Divorce and Roommate Guide for Stardew Valley
Not every relationship lasts forever, and Stardew Valley recognizes this with its divorce and roommate systems. Whether you want to end a marriage or explore an alternative living arrangement with Krobus, this guide covers everything you need to know about dissolving marriages and the unique roommate option available in the game.
Divorce Mechanics
How to Divorce
Divorcing your spouse in Stardew Valley is a straightforward but consequential process. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Mayor’s Manor: Head to Mayor Lewis’s house, located in the center of Pelican Town near the pond.
- Interact with the Journal: Inside the Mayor’s bedroom (the room to the right when you enter), you will find a small book on the nightstand. Interact with it to access the divorce option.
- Confirm the Divorce: The game will ask you to confirm that you want to divorce your spouse. Once confirmed, the divorce takes effect the next morning.
Cost of Divorce
Divorce costs 50,000g in Stardew Valley. You must pay this fee when you interact with the booklet in Mayor Lewis’s bedroom. The emotional and practical costs can also be significant, as detailed below.
What Happens Immediately After Divorce
The morning after you file for divorce, the following changes take effect:
- Spouse Moves Out: Your ex-spouse will no longer live in your farmhouse. Their room and all the decorations they added will be removed.
- Friendship Reset: Your ex-spouse’s friendship level drops to 0 hearts (from whatever it was before). You will need to rebuild the relationship from scratch if you want to be friends again.
- Children Stay: Any children you had together remain in the farmhouse with you.
- Items Returned: Any items your spouse stored in the farmhouse are returned to you or removed.
Heart Decay After Divorce
After a divorce, your ex-spouse’s friendship will continue to decay over time. Each day, you lose a small amount of friendship points with your ex-spouse. This decay can eventually bring their friendship level into negative territory, meaning they will have a negative heart count displayed.
Can You Remarry the Same Person?
Yes, you can remarry the same person you divorced. However, you will need to:
- Rebuild their friendship back up to 10 hearts.
- Give them a new Bouquet (purchasable from Pierre’s General Store for 200g).
- Give them a Mermaid’s Pendant (obtained from the Old Mariner on the beach during rainy days, for 5,000g).
This means remarrying requires the same effort as the original marriage, plus the additional time needed to rebuild from the post-divorce friendship reset.
Can You Marry Someone Else After Divorce?
Yes, after divorcing one spouse, you can pursue and marry any other marriage candidate. The process is the same as a first marriage: build friendship to 10 hearts, give a Bouquet, then give a Mermaid’s Pendant.
Children During and After Divorce
Children are a special consideration during divorce:
- Custody: You retain full custody of all children. They stay in the farmhouse.
- Ex-Spouse Visitation: Your ex-spouse does not visit the children. The children remain in the house and continue their normal toddler routines.
- New Spouse and Children: If you remarry, your new spouse will move in and interact with your existing children. However, you cannot have additional children beyond the two-child limit.
- Children’s Reaction: Toddlers may have slightly different dialogue after a divorce, but the changes are minimal and cosmetic.
The Withered Bouquet
After divorce, you may find a Withered Bouquet in your inventory or on the ground near the farmhouse. This item is a memento of the broken relationship and serves no practical purpose. It can be discarded or kept as a souvenir.
The Roommate System with Krobus
What is a Roommate?
The roommate system is an alternative to marriage that allows you to live with a specific NPC without getting married. Currently, the only NPC available as a roommate is Krobus, the shadow creature who lives in the Sewers.
How to Get Krobus as a Roommate
To invite Krobus to live with you as a roommate, follow these steps:
- Unlock the Sewers: You need to have access to the Sewers, which requires either completing the Community Center bundles or purchasing a Joja Membership and paying to repair the bus stop.
- Reach 10 Hearts with Krobus: Build your friendship with Krobus to the maximum level. Krobus can be found in the Sewers on most days.
- Give Krobus a Void Ghost Pendant: This special item is the roommate equivalent of the Mermaid’s Pendant. You can purchase the Void Ghost Pendant from the Desert Trader on Fridays for 200g, using a specific trade (one Rabbit’s Foot for one Void Ghost Pendant).
The Void Ghost Pendant
The Void Ghost Pendant is the key item for the roommate relationship:
- Where to Buy: From the Desert Trader (the traveling merchant near the bus stop in the Calico Desert).
- When Available: Fridays only.
- Cost: 200g (traded for a Rabbit’s Foot).
- Effect: Giving this to Krobus at 10 hearts triggers the roommate event.
Moving In
When you give Krobus the Void Ghost Pendant, a cutscene plays where Krobus moves into your farmhouse. The following changes occur:
- Krobus Moves In: Krobus takes up residence in your farmhouse, similar to how a spouse would.
