The Best Professions and Rewards for Each Level in Stardew Valley

In Stardew Valley, success hinges on the choices you make, and none are as pivotal as selecting the right profession. With every skill you hone, opportunities arise, and challenges await. This guide dives into the nuances of each profession, ensuring you’re well-equipped for whatever the Valley throws your way. Ready to optimize your farming strategy? Let’s get started.

Overview of All Professions

Here’s a summary of all the possible professions in Stardew Valley; scroll further for a more detailed breakdown.

Farming

Profession	Bonus
Farming level 5: Rancher	Animal products worth 20% more.
Farming level 5: Tiller	Crops worth 10% more.
Farming level 10: Coopmaster	Befriend coop animals quicker. Incubation time cut in half.
Farming level 10: Artisan	Artisan goods (wine, cheese, oil, etc.) worth 40% more.
Farming level 10: Shepherd	Befriend barn animals quicker. Sheep produce wool faster.
Farming level 10: Agriculturist	All crops grow 10% faster.

Mining

Profession	Bonus
Mining level 5: Miner	+1 ore per vein.
Mining level 5: Geologist	Chance for gems to appear in pairs.
Mining level 10: Blacksmith	Metal bars worth 50% more.
Mining level 10: Excavator	Chance to find geodes doubled.
Mining level 10: Prospector	Chance to find coal doubled.
Mining level 10: Gemologist	Gems worth 30% more.

Foraging

Profession	Bonus
Foraging level 5: Forester	Gain 25% more wood when chopping.
Foraging level 5: Gatherer	Chance for double harvest of foraged items.
Foraging level 10: Lumberjack	All trees have a chance to drop hardwood.
Foraging level 10: Botanist	Foraged items are always the highest quality.
Foraging level 10: Tapper	Syrups worth 25% more.
Foraging level 10: Tracker	Location of forageable items revealed.

Fishing

Profession	Bonus
Fishing level 5: Fisher	Fish worth 25% more.
Fishing level 5: Trapper	Resources required to craft crab pots reduced.
Fishing level 10: Angler	Fish worth 50% more.
Fishing level 10: Mariner	Crab pots no longer produce junk items.
Fishing level 10: Pirate	Chance to find treasure doubled.
Fishing level 10: Luremaster	Crab pots no longer require bait.

Combat

Profession	Bonus
Combat level 5: Fighter	All attacks deal 10% more damage.
Combat level 5: Scout	Critical strike chance increased by 50%.(+0 HP)
Combat level 10: Brute	Deal 15% more damage. (+0 HP)
Combat level 10: Acrobat	Cooldown on special moves cut in half. (+0 HP)
Combat level 10: Defender	+25 HP.
Combat level 10: Desperado	Critical strikes are deadlier. (+0 HP)

Farming

In Stardew Valley, farming professions guide a player’s agricultural journey. By leveling up farming skills, players unlock bonuses like more efficient tools and crafting recipes. With choices at levels 5 and 10, optimizing these decisions can significantly influence a farm’s profitability.

How to Level Up your Farming Skill

The primary way to gain farming experience is through harvesting crops, where every crop you reap boosts your skill. Turning attention to animal care, each interaction, whether it’s petting your barn or coop animals, adds to your experience.

Beyond the joy of producing milk or wool, the acts of milking and shearing also promote skill growth. Furthermore, simply collecting an animal product inside a barn or coop awards you with 5 experience points. These activities form the cornerstone of a successful Stardew farming journey.

Farming Rewards for Each Level

In Stardew Valley, while the significant milestones for professions occur at levels 5 and 10, it’s crucial not to overlook the interim levels. Each one offers its own unique reward, which are often crafting or cooking recipes.

Level	Reward
1	Scarecrow and Basic Fertilizer Recipe
2	Mayonaise Machine, Stone Fence, Sprinkler Recipe
3	Bee House, Speed-Gro, Farmer’s Lunch Recipe
4	Preserves Jar, Basic Retaining Soil, Iron Fence Recipe
5	Profession Choice: Rancher or Tiller
6	Cheese Press, Hardwood Fence, Quality Sprinkler Recipe
7	Loom, Quality Retaining Soil Recipe
8	Oil Maker, Keg, Deluxe Speed Gro Recipe
9	Seed Maker, Iridium Sprinkler, Quality Fertilizer Recipe
10	Profession Choice: Coopmaster, Aristan, Shepherd, Agriculturalist

Level 5 Farming Professions

Rancher

Choosing the Rancher profession increases the value of animal products by 20%. This can be incredibly beneficial if players focus heavily on animal husbandry. With the Rancher profession, products like milk, eggs, wool, and more will fetch a higher price, boosting income for those heavily invested in their barns and coops.

