Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG where players can bring their visions of a perfect homestead to life. The protagonist receives a letter from their deceased 
Grandpa, which states that they have inherited a run-down farm in the small and charming Pelican Town. The primary objective of the game is to restore the farm to its former glory, build ever-lasting relationships with the townsfolk, and settle down in the countryside.
To evaluate their progress in the game, Grandpa’s Ghost pays the farmer a visit after they’ve completed two years in Pelican Town. This guide covers everything players need to know so that they can be prepared for Grandpa’s Evaluation in Stardew Valley.
What is Grandpa’s Evaluation?
On Spring 1, Year 3, the farmer’s deceased grandfather makes a ghostly return to evaluate their success on the farm. Grandpa's Evaluation is determined by the amount of candles that illuminate Grandpa's Shrine, located in the Northwest corner of The Farm.
Every player should aim to make Grandpa proud by successfully lighting all 4 candles on his shrine before the third year begins. These spirit candles serve as an indicator of how many milestones the player has achieved.
The Scoring System
There are a total of 21 points divided across a set of five different milestones, which the player needs to achieve within the first two years of their farm life. These milestones can be illustrated in the table below, as well as how many points can be earned by completing them:
| Milestone | Requirements | Points Earned | Total Points |
| Total Earnings | Earn 50,000 gold | 1 | 7 |
| Earn 100,000 gold | 1 | ||
| Earn 200,000 gold | 1 | ||
| Earn 300,000 gold | 1 | ||
| Earn 500,000 gold | 1 | ||
| Earn 1,000,000 gold | 2 | ||
| Player’s Skill Level | Reach a total of 30 levels across all Skills. | 1 | 2 |
| Reach a total of 50 levels across all Skills (Achieve Level 10 in every Skill) | 1 | ||
| Achievements | Master Angler : Catch every fish in the game | 1 | 3 |
| Full Shipment : Ship all items | 1 | ||
| A Complete Collection: Complete the museum’s collection | 1 | ||
| Friendship | Reach eight Friendship Hearts with at least 5 villagers | 1 | 4 |
| Reach eight Friendship Hearts with at least 10 villagers | 1 | ||
| Get married with at least two Farmhouse upgrades (Kitchen and Nursery) | 1 | ||
| Reach approximately five Friendship Hearts with the Pet. | 1 | ||
| Miscellaneous | Restore the Community Center | 1 | 5 |
| The Community Center Opening ceremony takes place | 2 | ||
| Obtain the Skull Key by reaching the bottom of The Mines (Floor 120) | 1 | ||
| Obtain the Rusty Key by completing the museum collection | 1 |
Rewards
Every player who successfully lights up four candles on Grandpa’s Shrine is rewarded with the Statue of Perfection. This statue bears a resemblance to maneki-neko figurines, which are considered symbols of good luck for small businesses. It is made of pure iridium and has the ability to produce 2-8 Iridium Ore per day.
To light up 4 candles on the Shrine, players need to achieve a score of 12 points or more.
| Shrine Candles Lit | Total Points Earned |
| 1 | 0 to 3 |
| 2 | 4 to 7 |
| 3 | 8 to 11 |
| 4 | 12+ |
Re-evaluation
Players who haven’t been paying attention to their game progress and did not pass Grandpa’s Evaluation on the first attempt can opt for re-evaluation. By placing 1 Diamond into Grandpa’s Shrine, the game gives players a second chance to ace Grandpa’s Evaluation.
Grandpa’s Ghost may return on the following day or, in some cases, the first day of the following season to re-evaluate the player’s progress in Stardew Valley.
However, players should keep in mind that this evaluation does not impact their gameplay in any way, and they can continue playing the game indefinitely.
Tips for Completing the Evaluation
Completing Grandpa’s Evaluation does not require players to hit each of the milestones. They can focus on the easier ones that offer the most points.
- The Achievement-related milestones might be a bit challenging at first, so players can work on leveling up their Skills and achieving their financial goals instead.
- Players can focus on restoring the Community Center by completing all of its Bundles. Completing the Community Center and attending its re-opening Ceremony is a great way for players to earn three points.
If players choose to turn the Community Center into a Joja Warehouse, they will miss out on earning these points.
- Additionally, befriending the villagers and reaching eight hearts with most of them is not too difficult. Players can interact with them daily and give them Loved Gifts to build these relationships. Another quick way to earn a point is by petting their cat or dog every day.
- Players can easily obtain the Rusty Key by donating 60 items to the Museum’s Collection. If they’re brave enough to venture into the Mines, players can build up their Mining and Combat skills as they go into the deeper levels to obtain the Skull Key.
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
