Stardew Valley Penny Romance Guide: Complete Spoiler-Free Walkthrough
Penny is one of Stardew Valley's most beloved bachelorettes, known for her gentle nature, love of reading, and passion for teaching. As a resident of Pelican Town who lives in a small trailer with her mother Pam, Penny represents the quiet, intellectual type that many players find endearing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about winning Penny's heart, from her favorite gifts to the requirements for marriage.
Getting to Know Penny
Penny can typically be found in various locations around Pelican Town throughout the week. She's often seen reading books in the library, helping out at Pierre's General Store, or spending time at the community center. Unlike some of the more outgoing villagers, Penny has a quieter personality that appeals to players who prefer meaningful, gentle interactions over grand gestures.
Penny works as an assistant teacher at the local school, which explains her love of books and learning. She has a deep appreciation for education and knowledge, making her one of the more intellectual marriage candidates in the game. Her daily routine reflects her studious nature, with regular visits to the library and bookstore.
Penny's Favorite Gifts
Gift-giving is crucial for building relationships in Stardew Valley, and Penny has specific preferences that will help you win her affection faster. Here are her favorite gifts that give the maximum +80 friendship points:
Universal Loves (Best Gifts)
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Ruby
- Topaz
- Aquamarine
- Poppy
- Tulip
- Fairy Rose
- Honey (any quality)
- Pickles
- Jelly
- Wine (any fruit)
- Coffee
- Peach
- Melon
- Mango
- Pink Cake
- Chocolate Cake
- Cheese Cake
- Truffle
- Truffle Oil
- Duck Mayonnaise
- Rabbit's Foot
Good Gifts (+45 points)
- Parsnips (any quality)
- Cauliflower (any quality)
- Tulip Bulb
- Kale (any quality)
- Rhubarb (any quality)
- Melon (any quality)
- Red Cabbage (any quality)
- Beets (any quality)
- Ancient Fruit (any quality)
- Coffee Bean
- Wheat (any quality)
- Rice (any quality)
- Daffodil
- Leek
- Dandelion
- Morel
- Common Mushroom
- Purple Mushroom
- Red Mushroom
- Chanterelle
- Wild Plum
- Hazelnut
- Blackberry
- Salmonberry
- Spice Berry
- Sweet Pea
- Coconut
- Cactus Fruit
- Cave Carrot
- Sugar
- Flour
- Wheat Flour
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Coffee (any quality)
- Juice (any fruit)
- Iced Tea
- Root Beer
- Ginger Ale
- Beer (any quality)
- Pale Ale
- Mead
- Cider
- Duck Mayonnaise (any quality)
- Mayonnaise (any quality)
- Void Mayonnaise (any quality)
- Dinosaur Mayonnaise (any quality)
- Clay
- Wood (any quality)
- Stone (any quality)
- Hardwood (any quality)
- Fiber (any quality)
- Cloth (any quality)
- Battery Pack
- Iridium Ore (any quality)
- Gold Ore (any quality)
- Iron Ore (any quality)
- Copper Ore (any quality)
- Coal (any quality)
- Refined Quartz (any quality)
- Fire Quartz (any quality)
- Frozen Tear (any quality)
- Earth Crystal (any quality)
- Sunstone (any quality)
- Star Shards (any quality)
- Prismatic Shard (any quality)
- Book (any type)
- Wall Paint (any color)
- House Plant (any type)
- Furniture (any type)
Neutral Gifts (+20 points)
- Most other items not listed above
Disliked Gifts (-10 points)
- Basic artisan goods like basic mayo or basic preserves
- Most foraged items not specifically listed
- Raw fish (except specific ones)
Hated Gifts (-25 points)
- Beer (if not listed above)
- Liquor
- Most manufactured items
- Trash items
Heart Events and Locations
Penny has 14 heart events (10 before marriage, 4 after marriage) that you can trigger by giving her gifts and talking to her at the right times and locations. Here are the key heart events you should know about:
2 Hearts
Visit the library on any day between 9 AM and 4 PM. Penny will be reading, and you'll have a conversation about books and learning.
4 Hearts
Go to the community center between 8 AM and 5 PM on a sunny day. Penny will be there cleaning, and you'll learn more about her relationship with her mother Pam.
6 Hearts
Visit the mountain lake area between 8 AM and 6 PM. Penny will be there with Jas, and you'll have a conversation about her dreams and aspirations.
8 Hearts
Go to the beach between 8 AM and 6 PM. Penny will be there with Jas, and you'll have a meaningful conversation about family and the future.
10 Hearts
This is the marriage proposal event. Visit Penny's trailer between 8 AM and 6 PM on any day. She'll be outside, and you can propose using a Mermaid's Pendant.
After Marriage Events
There are 4 additional heart events that occur after marriage, showing Penny's life as your spouse and her continued growth as a character.
Marriage Requirements
To marry Penny, you need to meet several requirements:
- Reach 10 Hearts: You must have 10 hearts with Penny (8 hearts if you've given her the Bouquet, which increases the maximum to 10 hearts).
- Obtain the Mermaid's Pendant: This special item is required for marriage and can be purchased from the Old Mariner at the beach for 5000g. The Old Mariner appears on rainy days when you have at least 10 hearts with an eligible bachelorette.
- Upgrade Your House: You must have upgraded your house to at least the second level (the one with the double bed). This upgrade costs 10,000g and requires 450 Wood.
- No Other Marriage Candidates: You can only be pursuing one marriage candidate at a time. Make sure you've given bouquets to only Penny if you want to marry her specifically.
Tips for Successful Romance
Gift Timing
Give Penny gifts on her birthday (Fall 18) for triple friendship points. You can also give her gifts twice per week (Tuesday and Saturday are optimal days) for maximum efficiency.
Seasonal Considerations
Fall is Penny's favorite season, so gifts during this time are particularly effective. She's also more likely to be in certain locations during specific seasons.
Conversation Topics
Talk to Penny regularly to maintain your relationship. She appreciates intellectual conversations and topics related to books, teaching, and learning.
Event Preparation
Make sure to visit the locations mentioned in the heart events during the correct times. Some events only trigger during specific weather conditions or times of day.
Long-term Planning
Consider Penny's post-marriage benefits. She can help with housework and has unique dialogue that adds depth to your farming life together.
Conclusion
Romancing Penny in Stardew Valley is a rewarding experience that offers a gentle, intellectual approach to love in the valley. Her love of books, teaching, and quiet moments makes her an ideal partner for players who enjoy meaningful character development. By following this guide and consistently giving her favorite gifts while triggering her heart events, you'll be well on your way to winning the heart of Pelican Town's gentle teacher.
Remember that building relationships in Stardew Valley takes time and patience. Don't rush the process – enjoy getting to know Penny through her heart events and daily conversations. The journey to marriage is just as important as the destination, and Penny's character development throughout the romance arc is one of the most touching storylines in the game.
Whether you're a new player looking to understand Penny's preferences or a veteran farmer seeking to finally win her heart, this guide provides all the tools you need for a successful romance with Stardew Valley's beloved teacher.
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