Tiller

On the other hand, the Tiller profession offers a 10% price increase for crops. This bonus applies to all vegetables and flowers and even to fruits that haven’t been foraged. Given that crops are a primary source of income for many players, especially in the earlier stages of the game, this can lead to substantial earnings over time.

Is Rancher or Tiller Better?

Opting for the Tiller profession over Rancher can yield faster profits, as players can plant, harvest, and sell crops more efficiently than tending to animals.

1. crops tend to have a faster return on investment. For instance, buying seeds and seeing them mature into sellable goods typically has a quicker turnaround compared to purchasing animals, raising them, and waiting for their products.
2. Expanding crop production is often seen as more straightforward than increasing animal husbandry. With the right tools and sprinkler systems, a farmer can effectively manage vast fields with less daily effort than a similar volume of animals, which each need individual attention.
3. Many high-value artisan goods, such as wine, jam, and juice, are made from crops. The Tiller bonus increases the base value of these crops, which in turn can amplify the profitability of the artisan goods crafted from them.

Therefore: Tiller is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Level 10 Farming Professions

Upon reaching level 10 in farming, Stardew Valley players are presented with a decision between two professions that further enhance their farming capabilities. These choices stem from their level 5 selection.

Rancher Path: Coopmaster or Shepherd

Tiller Path: Artisan or Agriculturist

Coopmaster

Embracing the Coopmaster role means a player’s bond with coop animals—such as chickens, ducks, and rabbits—intensifies faster, allowing for a quicker befriending process.

In addition to this, there’s a notable perk where incubation times are significantly reduced, making it quicker to hatch new animals from eggs. For players who prioritize poultry and other coop inhabitants as a primary source of income and resources, the Coopmaster profession can be a game-changer.

Shepherd

Selecting the Shepherd pathway grants the player a closer bond with barn animals like sheep and goats. One of its standout benefits is that sheep will produce wool faster, ensuring a more consistent supply.

For farmers who find delight and profit in nurturing barn animals and harnessing their produce, the Shepherd profession is a beacon, offering enhanced productivity and a deeper connection to their barnyard friends.

Is Coopmaster or Shepherd Better?

Opting for the Shepherd profession over Coopmaster is advantageous, as managing and profiting from livestock proves more effective than solely focusing on poultry.

1. One of the notable perks of becoming a Shepherd is that your sheep will produce wool faster. Wool, especially when converted to cloth, can fetch a handsome price. The bonus of Coopmaster’s incubation speed isn’t impressive when you consider an animal only hatches once, meanwhile Sheep consistently produce wool.
2. Generally, barn animal products have a higher market value compared to coop animal products. This gives an edge to the Shepherd profession over the Coopmaster in terms of potential earnings.
3. The Shepherd’s consistent supply of barn animal products can be beneficial in completing town requests and Community Center bundles more efficiently.

Therefore: Shepherd is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Artisan

The Artisan profession significantly boosts the value of artisan goods by 40%, encompassing products like cheese, wine, oil, and more.

This makes it an immensely profitable choice for players who regularly convert their crops and animal products into artisan goods. With the right balance of crops, animals, and artisanal equipment like kegs and preserve jars, farmers can exponentially increase their farm’s earnings.

Agriculturist

Agriculturists enjoy a 10% growth boost to their crops. This means crops mature faster, allowing for more frequent harvests over a season.

The implications of this are manifold: more harvests equate to more income, quicker completion of crop-based quests, and a more efficient utilization of farmland. Especially beneficial for crops with shorter growth cycles or for those aiming to make the most out of every farming season, the Agriculturist profession empowers farmers to reap the rewards of their labor more swiftly, positioning them for success in the bustling economy of Stardew Valley.

Is Artisan or Agriculturist Better?

Opting for the Artisan profession over Agriculturist is wise, as transforming crops into artisan products often garners greater returns than merely accelerating crop growth.

1. Certain crops, such as ancient fruit or starfruit, can be incredibly lucrative when turned into wine. The 40% bonus from the Artisan profession makes these already valuable goods even more profitable. Sure, your starfruit could grow 10% quicker with the agriculturist profession, but this is nothing compared to the fact that basic starfruit wine sells for a whopping 3,150g with the Artisan profession.
2. With proper infrastructure, like kegs and preserves jars, players can consistently produce artisan goods without being overly dependent on daily harvests. This sustainable approach means that even when crops or animal products are scarce, there’s potential for steady income.
3. While crops occupy farm space and require periodic replanting, artisan production machinery like kegs and jars can be continuously reused, maximizing the efficiency of the space they occupy.

