Is there combat in this game?

[Larry Daley]

Also, how does the quests work. Is there main quest and side quests or everything optional etc

[Mara Huldra]

Yes, there is combat. It's restricted to caves so there are no random encounters while farming, enemies are only encountered while mining. I guess it's possible to avoid combat but it will make getting some kinds of items (such as ores, crystals) difficult.

[Watcher Rat]

Originally posted by Mara Huldra:

Yes, there is combat. It's restricted to caves so there are no random encounters while farming, enemies are only encountered while mining. I guess it's possible to avoid combat but it will make getting some kinds of items (such as ores, crystals) difficult.

There are certain farm settings where enemies can appear at night on the farm, but for normal maps, you won't encounter enemies outside specific spots.

There is a "main" storyline of sorts, where you have a special thing that happens on year 3 that gives results based on certain things you do, but that's not crucial. The "side" quests are more like little requests, or improving your relationships with the people in town which is, again, just as optional as everything else.

In other words, you play as you like and do what you want. Stardew is kind of a no pressure game like that.

[staryu]

There are some kind of main quests that you can't skip, but they're more like a guide in the game, they won't restrict you in any way to make progress as you like.

[Larry Daley]

Thanks. So what do you guys enjoy doing in the game?

[Amberbaum]

Combat is functional and is only done in combat areas. You won't get jumped on by an enemy in non-combat areas. The game doesn't really have a main story strictly speaking. There are requests, and you being shown "stuff that you can do if you want to, but you really should at your own time if you want to open up the game".

Originally posted by Josh McGuire:

Thanks. So what do you guys enjoy doing in the game?

Building up my farm, unlocking new areas. Basically doing the farming sim/life sim thing.

[Watcher Rat]

Originally posted by Josh McGuire:

Thanks. So what do you guys enjoy doing in the game?

I like doing everything...bouncing around town, befriending everyone that I like, marrying Sebastian for the 20th time...you know, the usual XD

[Rich]

There is some (quite a lot when you take into consideration how many runs you need to do in the mines..) It is the most simple hack-n-slash you can think of. Not necessarily bad, but gets repetitive after your 980th run in the skull cavern.

Originally posted by Josh McGuire:

Thanks. So what do you guys enjoy doing in the game?

Most things tbh, except for talking with npcs. Fishing is also very mid.

[DecalMan]

So how is the combat then?

[BirbNotBird]

Originally posted by DecalMan:

So how is the combat then?

Combat is simplistic at best, but it's kinda good gameplay loop.

You have three options: sword, club or hammer, and knife.

You can use block, heavy swing to the ground, and lot of stabbing "special power" for them respectively.

You can engage the enemy or not depend on your choice.

[SivartStoneheart]

Just install the PVP mod an slaughter the villagers. They never see it coming.

[Daniel]

Note that the term combat may stretch it a little…it’s basically two buttons, swing your sword/whatever thing on a stick you got and a block which I haven’t found a good use for even after 5 years playing this game, because a hit bounces the enemy back anyway.

Also, enemies don’t really have ‘mechanics’.

Imagine Zelda 1 on NES without the sub weapons.

[Rich]

Originally posted by BirbNotBird:

Originally posted by DecalMan:

So how is the combat then?

Combat is simplistic at best, but it's kinda good gameplay loop.

You have three options: sword, club or hammer, and knife.

There's also the slingshot and the bombs though

[Griffinstorm]

Originally posted by BirbNotBird:

You can use block, heavy swing to the ground, and lot of stabbing "special power" for them respectively.

Blocking *le'gasp* ???
Color me shocked and unknowing.

[Amberbaum]

Originally posted by Griffinstorm:

Originally posted by BirbNotBird:

You can use block, heavy swing to the ground, and lot of stabbing "special power" for them respectively.

Blocking *le'gasp* ???
Color me shocked and unknowing.

Blocking is a worthless secondary to the sword. Offense is the best defense in this case.

[buttawise]

Originally posted by Josh McGuire:

Thanks. So what do you guys enjoy doing in the game?

i just like farming and the caves. I have to make an effort to be friends with people but it's pretty interesting exploring their stories. I also enjoy customizing my farm layout to look more like a weird themed maze than an actual productive farm. I have 2 main avenues to get my horse out but everything else is spaghetti paths like factorio. I like using ponds, coops and all the assets thematically. Meaning pretty much nothing is laid out for optimal money output. Money is essentially worthless after year 2 it's just a wall for certain things to prove how hard you can farm which is fine not hating; starfruit ftw.