- House Upgrade Needed: You need the first house upgrade (which adds the kitchen) for Krobus to move in as a roommate.
- Krobus’s Room: Krobus gets a unique room added to your farmhouse with decorations themed around the Sewers and shadow creatures.
Differences Between Roommate and Marriage
The roommate system has several key differences from traditional marriage:
| Feature | Marriage | Roommate (Krobus) |
|---|---|---|
| Heart requirement | 10 hearts | 10 hearts |
| Special item | Mermaid’s Pendant (5,000g) | Void Ghost Pendant (200g) |
| House upgrade needed | First upgrade (kitchen) | First upgrade (kitchen) |
| Children | Yes (up to 2) | No |
| Spouse perks (meals, gifts) | Yes | No |
| Jealousy mechanic | Yes | No |
| Can have children | Yes | No |
| Friendship decay on leaving | Yes | Yes |
| Bouquet needed | Yes | No |
Benefits of Having Krobus as a Roommate
Despite the differences, having Krobus as a roommate has several benefits:
- Unique Dialogue: Krobus has special roommate dialogue that is different from his regular Sewers dialogue.
- Daily Presence: Krobus will be in your farmhouse each morning, providing a consistent social interaction.
- No Jealousy: Unlike spouses, Krobus does not get jealous if you give gifts to other NPCs.
- Easy to Obtain: The Void Ghost Pendant is significantly cheaper than the Mermaid’s Pendant.
- Lore Value: For players interested in the game’s story, living with Krobus provides insight into shadow creature culture.
Krobus’s Daily Routine as a Roommate
Once Krobus moves in, he follows a daily schedule:
- Morning: Krobus wakes up and stands in the farmhouse kitchen area.
- Daytime: Krobus may move around the farmhouse or stand in various rooms.
- Evening: Krobus returns to his room or stands near the kitchen.
- He never leaves the farmhouse on his own, unlike spouses who may visit town.
Ending the Roommate Arrangement
If you want to end the roommate arrangement with Krobus, you can use the same method as divorce:
- Go to Mayor Lewis’s Manor.
- Interact with the journal in his bedroom.
- Select the option to end the roommate relationship.
The consequences are similar to divorce: Krobus moves out, friendship resets, and his room is removed from the farmhouse.
Comparison: Marriage vs. Roommate vs. Single Life
| Aspect | Single | Married | Roommate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmhouse upgrades | Basic | First level (kitchen) | First level (kitchen) |
| NPC living with you | No | Yes (spouse) | Yes (Krobus) |
| Children | No | Up to 2 | No |
| Daily gifts/meals | No | Yes | No |
| Jealousy mechanic | N/A | Yes | No |
| Social bonus | None | Spouse perks | Friendship with Krobus |
| Cost to initiate | N/A | 5,200g+ | 200g+ |
Tips and Considerations
Before You Divorce
Consider the following before filing for divorce:
- Save Your Game: Always save before initiating a divorce so you can change your mind.
- Children: Remember that children stay with you and cannot be removed.
- Friendship Rebuilding: Rebuilding friendship with an ex-spouse takes significant time and effort.
- Spouse Items: Any unique items or perks your spouse provided will be lost.
Why Choose Roommate Over Marriage
The roommate option with Krobus is ideal for players who:
- Want companionship without the commitment of marriage.
- Prefer Krobus’s character over the marriage candidates.
- Do not want children in their game.
- Want to avoid the jealousy mechanic entirely.
- Are playing a same-gender character and want a male companion without mods.
Why Choose Marriage Over Roommate
Marriage is better for players who:
- Want the full spouse perk package (meals, gifts, farm help).
- Want to have children.
- Prefer one of the twelve marriage candidates.
- Want the romantic storyline associated with marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emotional and Story Impact of Divorce
How NPCs React to Your Divorce
The Pelican Town community has varied reactions to your divorce:
- Your Ex-Spouse: Will be cold and distant after the divorce. Their dialogue changes significantly.
- Other Marriage Candidates: May comment on your relationship status if you start building friendship with them.
- General Townspeople: Most NPCs do not directly comment on your divorce, maintaining their normal dialogue.
- Children: Your children will continue their normal routines but may have slightly different dialogue.
The Social Dynamics of Remarriage
Remarrying after divorce creates interesting social dynamics:
- Ex-Spouse Encounters: You may occasionally encounter your ex-spouse around town. These encounters can be awkward, as your ex-spouse will have cold dialogue.
- New Spouse Reactions: Your new spouse does not comment on your previous marriage.
- Community Perception: The townspeople do not judge you for divorcing or remarrying.
- Friendship Networks: Your friendship with your ex-spouse’s friends and family is not affected by the divorce.