Therefore: Artisan is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Mining

In Stardew Valley, mining proficiency shapes a player’s subterranean adventures. By advancing mining skills, players unveil benefits such as enhanced tool effectiveness and valuable crafting recipes. With crucial choices at specific milestones, strategic decisions can significantly impact a miner’s efficiency and the wealth garnered from the depths.

How to Level Up Your Mining Skill

In Stardew Valley, the art of mining is a cornerstone of resource gathering. One’s proficiency in mining is enhanced primarily by breaking these rocks, regardless of the method employed.

Whether you wield a pickaxe, strategically place a bomb, or even let the creatures of the mine inadvertently do the work, every shattered rock inches you closer to becoming a more adept miner.

Mining Rewards for Each Level

Similarly to Farming Rewards, Mining rewards are often crafting and cooking recipes.

Level	Reward
1	Cherry Bomb Recipe
2	Staircase Recipe
3	Miner’s Treat Recipe
4	Glowstone Ring and The Ability to Smelt Iron Bars
5	Profession Choice: Miner or Geologist
6	Bomb Recipe
7	The Ability to Smelt Gold Bars
8	Mega Bomb Recipe
9	Crystalarium Crafting Recipe
10	Profession Choice: Blacksmith, Excavator, Prospector or Gemologist

Level 5 Mining Professions

At level 5 farming in Stardew Valley, players face a pivotal decision between two professions: Miner and Geologist. Both offer unique advantages, and the choice largely depends on the player’s style and goals.

Miner

Those who choose the Miner pathway receive a significant boost: a +1 ore per vein. This enhancement ensures that every strike of the pickaxe is more likely to yield a richer harvest, making the gathering of precious ores like copper, iron, and gold more efficient.

For players focused on resource collection, crafting, and potentially lucrative sales of refined metals, the Miner profession is an invaluable asset. Its benefits serve to streamline mining expeditions and bolster a player’s resource reserves, making it an attractive option for those dedicated to delving deep into the earth’s secrets.

Geologist

With the Geologist specialization, there’s a 50% chance that gem nodes will yield an extra gem, enhancing the haul from each mining expedition.

Gems, ranging from amethysts to diamonds, not only serve as precious gifts for villagers but can also fetch a handsome price when sold. For players who enjoy the thrill of uncovering these natural beauties and reaping their benefits in various in-game interactions, the Geologist profession shines as a top-tier choice, promising both in-game affluence and relationship perks.

Is Miner or Geologist Better?

Opting for the Geologist profession over Miner is advantageous, as it increases the chance of finding precious gems, enhancing potential earnings and diversifying resources compared to just collecting more ore.

1. Ores are primarily sold or turned into bars for crafting. In contrast, gems offer flexibility: they can be gifted, sold directly, or used in crafting. This adaptability can be advantageous for diversifying in-game income.
2. Finding gems more frequently allows players to complete their museum collection faster, which can result in various rewards.
3. Gems sell for more. For example, iron ore sells for 10g, so it’s much more practical to use it for crafting. Meanwhile, amethyst sells for 100g. This is a staggering price difference.

Therefore: Geologist is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Level 10 Mining Professions

Upon reaching level 10 in Mining, Stardew Valley players are presented with a decision between two professions that further enhance their mining capabilities. These choices stem from their level 5 selection.

Miner Path: Blacksmith or Prospector

Geologist Path: Excavator or Gemologist

Blacksmith

The Blacksmith profession transforms the player’s approach to metal bars. Notably, metal bars, such as copper, iron, and gold, can be sold for 50% more.

This price increase can significantly boost a player’s earnings, especially if they’ve heavily invested in smelting operations. For those who frequently mine and produce a large quantity of bars but aren’t as interested in using them solely for crafting, the Blacksmith profession presents a clear avenue for maximizing profitability.

Prospector

The Prospector profession shines a spotlight on coal, an essential resource for various crafting recipes and smelting operations. Choosing this specialization means that coal drops are doubled, ensuring a consistent and more plentiful supply for the player.

For avid miners and crafters who often find themselves in need of this black gold, the Prospector profession is a boon. It reduces the necessity of constantly mining or purchasing coal, allowing for more streamlined crafting processes and more efficient resource management within the game.

Is Blacksmith or Prospector Better?

Opting for Prospector boosts your odds of finding ore and coal. This allows you to craft more metal bars, which is vital for tool upgrades. While selling metal bars might seem lucrative, their value in other uses often outweighs immediate profit.

