Choosing the best bachelor inStardew Valleyis no easy task. Each romantic candidate has his own unique pros and cons, making the decision largely a matter of personal preference. However, by considering gameplay data and common sense, it’s possible to rank Pelican Town’s bachelors from least favorite to most beloved. The following tier list accomplishes this by evaluating all the bachelors based on their personalities, habits, and Heart Events.
Before diving into the rankings, here’s a quick introduction to each of theStardew Valleybachelors.
List of All Bachelors in Stardew Valley
There are six bachelors inStardew Valley: Sebastian, Elliott, Harvey, Sam, Alex, and Shane. Technically, players could also trigger Heart Events and become roommates with Krobus. However, there is no option to marry him, so he’s cut from the list.
Introverted, reserved, soft-hearted
Sentimental, dreamy, well-mannered
Caring, trustworthy, mature
Laidback, cheerful, adventurous
Blunt, competitive, energetic
Funny, loyal, depressed
The current ranking ofStardew Valley’s bachelors considers three key factors:
Updated on June 28, 2025, by Mohsen Baqery: Stardew Valley has been a beloved cozy game since its 2016 release, and it continues to attract both new and returning players. Even after nearly a decade, many revisit the game to explore its world, rekindle old stories, or start fresh with a new romance. With that in mind, this list has been updated with even more practical information about each bachelor in Pelican Town, making it easier for players to choose their perfect match.
6Shane
Character Trope: Tragic Hero
Tragic Heroes are flawed. In the case of Shane, his flaw is an alcohol addiction, which ruins his relationships.
Shaneis an aspiring film director, but his mindless job at Joja Mart leaves him feeling empty. To fill the void, Shane drinks –A lot. When the player first meets him, Shane is a depressed alcoholic who feels he has no reason to live. He’s distant and aloof and feels like the world doesn’t want him.
During his character arc, Shane talks about killing himself while passed out. It proves to be a wake-up call and he becomes intent on improving himself and contributing to the world in whatever ways he can. However,choosing to marry Shanechanges his story.
The Best Aspect of Dating Shane
Shane is one of the less popular bachelors inStardew Valleydue to his troubled personality and alcohol addiction. The main incentive for pursuing his Heart Events and dating him isunlocking Blue Chickens, which requires reaching at least eight Hearts with Shane. Aside from this, dating Shane involves navigating a chaotic journey filled with tragic events.
Blue Chickens are identical to the regularChickenin every way, with the only difference being their color, which is purely an aesthetic feature.
Where To Find Shane - Route & Schedule
Dating Shane and Marriage
Instead of staying on the road to recovery, Shane quits his job and doubles down on his drinking habits. He stays home, he’s mopey and rude, and despite his sweet moments, he takes considerable steps backward. Shane’s disposition after marriage shows he needs time to work on himself before making a lifelong commitment. For his sake, steer clear of Shane.
After marrying Shane, he sets up a small Chicken cook on the side of the house in the spouse feature zone. Here, he can sometimes be seen tending to his little pet, and on some days he cooks Omelets, Pizzas, or Pepper Poppers for the player. Getting Shane to eight hearts, which doesn’t require dating him, also allows players to buy Blue Chicken at Marnie’s.
All Eggs and Fruit
All mushrooms, foraged crops, Pickles, and Quartz
How to Trigger Shane’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Shane
Shane is often labeled as one ofthe worst romance candidates inStardew Valley. However, his emotionally intense heart events are the primary allure for the players to date him. Besides, he unlocks blue chickens, which are some of the cutest aesthetic additions to the farm.
5Sam
Character Trope: The Adventurer
His passion drives Sam, and he is not afraid to try new things, which makes him a perfect match for the adventurer trope.
Samis a musician and skateboard enthusiast with a knack for irritating his mom. He likes to spend most of his time skateboarding around town, playing pool in the pub, or playing guitar in his room. Sam is generous and lovable in a goofy way. No one has ever accused Sam of being too sharp, that’s for sure.
There’s a lack of depth of character in Sam, making him a less desirable marriage candidate. However, he does have some romantic beats, too.
