Befriend Marnie: How to Unlock New Content in Stardew Valley

This guide explores how to befriend Marnie in Stardew Valley, a beloved rancher known for her kindness and helpful nature. Marnie's friendship offers valuable rewards, including recipes and hay, making her a worthwhile ally, especially early in the game.

This updated guide (January 4, 2025) incorporates information from the 1.6 update. Gifting is key to cultivating friendship. Remember, gifts given on her birthday (Fall 18th) are worth eight times the usual friendship points.

Gifts Marnie Loves (80 friendship points):

These are your best bets, especially on her birthday:

• Universally Loved Gifts: Prismatic Shard, Pearl, Magic Rock Candy, Golden Pumpkin, Rabbit's Foot, Stardrop Tea. (See detailed notes below on obtaining these.)
• Diamond: Found in the Mines.
• Cooked Meals: Pink Cake (Wheat Flour, Egg, Sugar, Melon; recipe from Queen of Sauce, Summer 21, Year 2), Pumpkin Pie (Pumpkin, Wheat Flour, Milk, Sugar; recipe from Queen of Sauce, Winter 21, Year 1), Farmer's Lunch (Omelet, Parsnip; Farming Level 3).

Notes on Universally Loved Gifts:

• Golden Pumpkin: Won at the Spirit's Eve festival.
• Rabbit's Foot: Dropped by happy rabbits in a coop.
• Pearl: Reward from the Mermaid's song at the Night Market or occasionally found in Blobfish ponds.
• Prismatic Shard: A rare gem; see a comprehensive guide for acquisition methods.
• Magic Rock Candy: Purchased from the Desert Trader (3 Prismatic Shards required). Consider the cost vs. using the candy as a gift.
• Stardrop Tea: Increases friendship by one heart; obtained from the Prize Machine, high-level Raccoon quests, Golden Fishing Chests, or the Helper's Bundle.

Gifts Marnie Likes (45 friendship points):

These are more readily available:

• Eggs (except Void Eggs)
• Milk
• Quartz
• Flowers (except Poppies)
• Fruit Tree Fruits (Apples, Apricots, Oranges, Peaches, Pomegranates, Cherries)
• Artisan Goods (Wine, Jelly, Pickles, Honey; excluding Oil and Void Mayonnaise)
• Other gemstones (Ruby, Emerald, Topaz)
• Stardew Valley Almanac (Farming skill book)

Gifts Marnie Dislikes/Hates:

Avoid these: Salmonberry, Seaweed, Wild Horseradish, Holly, crafting materials, raw fish, crafted items, Geodes and geode minerals.

Movie Theater Preferences:

Marnie enjoys the movie experience itself.

• Loved Films (200 points): The Miracle at Coldstar Ranch (Winter, odd-numbered years).
• Liked Films (100 points): All others.
• Loved Concessions (50 points): Ice Cream Sandwich, Stardrop Sorbet.
• Liked Concessions (25 points): All others (excluding disliked below).
• Disliked Concessions (0 points): Black Licorice, Fries, JojaCola, JojaCorn, Nachos, Salted Peanuts, Truffle Popcorn.

Quests:

Completing Marnie's quests significantly boosts friendship.

• Cow's Delight (Fall 3): Deliver Amaranth (500g and one heart reward).
• Marnie's Request (3 hearts): Deliver a Cave Carrot (100 friendship points).

Friendship Perks:

Reaching certain friendship levels unlocks recipes and hay:

• 3 Hearts: Pale Broth recipe.
• 7 Hearts: Rhubarb Pie recipe.
• Hay deliveries.

By following this guide, you can effectively cultivate a strong friendship with Marnie and reap the benefits!