1. A large portion of in-game progress, especially in the mid to late game, revolves around crafting and smelting. Having a consistent coal supply means less downtime waiting for resources and more active progression, be it upgrading tools, building machines, or crafting essential items.
2. Bars, especially of higher-tier metals like gold and iridium, are essential for upgrading tools. Selling them off might provide a short-term influx of gold, but players may find themselves short of resources when aiming for those crucial tool upgrades. This means the selling bonus isn’t very valuable long term.
3. When compared to other sellable goods in the game, bars don’t offer the highest profit margin. Crops, artisan goods, and animal products often have a better gold-to-effort ratio, making them more lucrative ventures.

Therefore: Prospector is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Excavator

Choosing the Excavator profession amplifies a player’s chance of finding geodes. Geodes, when broken open by the blacksmith, reveal a variety of minerals, artifacts, ores, and occasionally precious gems. T

he enhanced ability to discover geodes means players can significantly boost their collection of these items. This not only aids in completing the Museum collection but also provides an array of resources that can be used in crafting, gift-giving, or selling.

Gemologist

The Gemologist specialization offers a compelling advantage: it increases the value of gems by 30%.

Gems, from the radiant diamonds to the fiery rubies, can be discovered while mining or within geodes. With the Gemologist profession, every gem unearthed or extracted from a geode fetches a higher price when sold. This boost in value can substantially augment a player’s earnings, especially if they often encounter or specifically seek out gem-rich areas within the mines.

Is Excavator or Gemologist Better?

Choosing Gemologist over Excavator enhances your gem yield, significantly boosting potential income. While Excavator may offer more geodes, the consistent value of gems often proves more profitable and reliable.

1. While geodes are exciting because of the mystery they hold, players encounter gems more frequently in their mining activities, regardless of the double geode bonus. This regularity, combined with the value increase from Gemologist, leads to more consistent profit.
2. As players advance in the game and go deeper into the mines or explore other mining areas like the Skull Cavern, the likelihood of finding gems increases. The Gemologist profession ensures that these discoveries continue to have enhanced value, benefiting players in the long run.
3. While Excavator increases the chance of finding geodes, the contents of these geodes can be varied, not always guaranteeing valuable finds. In contrast, Gemologist ensures a direct profit increase from gems, providing a more reliable income stream.

Therefore, Gemologist is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Foraging

In Stardew Valley, the art of foraging is as essential as farming or mining. As players explore the valley, they’ll encounter wild produce, from spring onions sprouting in the fields to berries clinging to bushes.

By practicing the foraging skill, adventurers enhance their ability to find and harvest these resources. With each skill level, they unlock valuable crafting recipes and increase the quality of foraged items.

How to Level Up Your Foraging Skill

This skill can be increased in two primary ways. First, by actively gathering forage items strewn across the valley’s landscape, this can include anything from berries in Cindersap Forest to shells by the ocean.

And second, by wielding an axe to chop down the many trees that dot the region. With each progression in the foraging skill level, players benefit from an added bonus of +1 axe proficiency.

Foraging Rewards for Each Level

Similarly to other Rewards, Foraging rewards are often crafting and cooking recipes.

Level	Reward
1	Spring Wild seeds and Field Snack Recipe
2	Survival Burger Recipe
3	Tapper Recipe
4	Charcoal Klin, Summer Wild Seeds and +1 Wild Berry Harvesting
5	Profession Choice: Forester or Gatherer
6	Lighting Rods, Fall Wild Seeds and Beach Warp Totem Recipe
7	Winter Wild Seeds, Mountains Warp Totem and Tree Fertilizer Recipe
8	Farm Warp Totem Recipe and +1 Wild Berry Harvesting
9	Rain Totem and Cookout Kit Recipe
10	Profession Choice: Lumberjack, Botanist, Tapper or Tracker

Level 5 Foraging Professions

At level 5 foraging in Stardew Valley, players are presented with a crucial choice between two professions: Forester and Gatherer. Each provides its distinct set of perks, and the decision largely hinges on the player’s preferred playstyle and objectives within the game.

Forester

By choosing the Forester path, players will find that the value of the wood they collect is increased, allowing them to sell it for 25% more.

This can be particularly beneficial for those who find themselves frequently chopping down trees, as it provides a more lucrative incentive to maintain and manage the forested areas around their farm. Whether you’re focusing on crafting, building, or simply trying to generate some additional income from the abundant trees in the Valley, the Forester profession ensures you get more financial value from every piece of wood you gather.

Gatherer

Those who walk the Gatherer path quickly discover the delight of finding a little extra when they forage. Specifically, when gathering berries, mushrooms, and other forage items, there’s a chance of doubling the harvest without any extra effort.

This means that for every forage item they pick up, there’s a possibility they’ll get two items instead of one. For players who love roaming the expanse of the Valley, collecting its natural treasures, the Gatherer profession not only amplifies the joy of discovery but also enhances the rewards, making every foraging expedition potentially more bountiful.