The Best Aspect of Dating Sam
Dating Sam is an entertaining journey, thanks to his upbeat personality and love for music. His Heart Events feel like a musical high school drama in which the protagonist falls for the most popular kid in school. Post-marriage, Sam also sets up a half-pipe on the farm to practice his skateboarding moves, adding a charming touch.
Where To Find Sam - Route & Schedule
Dating Sam and Marriage
Unfortunately, this lovable doofus has a bit of a dull character arc. His father is deployed in the military for thefirst year of the game, but the interesting story beats regarding that story are given to his kid brother, Vincent. Instead of using his changing family dynamic as a way to grow, Sam doesn’t really react to the stress around him.
Sneaking into his room for a date is a sweet moment,even if it gets awkward when his mom barges in. When the farmer marries Sam, he will make pancakes every so often for the player. Additionally, he sets up a half-pipe behind the house. Every so often he can be seen outside skateboarding in this area.
All Eggs (barring the Void Egg), Joja Cola
Dislikes
All Mushrooms and Vegetables, all foraged crops, ore and bars, Pickles,Dinosaur Mayonnaise, Coal
How to Trigger Sam’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Sam
Sam might come off as immature and unreliable, as he’s an adventurer who doesn’t seem ready to settle down for anyone. However, dating Sam comes with its own advantages, with the best aspect being able to unlock his special boombox. Sam’s boombox unlocks after the player reaches the 14-heart event, and it can be used as a decorative piece that can also play a unique song.
4Alex
Character Trope: The Jock
Alex’s over-the-top passion for sports gives away his trope: He’s a jock.
Alexis an aspiring pro gridball player with more muscles than brains, although he does show insecurity about his lack of intelligence. It’s easy to pigeonhole Alex as a stereotype, butas the farmer gets to know himthey learn that he has a big heart and is more vulnerable than first meets the eye.
Throughout his arc, Alex tells the player about hisabusive father and his mother’s death. Once he feels more comfortable, he lives with his heart on his sleeve, making him a bit more endearing.
The Best Aspect of Dating Alex
Despite resembling the typical “jock” trope, Alex undergoes a relatable character development that makes him interesting to date. His Heart Events reveal more about his past, helping players understand and relate to him better. Another appealing aspect of dating Alex is his passion for sports. Players who are into athletics will likely enjoy spending time with him.
Where To Find Alex - Route & Schedule
Dating Alex and Marriage
When playing as a man, watching Alex struggle with his internalized homophobia and coming to terms with having feelings for the player showcases his strength of character. Unfortunately, there are some pretty lackluster moments during Alex’s story. His special event date is arguably one of the worst in the game, and he eventually gives up on his dream of becoming a pro gridball player once married. Afterward, it is sad to see him reminisce about what could have been.
When marrying Alex, he will sometimes make Omelets, Hashbrowns, or Pancakes for breakfast. After settling in he sets up an outdoor workout space in the space next to the house, where he can be seen lifting weights on random days.
How to Trigger Alex’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Alex
Aside from his delicious breakfasts and dinners, Alex unlocks a secret room at the Saloon. After finishing his last heart event, he asks for some money for a secret project, which turns out to be a backroom at Gus’s spot for the guys to watch gridball games. While this addition doesn’t change much about the gameplay, it’s still a nice thing to have in Pelican Town.
3Elliott
Character Trope: The Romantic Idealist
Elliott represents the classic lover archetype in epic love stories: a good-looking sentimental prince who falls for the ordinary protagonist.
Elliottis an aspiring novelist who lives in a cabin by the sea, which is just as picturesque as it sounds. Elliott is incredibly intelligent and passionate, often waxing poetic about whatever strikes his interest. He’s ambitious and chases his dreams, even if he gets discouraged now and then.
Most of Elliott’s arcis about overcoming his own self-doubt. Elliott opens up quickly to the protagonist, considering the farmer to be a good friend almost immediately. However, Elliott’s fatal flaw is that he’s a bittooperfect.
