While relationships in Stardew Valley normally max out at eight hearts, the game’s dating mechanics allow players to get to know their favorite eligible bachelors and bachelorettes on a deeper level by unlocking new heart events after entering a relationship.
In particular, a character’s 10-heart event is unique because it shows what they want in their relationship with the farmer as their boyfriend or girlfriend. They could desire to take the lead, grow together, or simply share their interests to enjoy each other’s company. However, no matter how they navigate the relationship’s next steps, the small details in each 10-heart event make them touching, even as some of them dig deeper than others.
13 Group
Four group events can trigger after a player reaches 10 hearts with all of the bachelors and bachelorettes in Stardew Valley. Romancing the girls leads to a scene in Haley and Emily’s house where they confront the player, and dating the boys ends in a confrontation around the pool table in Gus’ saloon. If the farmer is holding a rabbit's foot during these scenes, they are replaced by light-hearted moments that allow the player’s harem to continue undetected.
No matter which version a player unlocks, the results make it clear that their actions will have consequences. However, the confrontation scenes are particularly impactful since some characters admit they thought they had a meaningful future with the farmer.
12 Penny
Penny meets the farmer at the pools inside the bathhouse at night to declare her feelings. She is rather direct in asking if she knows why she called them there but doesn’t let the players’ answers sway her unless they reject her after her confession.
Penny’s scene is pleasant but says little about the town’s teacher aside from that she enjoys swimming. Players can joke that she invited them to the pool to see their swimsuits, but she seems angry at the implication before expressing heartfelt emotions.
11 Maru
Maru’s 10-heart scene picks up from her eight-heart event, where she asks the farmer to help her with her most complex project. She welcomes her partner into the basement, revealing a robot meant to care for her family when she moves out. However, the robot has become conscious and flies into space.
Aside from her robot becoming sentient, Maru’s scene is also interrupted by Demetrius, who eventually comes around to the player’s relationship with her. Although it wraps up plotlines from previous heart events, some may find it chaotic and drawn-out, especially as some dialogue options end before Maru can express her affection for the farmer.
10 Haley
In Haley’s scene, she welcomes the farmer into her new dark room for developing photography, asking what they would like to do together there. The player can choose to help decorate, leave, or kiss her, but the farmer has to make the first move.
Watching Haley lean into her hobby more since her eight-heart event is rewarding, and encouraging the farmer to kiss her is a fitting yet unique addition to the scene. However, some might find it underwhelming compared to her previous heart scene.
9 Abigail
Having practiced her swordsmanship, Abigail enters the mines to go on an adventure. However, as she is about to descend, the farmer enters, and a colony of bats startles her. The player can choose to comfort or criticize her as she cries in fear, but while being vulnerable encourages her to declare her feelings readily, she admits them either way.
Abigail’s scene fits her character well, but the event isn’t as touching without the realization that Abigail begins entering the mine on rainy days because she feels supported and encouraged to explore.
8 Emily
Emily invites the farmer for a night together in the secret woods after reaching 10 hearts with her. By the fire, the two snuggle until they realize there’s a bear near the campsite. Both rush into the tent, leaving one of the sleeping bags outside. The next day, Emily thanks the farmer, and the bear, for a great night.
Emily’s event might not be what players would expect from the local fashion expert. However, the implications of the one-bed trope work well, especially since she recalls the sweet nothings said that night if the group scene is triggered.
7 Alex
For Alex’s 10-heart event, he invites the farmer out to a romantic dinner at the Stardrop Saloon. He reserves a private room, asks Gus to play the violin, and picks out the evening’s meal. After a moment, he explains his feelings, allowing the player to reciprocate or deny their connection.
Alex’s date might seem very traditional. However, it fits any advice he may have received from his grandparents about dating. Given Alex’s relationship with his parents, it is reassuring to see how he values his loved ones and wants to impress them.
6 Sam
After meeting outside, Sam sneaks the farmer through his window to confess that music isn’t his only love. However, Jodi hears the commotion and checks on Sam, prompting him to hide the player in his bed to manage the situation. Once the farmer is alone with Sam, they can stay in bed or stand, but laying down leads to a memorable, romantic night together.
Jodi’s light-hearted interruption shows Sam’s age and inexperience, but given his passion for music, his confession is genuine and shows another, more attentive side to his carefree lifestyle.
5 Shane
Unlike many other marriage candidates, Shane doesn’t use a letter to ask the farmer to join him at a gridball game in Zuzu City. He shows up in person and waits at the bus stop. During the match, Shane and the farmer share a few beers and kisses, and afterward, Shane remarks that it was a good game because they were together.
While Shane’s event doesn’t directly relate to his previous heart events, it shows progress. He enjoys the game because he has started managing his depression and can finally reveal how clever and direct he wants to be with the farmer.
4 Leah
After Leah makes her first sale as an artist, she invites the farmer to a picnic near her house. However, shortly after arriving, Leah’s ex tries to convince her to get back with them, stating that they bought her art to get her attention. In an intense confrontation, the player or Leah punches them to make them realize their past together is over.
While Leah’s 10-heart event doesn’t end with a romantic moment, it is rewarding to see her confidence grow in a passionate moment, especially as she promises a better next date.
3 Elliott
After fixing up the boat by his house, Elliott takes the farmer for a boat ride, where he thanks them for supporting his writing. Overwhelmed by his feelings and at a loss for words, he kisses the player, giving them a chance to respond afterward. If the player accepts his emotions, he is grateful and says Pelican Town finally feels like home.
While Elliott’s kiss is sudden and assertive, the balance between being uncertain about expressing his feelings and finding the right things to say makes Elliott’s scene charming.
2 Harvey
Despite his fear of heights, Harvey invites the farmer to the railroad tracks for a romantic hot balloon ride. He needs support as they drift higher into the air, but he declares he loves the farmer for their courage and wants to grow beside them. Birds fly by, and Harvey kisses the player, enjoying the hot air balloon past their rental time.
Harvey’s actions are as meaningful as his words in his 10-heart scene because he welcomes the farmer into his dreams and hopes for an optimistic future together.
1 Sebastian
In Sebastian’s 10-heart event, he invites them on a motorcycle ride at night to his secret spot, where he can watch Zuzu City in the distance. He admits that although he has always wanted to travel, he can’t imagine leaving the farmer.
Sebastian’s heart event is bittersweet because it acknowledges how pursuing a future with the farmer means sacrificing part of his dream. Although he isn’t the only character who leaves their goals behind to be with the farmer, it is fitting that Sebastian expresses his mixed yet loving emotions under the night sky.
Stardew Valley is currently available on PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and Mobile.