps to himself, he’s not the easiest to approach, especially during the initial Heart Events.

While his favorite gifts aren’t as readily available as some others, they can still be found with a bit of exploration in the early levels of The Mines. Sebastian’s mysterious personality also adds to his appeal, making players eager to learn more about him.

4. Elliott

The Challenge: He’s Hard to Find  

Favorite Gifts: Crab Cakes, Duck Feathers, Lobsters, Pomegranates, Squid Ink, Tom Kha Soup

Elliott is a particularly tricky bachelor to date, largely because he’s so elusive. Living in a secluded cabin by the beach, players only have limited chances to interact with him at the start of the game.

Elliott’s poetic and sensitive nature may also be a turn-off for some players, especially given his overly romanticized view of relationships. His intense attachment style becomes apparent after a breakup, as he laments that the player has shattered all his hopes and dreams.

3. Alex

The Challenge: He Can Be a Freeloader  

Favorite Gifts: Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner, "Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Thick"

Alex’s preferences for specific, valuable gifts like Complete Breakfast and Salmon Dinner make him less popular among players. These items are hard to part with, but that’s not the only obstacle in dating Alex.

On a personal level, Alex starts off as a stereotypical arrogant jock, making it tough for players to warm up to him. It takes several interactions to uncover his more relatable side, but many players don’t give him the chance to show it.

2. Harvey

The Challenge: His Stability Makes Him Dull  

Favorite Gifts: Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal, Truffle Oil, Wine

Harvey is a well-liked bachelor, but that doesn’t mean he’s easy to date. His stable and level-headed personality can feel a bit dull for those looking for a more passionate romance. Harvey is content with simple, quiet moments, which might not appeal to everyone.

Another challenge is his unusual dislikes. Harvey isn’t a fan of universally loved treats like cookies and pancakes, which can make connecting with him more difficult than expected.

1. Shane

The Challenge: He’s an Alcoholic  

Favorite Gifts: Beer, Pizza, Hot Pepper, Pepper Poppers

Shane tops the list as the most difficult bachelor to date in Stardew Valley, primarily due to his struggles with alcoholism. Though he may seem approachable, his personal issues create significant challenges in forming a relationship. Players need a great deal of patience to navigate Shane’s downward spiral while choosing to overlook his red flags.

If not for his personal struggles, Shane could be one of the easiest characters to date, given his predictable routine at the saloon and his love for Beer. However, many players find it tough to befriend him, making marriage with Shane a daunting prospect.

Reaching eight hearts with Shane does come with a reward: unlocking Blue Chickens.