Stardew Valley Parents Guide: Age Rating, Safety & Tips
Recommended age: 8+
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours. A year in the game is about 20 minutes in real life, so it's easy to lose track of time.
Oh, thank goodness! Another game, I thought my kids only shoot and chase. Stardew Valley is something completely different, a bit like Grandpa's farm in the moshav, but virtual and without the smell of the cows. It took me a week to understand what on earth they were doing there, but honestly? It's quite cute. Even my 10-year-old daughter is getting into it now! Who would have thought an electronic farm would be such a success?
What is this game
Listen, it's a pretty nice game. You're basically someone who leaves the big city and moves to live in a small village, inheriting an old, neglected farm from your grandpa. The goal is to restore the farm: plant vegetables and flowers, raise animals, fish, dig in caves (where you find all sorts of crystals and minerals), and even get married and start a family. It's all at your own pace, no pressure. It's very relaxing, no violence, and my kids are suddenly learning about the growing cycle of a tomato. Who would have thought?
Safety tips
- {"title":"Balanced Screen Time","content":"This game is relaxing, but it also takes time. It's important to make sure they're not immersed in it for hours on end. They also have homework and friends…
- {"title":"Cooperative Play","content":"You can play Stardew Valley with friends (multiplayer). This is great for friendships, but it's always good to check who they're playing with if they're not fri…
- {"title":"Occasional Combat","content":"Although it's a calm game, there's a little bit of combat in the caves against small monsters, but it's really mild and fun. Nothing violent or scary. Talk to…