Is Forester or Gatherer Better?

Opting for the Gatherer profession over Forester is a wise choice. While Forester emphasizes wood yield, Gatherer increases the chance of finding double foraged items, diversifying resources and potentially offering more consistent value.

1. With more items to sell, players can quickly see an increase in their daily profits. This is especially valuable in the early game, where every bit of income can make a difference. A Blackberry sells for 20g while wood sells for 2g.
2. Many villagers appreciate foraged items as gifts. With the increased yield from the Gatherer profession, players can maintain a generous supply of gifts without depleting their stock. Meanwhile wood is a poor gift chioce.
3. Foraged items are rarer than trees. While there’s no wood shortage in Stardew Valley, with new trees growing on the farm and Cindersap forest with each season, Foraged items are based on chance. Therefore, the chance of doubling these is better than 25% more wood.

Level 10 Foraging Professions

Upon reaching level 10 in Foraging, Stardew Valley players are presented with a decision between two professions that further enhance their Foraging capabilities. These choices stem from their level 5 selection.

Forester Path: Lumberjack or Tapper

Gatherer Path: Botanist or Tracker

Lumberjack

When a player selects the Lumberjack profession, every tree they fell, regardless of type, has a chance to drop hardwood alongside the regular wood.

Hardwood is a rare and valuable resource, traditionally obtained only from specific stumps or logs in the Secret Woods or on the farm (for those with the Forest Farm layout). For players aiming to craft items that require hardwood, such as the stable or hardwood fences, or for those simply looking to stockpile this valuable resource, the Lumberjack profession is a game-changer.

Tapper

Opting for the Tapper specialization, players find that the syrups, resins, and tar extracted from tapped trees become much more lucrative, as their value increases by 25% more.

Trees like maple, oak, and pine, which produce maple syrup, oak resin, and pine tar respectively, now promise greater returns on investment. This profession is especially advantageous for those looking to delve deeply into artisan goods, as many crafting recipes, such as kegs and bee houses, rely on these tree products. Moreover, for players keen on maximizing their passive income sources without the daily hustle, the Tapper profession presents a compelling avenue.

Is Lumberjack or Tapper Better?

Lumberjack holds an edge over Tapper in Stardew Valley. While Tapper is good for those focused on sap product yields, Lumberjack allows for the collection of valuable hardwood from regular trees, broadening resource diversity and potential profits.

1. The ability to source hardwood from regular trees can greatly expedite progress in various in-game objectives. Given its use in crafting, farm upgrades, and fulfilling requests, having a consistent supply of hardwood becomes pivotal.
2. Unlike the Tapper profession, where players have to wait for tree products to accumulate over days, the Lumberjack provides immediate results. Every time a tree is felled, there’s a chance of obtaining hardwood, a valuable resource that’s typically limited to specific locations.
3. Compared to other artisan products such as wine or truffle oil, the syrup and resin business might not be the most lucrative venture for players. This means, the tapper bonus won’t be that beneficial for most players who prefer to curate other items.

Therefore: Lumberjack is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Botanist

The Botanist specialization offers a remarkable benefit: every foraged item is of the highest quality (iridium star). This ensures that players receive the maximum possible value for each foraged item they collect, significantly boosting their income from foraging.

Whether it’s berries picked from the bushes, shells collected from the beach, or mushrooms harvested from the woods, they’re guaranteed to be of premium quality. For those who spend considerable time exploring the great outdoors and gathering nature’s bounty, the Botanist profession proves to be both rewarding and lucrative, making every foraging trip a treasure hunt with the promise of top-tier finds.

Tracker

The Tracker specialization introduces an innovative feature: the ability to spot forageable items on the map. With this unique skill, players can easily identify and locate wild resources, from elusive truffles in the woods to valuable shells on the shoreline.

This not only streamlines the foraging process but also ensures that no valuable item is missed during expeditions. For players keen on maximizing their foraging potential and efficiently mapping their daily routes, the Tracker profession is an invaluable aid, transforming every foraging outing into a well-planned treasure quest.

Is Botanist or Tracker Better?

In Stardew Valley, Botanist stands out over Tracker. While Tracker aids in locating forageable items, Botanist ensures every foraged item is of the highest quality, maximizing value and profit for each find.

1. With the Iridium quality assurance, players can expect a substantial boost in their daily foraging income. For example, a purple mushroom has a base selling rate of 250g. However, an iridum-quality mushroom sells for 500g.
2. Botanist works extremely well with the Gatherer profession. If you find a base truffle you can sell it for 625g. However, with these professions working together, you have the opportunity to get two iridium-level truffles. This would sell for an impressive 2,500g.
3. Tracker isn’t that helpful, considering the nature of foraging. Most players stumble upon foraged items during their normal gameplay. Because they aren’t particularly hard to find, Tracker isn’t as helpful as Botanist.