The Best Aspect of Dating Elliott
Dating Elliott makes the player feel like the protagonist in an epic romance tale—at least, that’s how he treats them during the Heart Events. Players seeking old-school, poetic romance inStardew Valleywill appreciate Elliott’s artistic personality. Additionally, he is one of the most good-looking bachelors, which is a definite plus.
Where To Find Elliott - Route & Schedule
In theSpring, Elliott can be found in his house, on the docks, or outside on the beach pretty much every day of the week. On Fridays and Sundays, if players don’t have high Hearts with Leah, he will go to the Stardrop Saloon from noon to 5 p.m. to close.
In theSummer, Elliott spends most of his time in the Forest, near Leah’s Cottage and Marnie’s Ranch. On Thursdays, he can be found at Pierre’s General Store from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Just like in Spring, if players don’t have a high Hearts count with Leah, he will go to the Saloon in the evenings on Friday and Sunday.
In theFall, Elliott spends most of his time at the Library inside the Museum, from 11 to 5 p.m. On Fridays and Sundays, he will be at the Saloon if players don’t have high Hearts with Leah, and on Thursdays, he can be found at Pierre’s from 11:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
In theWinter, Elliott follows pretty much the same schedule as in Fall, except that he will attend the Night market on the 17th.
Dating Elliott and Marriage
When married, Elliott always tells the farmer how blessed he is to have them in his life. It’s sweet, but there’s a distinct lack of realism here. Elliott’s melodrama can become exhausting and grating over time when it’s not balanced out with any major character flaws. Elliott is definitely good marriage material, but only if players want to be married to a doting, idealistic writer.
At the end of his event line, he says that he appreciates the player’s encouragement so much that when he finally finishes his novel, he dedicates it to the farmer. After marrying Elliott, he makes Coffee every few days for the player, which gives a small speed boost. He sets up a small reading and writing garden in the outdoor space next to the house, where he can be seen working on his novels or reading on some days.
All mushrooms and milk, all foraged crops,Amaranth, Quartz, Sea Cucumber
How to Trigger Elliott’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Elliott
Elliott is by far the most romantic bachelor inStardew Valley, which is a good reason to date him on its own. One example of his romantic nature can be seen during his final heart event when he starts sending the player lovely letters while away on his tour.
2Harvey
Character Trope: The Everyman
Harvey is just a regular townie with predictable and ordinary interests. He is truly the Everyman of Pelican Town.
Harvey isStardew Valley’s resident doctor, and he’s both intelligent and sensitive. Harvey shows himself to be quite the anxious nerd, and he’s socially oblivious, but his dorkiness makes him endearing.Harveymay be a ball of nerves, but he’s incredibly kind and committed to keeping the town healthy.
Unfortunately, the first parts of Harvey’s arc are pretty boring – he’s the only town doctor, after all, which means he works a lot. His character and personality start to show over time, though.
The Best Aspect of Dating Harvey
Mature players are drawn to Harvey for a clear reason: he’s emotionally stable and trustworthy. The best part of romancing Harvey is dating a kindhearted, easygoing guy with minimal unpredictability. While younger players might find him a bit dull for this very reason, he remains a popular choice among those looking to establish a family and have kids.
Where To Find Harvey - Route & Schedule
In theSpring, Harvey works almost every day at the Clinic from about 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. At noon, he goes to the park for a few hours and then returns to the clinic. After 5:30, he usually goes back to his room. On Friday, he goes to Pierre’s at noon and goes back to his room at 3 p.m. Harvey goes to the Museum on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In theSummer and Fall, Harvey follows the same schedule and can be found in the same places as in Spring.
In theWinter, Harvey follows the same schedule but will attend the Night Market after 5 p.m. on the 15th.
Dating Harvey and Marriage
Between catching him at an aerobics class and stumbling in on him playing on his airplane radio, it’s hard not to love an “adorkable” doctor. Additionally, Harvey displays impressive maturity. When telling the farmer about his dream to be a pilot, Harvey is at peace with the fact that that wasn’t in the cards for him. Harvey is also blessed with one of the most romantic dates in the game. In marriage, Harvey is an absolute joy to have around without beingjusttoo much like Elliott.
