Meeting Maru: The Scientist of Pelican Town
Stardew Valley, a charming and immersive farming simulator, has captured the hearts of millions. Beyond tilling the soil and cultivating crops, the game offers a rich social experience, allowing players to forge relationships with the townsfolk of Pelican Town. Among the many endearing characters, Maru stands out as a brilliant and compassionate bachelorette, eager to explore the wonders of science and the beauty of the world around her. This guide is a comprehensive look at everything you need to know to befriend, date, and ultimately marry Maru in the world of Stardew Valley.
Maru is one of the most captivating residents of Pelican Town. She’s a young woman with a passion for science and invention, often found tinkering with machines and conducting experiments. She lives in the mountains with her parents, Robin and Demetrius, and her younger brother, Sebastian. Her home is a bustling place, filled with the sounds of construction from Robin and the inquisitive nature of her father. Maru stands out with her bright, cheerful demeanor and her genuine interest in the world.
You’ll typically find Maru in a few key locations throughout the day. Her primary haunt is, of course, her home where you can find her working in her crafting area. At the start of the game, she’s often in her room, experimenting or spending time with her family. Later in the game, she will often be in her room in the workshop. She also spends time at the Clinic with her father Demetrius, and the Stardrop Saloon, usually in the evening after her other activities. Her schedule varies with the seasons and the weather, so it’s essential to observe her routine to maximize your chances of interacting with her.
Knowing Maru’s preferences is vital to building a strong friendship. Her likes and dislikes play a huge role in efficiently increasing your relationship score. Understanding what she enjoys and what she absolutely despises can be the difference between a budding romance and a relationship that never takes root.
Cultivating a Friendship with the Inventor
Building a strong friendship with Maru is the first step towards a deeper relationship. The heart system in Stardew Valley determines the level of your relationship with each character. The higher the number of hearts, the stronger your bond. You can view your friendship level with each character by checking the social tab in your menu.
The most reliable way to increase your friendship with Maru is by giving her gifts. She adores certain gifts, loves others, and dislikes or even hates others. Giving gifts on her birthday, Summer tenth, provides a significant boost to your relationship.
Maru loves several gifts. The highest-scoring gifts are the Diamond and the Cauliflower. Diamonds are a valuable mineral found by breaking gem nodes in the mines. Cauliflowers are a Spring crop that can be grown on your farm. Other loved gifts include a Battery Pack and Cheese. Battery Packs can be crafted from lightning rods, or obtained from the mines. Cheese can be produced by placing milk inside a cheese press.
There are plenty of gifts Maru likes. For example, you can gift her a gold bar, any cooked food, or even certain minerals.
It is possible to give gifts that Maru dislikes. For instance, giving her a Fish will give you a negative modifier in friendship. Disliked gifts will reduce your friendship slightly.
Giving a gift Maru hates will result in a significant reduction in your friendship level.
Outside of gifts, completing quests for Maru also increases your friendship with her. Regularly visiting her, talking to her daily, and participating in local festivals are all excellent ways to demonstrate your interest and build a genuine connection.
Dating Maru: Unlocking the Heart Events
Reaching a friendship level of eight hearts is a major milestone. At this point, you can begin dating Maru. To do this, you must give her a bouquet, which you can purchase from Pierre’s General Store once you have reached eight hearts with her. After presenting her with a bouquet, she will become your girlfriend.
Reaching certain heart levels will trigger special heart events that provide insight into Maru’s personality and dreams. These events are pivotal moments in your relationship, offering unique cutscenes and opportunities to deepen your bond.
The second heart event occurs in Maru’s workshop. You will walk into her workshop to find Maru working on an experiment. She’ll welcome you to test out one of her experiments, leading to a nice conversation and the first time you can interact with the machinery.
The fourth heart event will involve Maru working on a science project. She asks you to help her gather resources, and your response will reflect your own preferences.
The sixth heart event focuses on further aiding Maru’s science endeavors. This is where you continue to support her passions.
The eighth heart event takes place at her home and introduces you to her parents, Robin and Demetrius. This is a significant step, showing how you are becoming part of her family.
The tenth heart event is one of the most exciting and involves Maru’s rocket. You will be invited to her workshop, to see her newest creation.
During these heart events, your choices and responses will impact the relationship. Select the options that align with your interests and show support for Maru’s passion.
Proposing to Maru: A Lifetime of Love
Once you reach ten hearts with Maru, you are ready to take the next step: proposing marriage. To propose, you must obtain the Mermaid’s Pendant. You can purchase this from the Old Mariner, who appears on the beach south of Pelican Town on rainy days. The Mermaid’s Pendant costs a certain sum of money, so ensure you have enough funds.
Present the Mermaid’s Pendant to Maru, and she will joyfully accept your proposal. The wedding will then take place three days later, during which you will be presented to her family.
Life After Marriage: The Joys of Domesticity with Maru
After the wedding ceremony, your life in Stardew Valley will change in exciting ways. Maru becomes a permanent fixture on your farm, adding a new dimension to your daily routine.
Maru’s schedule will change slightly after marriage. She’ll spend more time with you on the farm, helping with various tasks. You can find her tending to the farm, cooking meals, building structures, and adding her unique touch to your shared space.
She’ll also give you a special gift, such as a meal or a decorative item, to place inside your home. You can expect pleasant conversations and interactions. Maru will often express her love for you and share her thoughts and feelings, creating a warm and supportive home environment. She may also offer to cook you meals, and depending on her mood, those meals can bring beneficial effects.
If you choose to have children, Maru will be an excellent mother. She’ll care for your kids with her warm and loving nature.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Marrying Maru
Marrying Maru brings a multitude of advantages. Her presence adds a sense of warmth and stability to your farm. She is a supportive and loving wife. She might provide certain farm-related benefits, like building farm structures and cooking various meals.
There are no inherent disadvantages to marrying Maru from a gameplay perspective. However, some players may prefer other bachelorettes due to their interests, personalities, or gifts. The choice is ultimately based on personal preferences.
Strategies for a Successful Relationship
To ensure a long and happy marriage, it’s essential to continue nurturing your relationship with Maru. Give her gifts regularly. Talk to her every day to maintain your bond. Build a good relationship with her family. Make sure you do not upset her.
Tips and Tricks
Gifting
Prioritize her loved gifts, especially those that are easy to obtain. This will significantly speed up the friendship-building process.
Birthday
Remember her birthday, Summer tenth, and give her a loved gift.
Regular Interactions
Visit her daily, chat, and ensure you are always supportive.
Heart Events
Pay attention to the heart events, and make the choices that reflect your commitment to her.
Use the Wiki
The Stardew Valley Wiki is an invaluable resource. It details all gifts, schedules, and event triggers.
Conclusion: A Journey of Love and Innovation
Marrying Maru in Stardew Valley is a rewarding experience. Her brilliance, kindness, and unwavering spirit bring joy and warmth to your farm life. Her passion for science adds a fascinating dimension to your shared adventures, making your journey together all the more exciting.
By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can successfully befriend, date, and marry Maru. Her love and support will enrich your Stardew Valley experience, creating a bond that will last for many seasons to come. So, embrace the spirit of innovation, celebrate your love for each other, and embark on a truly unforgettable Stardew Valley journey with Maru. Happy farming!