Fishing

In Stardew Valley, fishing stands as one of the core skills offering both relaxation and challenge. As players cast their lines in various water bodies across the Valley, they can catch a diverse range of fish, treasure, and sometimes even unexpected items.

How to Level Up Your Fishing Skill

In Stardew Valley, one’s fishing prowess is honed through a variety of activities. Players elevate their fishing skill by catching not only fish but also other items like trash, seaweed, and both green and white algae using their fishing rod.

Harvesting from crab pots also contributes to this growth. With each skill level ascended, several benefits manifest: there’s an enhancement in fishing rod proficiency by +1, a noticeable increase in the minimum size of fish caught, an expanded bobber bar height, and a reduction in the waiting time before a fish bites. Additionally, as players become more adept, the likelihood of catching quality fish, marked by silver or gold stars, also sees a significant boost.

Fishing Rewards for Each Level

Similarly to other skills, levelling up in fishing awards the players unique crafting and cooking recipes. All rods and tackles unlocked can be purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop.

Level	Reward
1	Casting Distance Increases by 1 Tile
2	Bait Recipe and Fiberglass Rod
3	Crab Pot, Dish O’ the Sea
4	Casting Distance Increases by 1 Tile and Recycling Machine Recipe
5	Profession Choice: Fisher or Trapper
6	Spinner, Trab Bobber and Iridium Rod
7	Cork Bobber and Treasure Hunter
8	Worm Bin, Barbed Hook, Dressed Spinner
9	Seafoam Pudding, Magnet
10	Profession Choice: Angler, Mariner, Pirate or Luremaster

Level 5 Fishing Professions

At level 5 Fishing in Stardew Valley, players are presented with a crucial choice between two professions: Fisher and Trapper. Each provides its distinct set of perks, and the decision largely hinges on whether the player prefers fishing or crab pots.

Fisher

The Fisher path amplifies the monetary gains from the angler’s hard work: fish value increases by 25%.

This boost can be substantial, especially for those who invest significant time and effort in fishing, whether it’s from the town’s river, the ocean’s expansive shores, or the tranquil mountain lakes. The increased income not only provides a direct benefit for selling the daily catches but also lays a lucrative foundation for those aiming for the higher-tier Angler profession at level 10.

Trapper

For players who opt for the Trapper profession at level 5 in fishing, their focus shifts towards maximizing the benefits of Crab Pots. Trappers have a unique edge: the resources required to craft these Crab Pots are reduced, making it easier and more cost-effective to deploy them in large numbers.

These contraptions catch a variety of aquatic creatures, from lobsters to crabs, providing a steady stream of income without the need for constant casting and reeling. For those who prefer a more passive approach to their fishing endeavors, or who wish to diversify their sources of aquatic income, the Trapper profession offers a lucrative and hands-off alternative to traditional fishing techniques.

Is Fisher or Trapper Better?

In Stardew Valley, the Fisher profession holds an advantage over Trapper. While Trapper reduces the resources required for crab pots, Fisher amplifies the value of fish, potentially offering more consistent and higher profits with each catch.

1. At level 10, those who choose Fisher can further specialize with “Angler” to increase fish value even more or opt for “Pirate” to increase the chance of finding treasures. Both options have broader appeal and potential for profit compared to the more niche benefits of the Trapper and its subsequent professions.
2. Unlike the Trapper profession, which focuses solely on profits from Crab Pots, the Fisher’s bonus applies to all fish caught with a rod. This broad application ensures consistent income, whether you’re fishing in the ocean, rivers, lakes, or even in the secret forest pond.
3. As players further improve their fishing skill, they’ll naturally catch more fish. This pairs excellently with the Fisher profession, as the increased volume of catches will be compounded by the increased value of each fish.

Therefore: Fisher is the more lucrative option for the average player

Level 10 Fishing Professions

Upon reaching level 10 in Fishing, Stardew Valley players are presented with a decision between two professions that further enhance their Fishing capabilities. These choices stem from their level 5 selection.

Fisher Path: Angler or Pirate

Trapper Path: Mariner or Luremaster

Angler

This profession amplifies the value of every fish caught by an impressive 50%, making each fishing venture even more lucrative.

Whether you’re casting your line into the calm waters of the mountain lake or braving the waves of the ocean, the Angler ensures every catch counts. This boost in profit not only makes fishing a prime source of income but also encourages and rewards players for honing their skills and tackling more challenging fish.