Divorce in Multiplayer
In multiplayer Stardew Valley, divorce has some unique implications:
- Independent Marriages: Each player can marry and divorce independently.
- Shared Farmhouse: If players share a farmhouse, the divorced spouse’s room is removed for all players.
- Communication: Coordinate with other players before divorcing, as it affects the shared living space.
- Children: In multiplayer, children are associated with the player who gave birth or initiated the adoption.
Krobus as a Roommate: In-Depth Guide
Krobus’s Character Background
Krobus is one of the most unique NPCs in Stardew Valley. Understanding his character adds depth to the roommate experience:
- Species: Krobus is a shadow person, one of the shadow creatures that live in the Sewers.
- Personality: Shy, gentle, and somewhat lonely. He values friendship and companionship.
- History: Krobus mentions that he was cast out from the shadow people’s society for being too friendly with humans.
- Diet: He mentions eating void items and shadow-themed foods.
- Friendship with the Wizard: Krobus has a complicated relationship with the Wizard, who studies shadow creatures.
Daily Life with Krobus
Living with Krobus as a roommate adds a unique atmosphere to your farmhouse:
- Morning Routine: Krobus wakes up early and stands in the kitchen area.
- Daytime Presence: Unlike spouses, Krobus rarely leaves the farmhouse. He spends most of his day inside.
- Evening Activities: Krobus may read, stand by the window, or interact with furniture in his room.
- Night Routine: He goes to bed at a reasonable hour, similar to other NPCs.
Krobus’s Room Design
Krobus’s room has a distinct theme:
- Color Scheme: Dark purples, blacks, and deep blues.
- Decorations: Shadow-themed artwork, void-themed furniture, and mysterious artifacts.
- Atmosphere: The room has an otherworldly feel that contrasts with the rest of the farmhouse.
- Unique Items: His room contains items that cannot be found anywhere else in the game.
Advantages of the Roommate Path
The roommate path with Krobus offers several unique advantages:
- No Jealousy: You can maintain friendships with all marriage candidates without penalty.
- Lower Cost: The Void Ghost Pendant costs only 200g (plus a Rabbit’s Foot) compared to the 5,000g Mermaid’s Pendant.
- Lower House Upgrade Needed: You only need the first house upgrade (kitchen), which costs 10,000g and 450 Wood.
- Unique Dialogue: Krobus has charming roommate dialogue that adds personality to your farmhouse.
- Inclusivity: The roommate option provides a same-gender living arrangement without mods.
Disadvantages of the Roommate Path
Consider these drawbacks before choosing the roommate path:
- No Children: You cannot have children with Krobus as a roommate.
- No Spouse Perks: Krobus does not give breakfast gifts, help with farm chores, or provide other spouse benefits.
- Stardrop: You can receive a Stardrop from Krobus at 12.5 hearts, just like a spouse. Continue giving him a gift every day after reaching 10 hearts to reach this milestone.
- Limited Romance: The roommate relationship lacks the romantic elements of marriage.
- Community Perception: Some NPCs may have different dialogue about your living arrangement.
Legal and Practical Considerations
The Mayor’s Journal
The journal in Mayor Lewis’s bedroom is the mechanism for both divorce and ending roommate arrangements:
- Location: Mayor’s Manor, in the bedroom (right room when entering).
- Interaction: Click on the small book on the nightstand.
- Options: The journal presents options for divorce (if married) or ending the roommate arrangement (if Krobus is your roommate).
- Confirmation: You must confirm your decision, as there is no undo option.
Financial Implications
Consider the financial aspects of divorce and roommate arrangements:
| Aspect | Divorce | Roommate Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Cost | 50,000g | Free |
| Item Loss | Spouse’s items removed | Krobus’s items removed |
| House Impact | Spouse room removed | Krobus room removed |
| Children Impact | Children stay | N/A |
| Friendship Impact | Reset to 0 | Reset to 0 |
Can I divorce and immediately marry someone else? Yes, you can start building a relationship with a new candidate immediately after divorce. However, you still need to reach 10 hearts and obtain a Mermaid’s Pendant before you can remarry.
Does Krobus get jealous? No, Krobus as a roommate does not have the jealousy mechanic. You can give gifts to any NPC without any penalty.
Can I have both a spouse and a roommate? No, you can only have one person living in your farmhouse at a time. You must choose between marriage and the roommate arrangement.
What happens to the nursery if I divorce? The nursery room remains as part of your house even after divorce. The room does not revert to its previous state.
Can I get Krobus as a roommate after divorcing a spouse? Yes, you can transition from a divorced state to having Krobus as a roommate. Simply build friendship with Krobus to 10 hearts and give him the Void Ghost Pendant.