Setting
The world of Stardew Valley is described through various item descriptions, dialogue options, and Lost Books donated to the Museum.
Races
Humans
Dwarves
Shadow People
Junimos
Goblins
Merpeople
There are also Elves, Tundra Dwellers, and fairies.
Humans
Humans make up the majority of Stardew Valley's population. Most humans live normal lives, however Wizards and Witches still exist and study ancient arcane energies.
Dwarves
Dwarves call themselves 'Smoluanu', or 'Sky People'. They are known for living underground and once having advanced technology in ancient times. Archaeologist M. Jasper believes they are an alien race, as indicated in the Lost Book entitled Mysteries of the Dwarves. One dwarf can be found living in The Mines while a second is running a Shop in the Volcano Dungeon.
Shadow People
Shadow people are beings that cannot stand the light. They fought in the Elemental Wars when the Dwarves invaded their ancestral home deep underground. Krobus is a shadow person who can be found living in The Sewers. Most of the shadow people encountered in the game are monsters found in the Mines, known as Shadow Brutes and Shadow Shamans. Humans also call them Void Spirits.
Junimos
- Main article: Junimos
Keepers of the forest. They are spirits that live with the trees. Most of the Junimos can be found living in the Community Center. They have inspired the Junimo Kart video game.
Fairies
Fairies are magical beings which are mentioned in old legends but can also be encountered by the player. A fairy is summoned by the Fairy Box trinket. A fairy may occasionally appear to bless crops on the farm. As hinted in the item's description, the Fairy Rose attracts fairies and increases the chance of this happening. The description of Fairy Stone reads "An old miner's song suggests these are made from the bones of ancient fairies."
Elves
Nimble and skilled craftsmen. The description for Elvish Jewelry reads "Dirty but still beautiful. On the side is a flowing script thought by some to be the ancient language of the elves. No Elvish bones have ever been found." An ‘elf quesadilla’ can be prepared by the chef at the Desert festival, granting the player +3 attack and +1 luck.
Goblins
Goblins are described in the Lost Book titled Goblins. The Henchman is a goblin who can be encountered guarding the Witch's Hut and will only move after being given Void Mayonnaise, which is considered a delicacy by the Goblin race.
Merpeople
- Main article: The Merpeople
The Wizard makes a reference to their existence during the Luau. At the Night Market there is a Mermaid Boat, where upon entering, a mermaid will appear and begin singing to the player, accompanied by a cutscene. On rainy days a Mermaid will appear on the large rock by the shore of the Pirate Cove on Ginger Island. Very rarely, a green sea monster might appear under the left-most pier at The Beach and then swim south. This may or may not be a merperson. It is purely cosmetic and cannot be caught by fishing. Two merpeople appear in the perfection cutscene.
Tundra Dwellers
Referenced by Linus at the Festival of Ice, when he says "Igloo-building's an art I picked up from the tundra dwellers who live beyond the frozen sea." This may simply be referring to a specific group of humans.
Timeline
The Elemental Wars
An event referenced by the Wizard. It was the war between the Dwarves and Shadow People. The Dwarves, having driven the Shadow People from their ancestral home, forced the Shadow People to resort to violence. The Elemental Wars have long been finished, and the Dwarves and Shadow People must now live in peace for the sake of the humans living around them.
Geography
Stardew Valley Globe
Stardew Valley World Map
Stardew Valley
A peaceful region located on the southern coast of the Ferngill Republic. Harvey identifies its location over his shortwave radio as 52 north, 43.5 east.
Gem Sea
The ocean that makes up the entire southern coast of Pelican Town. Rumors suggest that Gunther comes from across the Gem Sea.
Fern Islands
An archipelago in the Gem Sea belonging to the Ferngill Republic. Willy is from there. When married to Haley, if at 13 hearts she will ask the player if they ever thought about retirement. Haley wishes to spend your days together there. Gus usually uses Fern Island Ringfruit for his premier candy canes, according to his dialogue during the Feast of the Winter Star.