Pirate

Embracing the Pirate’s life amplifies a player’s knack for discovering treasures while fishing. With this specialization, the chance of finding treasure chests doubles, offering a tantalizing promise of rare and valuable items each time one casts their line.

From ancient artifacts to precious gems and even rare fishing tackle, the Pirate’s trove can be diverse and rewarding. This profession is a siren’s call for those who seek the thrill of unearthing hidden treasures from the depths, combining the satisfaction of fishing with the excitement of discovery.

Is Angler or Pirate Better?

The Angler profession outperforms Pirate. While Pirate’s treasure increase is fun, Angler boosts the value of fish by a significant margin, providing more consistent and substantial income over time.

1. While the Pirate profession offers the thrill of finding treasures, it’s a bit of a gamble. The value and usefulness of the items found in treasure chests can vary widely. On the other hand, the Angler provides a steady and predictable income increase.
2. For those focusing on maximizing profit-per-hour, the Angler ensures that every catch contributes more towards that goal. Time spent fishing translates directly to higher earnings.
3. As players progress and amass wealth, the allure of potential treasures might diminish. At this point, the consistent profit from the Angler can be more appealing.

Therefore: Angler is the more lucrative option for the average player

Mariner

With the Mariner’s expertise, crab pots no longer yield junk items, ensuring that every catch is a creature.

This eliminates the need to sift through unwanted items like trash, driftwood, or seaweed, enhancing the overall efficiency of using crab pots. For players who rely heavily on crab pots for income or specific resources, the Mariner profession streamlines the process.

Luremaster

The Luremaster profession offers a significant convenience: crab pots no longer require bait to catch fish.

This means players can set their crab pots and simply check them the next day, without the added step of rebaiting each pot. The elimination of bait streamlines the crab pot fishing process, making it more effortless and cost-effective.

Is Mariner or Luremaster Better?

In Stardew Valley, choosing Luremaster over Mariner can be more advantageous. Luremaster eliminates the need to bait crab pots, streamlining daily tasks and saving both time and resources. While Mariner ensures crab pots only produce high-quality items, Luremaster’s ease of maintenance and consistent catch rate can lead to more efficient and profitable long-term gameplay.

1. Over time, the money saved from not having to purchase or craft bait can accumulate, leading to noticeable savings, especially for players with a large number of crab pots.
2. Without the worry of running out of bait or forgetting to rebait, crab pots will always be functional every day. This ensures a consistent supply of items from the pots, resulting in a stable source of income or resources.
3. Finding Rubbish is annoying, but it doesn’t directly waste resources. Meanwhile, buying bait directly wastes gold. This makes Luremaster is more cost-effective.

Therefore, Luremaster is the more lucrative option for the average player

Combat

In Stardew Valley, the combat skill becomes crucial as players delve deeper into the mines, encounter dangerous monsters, and explore the mysterious Skull Cavern. Leveling up this skill enhances a player’s proficiency with weapons and opens up new crafting recipes vital for survival.

How to Level up your Combat Skill

In Stardew Valley, the combat skill is honed through direct engagement with the various monsters lurking within the mines and other dangerous areas.

Every time a player successfully defeats a monster, they earn combat experience points. The more formidable the foe, the more experience points are generally awarded.

Combat Rewards for Each Level

Levelling up in combat offers cooking and crafting recipes, one of these most important recipes being the ability to craft rings.

Level	Reward
1	Sturdy Ring and Bug Steak Recipe
2	Life Elixir Recipe
3	Roots Platter Recipe
4	Warrior Ring Recipe
5	Profession Choice: Fighter or Scout
6	Slime Egg Press and Oil of Garlic Recipe
7	Ring of Yoba and Thorns Ring Crafting Recipe
8	Slime Incubator and Explosive Ammo Recipe
9	Iridium Band and Squid Ink Ravioli Recipe
10	Profession Choice: Brute, Acrobat, Defender and Desperado

Level 5 Combat Professions

At level 5 Combat in Stardew Valley, players are presented with a crucial choice between two professions: Fighter and Scout. Each provides its distinct set of perks, and the decision largely hinges on the player’s combat style.

Fighter

By opting for the Fighter profession, players receive a robust 10% boost in their overall damage output, allowing them to dispatch monsters with greater efficiency.

Moreover, the Fighter path also grants an additional 15 points to the player’s total health, enhancing their resilience during combat encounters. This increase in both offensive and defensive capabilities ensures that players can navigate the treacherous terrains of mines and other monster-infested areas with increased confidence.

Scout

Opting for the Scout route emphasizes critical hits, granting the player a 50% increase in critical strike chance. This can be particularly valuable for players who appreciate the burst damage potential that critical hits offer.