After marrying Harvey, he will make the player a Complete Breakfast every few days. In the space outdoors used for spouse features, he sets up a small garden, just like Elliott (though it is visually different). Similar to Elliott, he can often be seen here reading, though he can also be found more regularly at the clinic.
Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal,Truffle Oil, Wine
Likes
All Fruit and mushrooms, all foraged crops (barring Spice Berry and Salmonberry), Duck Egg, Duck Feather, Ginger, Goat Milk, Quartz
Sea shells, Spice Berry, Salmonberry, baked and sweet goods, Bread, Cheese, Pizza,Rice Pudding
How to Trigger Harvey’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Harvey
Harvey may not offer any unique item or add a special object to the farm. However, the fact that he brings peace and remains a supportive partner throughout the relationship is the key reason why players should choose him over other candidates.
1Sebastian
Character Trope: The Loner
Sebastian’s introverted and reserved persona makes him a perfect representation of the loner trope.
When first meeting Sebastian, it’s easy to misconstrue him as a misanthropic, edgy loner – but getting to knowSebastianmight completely change the farmer’s perception of him. He’s a freelance computer programmer saving up so he can move away from Pelican Town because he struggles to connect with his family and other locals.
His character arcis all about the farmer and Sebastian learning to understand one another. Throughout his arc, he works hard to reexamine his goals and desires, eventually realizing that it’s his duty to create his own happiness.
The Best Aspect of Dating Sebastian
Thanks to his relatable personality and intriguing story arc,Sebastian is considered the best bachelor inStardew Valley. The highlight of dating him is witnessing his growth into a more accepting and engaged character, evolving from his initial emo, introverted, and somewhat anti-social persona. Unlike other characters like Shane, Sebastian’s character development continues after marriage, making him a reliable partner and a good parent.
Where To Find Sebastian - Route & Schedule
In theSpring, Sebastian can typically be found in or just outside his house by the Lake, except on Friday, Saturday, and rainy days. On Friday, he goes to the Saloon from 3 to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Sebastian will go to Emily and Haley’s house to play music with Sam in the morning, and the two will smoke by the river afterward. He goes home at 7:30 p.m. On Rainy Days, he can either be found in the Saloon or the Beach/Pier.
In theSummer, Sebastian follows the same schedule as in Spring. If the Railroad is unlocked, he will stand by the Train Station on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In theFall, Sebastian follows pretty much the same schedule as Spring and Summer (including the Thursday Railroad location), but instead of smoking in and around the house, he will leave most days to stand close to the Mines, north of the Lake to the right of his house.
In theWinter, Sebastian follows the same schedule as in Spring and Summer.
Dating Sebastian and Marriage
Sebastian’s self-reflective (but not somber) nature and fierce independence showcase maturity most other bachelors don’t possess. When pursuing a relationship, Sebastian is one of the few marriage candidates who keeps his job, still hangs out with his friends, and enjoys his alone time. Additionally, he speaks frankly about the relationship, showcasing an honesty that is unique to his romance. His romance is based on mutual respect and honesty, and he’s the most realistic husband in the game. Without a doubt,Sebastian is the best bachelor inStardew Valley.
After marrying Sebastian, he sometimes makes coffee for the player in the mornings. He sets up a display area for his motorcycle in the space outdoors, where he can be seen working on it every so often.
Flounder, Quartz
All flowers and mushrooms (except Poppy and Red Mushrooms), all foraged ingredients, all artisan goods, all eggs (barring the Void Egg), Clay, Complete Breakfast,Omelet
How to Trigger Sebastian’s Heart Events
Why You Should Date Sebastian
A frog terrarium might be the most tangible thing Sebastian adds to the farmhouse. But that’s not the main reason most players date him. Sebastian is the best bachelor simply because of his kindheartedness and compassionate nature. Those looking for a reliable partner who’s also emotionally available should definitely consider dating Sebastian.