Ginger Island can be accessed after repairing the boat in the backroom of Willy’s Fish Shop and buying tickets. Ginger Island is the only island available to visit in the archipelago, though other islands can be seen from the boat on the way there. Ginger island appears to be the largest island.
Castle Village
Castle Village is known for its "artisanal velvet" as mentioned in the description of Earmuffs. Its exact location is not mentioned.
Zuzu City
This is the City where a number of people from Pelican Town are from. Haley apparently has visited it, as The Queen of Sauce mentions that she reportedly fell in love with her Pink Cake after visiting Zuzu City. Alex notes that they have a gridball team called the Zuzu City Tunnelers, Sam mentions he used to live there, and Shane will take the Player to a match for his 10-heart event. Leah's ex, Kel, says in Leah's 10-heart event that they came all the way from Zuzu City to see the sculptures (Note: This only happens if you suggested the art show at the 2-heart event for Leah). After collecting all rarecrows, a letter is sent signed by "The Z.C. Rarecrow Society".
The movie "The Zuzu City Express" also references Zuzu City.
Grampleton
One of the dialogue choices during Penny's 8-heart event may lead the player to refer to Stardew Valley's natural resources by saying "You'll find no better lumber south of Grampleton."
During Clint's 6-heart event he invites Emily to the Grampleton Carnival.
The movie "It Howls in the Rain" references Grampleton.
One of the fishers at the Trout Derby says "I came all the way from Grampleton for this."
Prairie Island
Referenced in the movie "Natural Wonders: Exploring Our Vibrant World", it is an island far to the west of the Gem Sea, home to a diverse array of natural biomes and an abundant population of raccoons. The name "Prairie Island" possibly in reference to Journey of the Prairie King.
Nations
Ferngill Republic
The nation in which Stardew Valley is located. Kent is a soldier for the Ferngill Republic, and is a survivor from a Gotoro prison camp. Morris believes that the Joja Corporation is good for the country as a whole.
A plaque on the waiting room wall of Harvey's Clinic reads "This clinic is licensed for medical practice by the Ferngill Republic Health Authority."
In Livin' Off The Land, on the 25th of Fall, Year 2, the host mentions that "it's just a couple of days until communities around the Ferngill Republic celebrate Spirit's Eve!" This suggests that the holiday is celebrated only in the Republic, but this is not elaborated further.
Gotoro Empire
- Main article: Gotoro Empire
A nation at war with the Ferngill Republic. Located across the Gem Sea, south of Stardew Valley. The Traveling Cart contains goods smuggled out of the Gotoro Empire.
Religion
Yoba
- Main article: Yoba
Yoba is the creator deity. A shrine to Yoba is located in Pierre's General Store, and a Sign Of The Vessel can be found in Pam’s house once upgraded. Yoba is worshiped by both humans and shadow people, and a "sign of the vessel" appears on the plaque above the forge on Ginger island, suggesting the dwarves may also believe in Yoba. The symbol of Yoba can be found in various places throughout Stardew Valley.
Organizations & Factions
Joja Corporation
Adventurer's Guild
Joja Corporation
A megacorp that seems to cover shipping, warehousing, distribution, mining activities, emergency medical services, and energy drink production. The Player used to work for them. Morris is the manager of the local JojaMart, and Sam, Shane and an unnamed cashier work at the local JojaMart unless the player completes the Community Center.
Adventurer's Guild
- Main article: Adventurer's Guild
A place where adventurers gather to swap stories and sell their loot, the Adventurer's Guild is for those who have proven themselves courageous and strong. The Player is initially not a part of the guild, but upon entering the Mines for the first time, they are sent a letter the following day from Marlon, the leader of the Adventurer's Guild, who invites you into the guild if you slay 10 slimes. Upon entering, you are able to purchase swords, rings, and boots, as well as receive rewards from Gil, an old adventurer, for completing monster-slaying goals.
Z.C. Rarecrow Society
A society that will send you the recipe for the Deluxe Scarecrow after you gather all eight of the Rarecrows.