The increased critical chance can be a game-changer in battles, allowing players to take down tougher monsters more efficiently.

Is Fighter or Scout Better?

The Fighter profession is often seen as superior to Scout. With Fighter, players receive a notable boost in combat damage, which can be invaluable in tight situations. While Scout increases critical strike chance, the consistent damage increase from Fighter ensures enemies are dispatched more efficiently, leading to smoother progression and less resource consumption in combat scenarios.

1. The added bonus of +15 HP allows players to endure longer in combat, giving them an edge, especially in tougher levels of the mines or Skull Cavern. This is important considering Scout gives no HP bonus.
2. Without the need to rely on or anticipate critical hits, players can engage in combat with a more straightforward approach.
3. The Fighter’s benefits apply to every combat situation, ensuring consistent, broad advantage. This is very helpful for new players who haven’t quite mastered the art of combat.

Therefore, Fighter is the more lucrative option for the average player.

Level 10 Combat Professions

Upon reaching level 10 in Combat, Stardew Valley players are presented with a decision between two professions that further enhance their Fighting capabilities. These choices stem from their level 5 selection.

Fighter Path: Brute or Defender

Scout Path: Acrobat or Desperado

Brute

Brute significantly amplifies the damage dealt by the player with a formidable 15% increase.

This substantial boost makes it easier to take down stronger foes, particularly in the deeper levels of the mines or the challenging depths of the Skull Cavern. For players who favor a straightforward approach to combat, prioritizing sheer force over nuanced tactics, the Brute profession emerges as a beacon of unrivaled power.

Defender

Defender bestows players with an additional 25 points to their overall health.

This considerable health increase equips players with a sturdier constitution, enabling them to withstand more hits from enemies. For those who find themselves often in the thick of battle or those who appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a heftier health bar, the Defender profession provides a safeguard.

Is Brute or Defender Better?

Brute often edges out Defender. Brute amplifies your damage output, allowing for quicker eliminations of threats. While Defender bolsters defense, ensuring greater survivability, the increased offensive power provided by Brute can mean less time in combat, reduced damage taken overall, and a more efficient monster-clearing experience.

1. A Health bonus is difficult to gain. Because players will already have the combat bonus from the Fighter profession at level 5, there is not as strong a need to boost strike damage.
2. With increased health, players might find themselves consuming fewer health recovery items, like food or life elixirs, thus saving valuable resources and gold in the long run.
3. The Defender profession complements other combat strategies and equipment. When paired with strong weapons or protective boots, players become a force to be reckoned with, ensuring that enemies are dispatched efficiently while sustaining minimal damage.

Therefore, The defender is the better option for the average player.

Acrobat

Opting for the Acrobat profession means that a player’s special moves with weapons will recharge twice as fast.

This accelerated cooldown is particularly beneficial for players who frequently rely on these special moves during combat, allowing them to execute powerful attacks more frequently and navigate through battles with enhanced agility.

Desperado

Choosing the Desperado path doubles the player’s critical strikes, making them deal more damage than usual.

This increased critical strike damage can be a game-changer in tight situations, allowing players to swiftly eliminate threats with fewer hits. Especially for those who venture deep into areas like the Skull Cavern, where formidable foes lurk, the ability to deliver devastating critical hits with the Desperado profession can be the key to both survival and faster progress.

Is Acrobat or Desperado Better?

Desperado typically surpasses Acrobat in combat effectiveness. Desperado enhances the damage of critical strikes, making each critical hit far more lethal. While Acrobat reduces the cooldown time for special moves, the sheer damage boost from Desperado often means that enemies are dispatched more rapidly, minimizing the need for frequent skill use.

1. With the increased critical damage, players can dispatch foes faster, reducing the time spent in combat and the risk of taking damage. This is particularly useful in deeper levels of mines and caverns where enemies are tougher and more numerous.
2. With enemies being taken down faster, players can progress through levels at a quicker pace, optimizing their mining and exploration sessions.
3. Players don’t rely on special moves during combat. This means, the acrobat bonus isn’t as valuable when you can still land normal hits regardless of the special move cooldown period.

Therefore, Desperado is the better option for the average player.

How to Change Professions

Regret choosing a certain profession? Enter the Statue of Uncertainty. Located within the sewers, a place unlocked after obtaining the Rusty Key from Gunther, this peculiar statue offers players a chance at redemption.

You can get the rusty key after donating 60 items to the museum. Then, For a fee of 10,000g, players can approach the statue and choose a skill for which they’d like to reset their profession choices.

After sleeping that night, they will re-awake with a fresh slate for the chosen skill, allowing them to reselect their professions for levels 5 and 10 as if they were leveling up again.

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