Stardew Valley best maps - Which starting farm to pick (2023)

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best farm map in stardew valley

Picking the best farm map in Stardew Valley can be a little daunting if you're just starting out. If you don't know much about the game you may not understand what the pros and cons are to each. So far there are seven farm maps in total, each with its own theme. They also vary in difficulty and playstyle. So we've put together a list of all the different types of farm layouts and discussed what we think are the best farm maps.

The best farm map in Stardew Valley (2023)

1. Four Corners

Four Corners is one of the newer maps to come to Stardew Valley, arriving in update 1.4. The name suits it well as it's set up to accommodate four players, with each section connected through pathways for easy access to other players' areas.

It's the highest on our list because there's nothing quite like playing Stardew Valley as a co-op multiplayer. But if you aren't playing with friends, no worries. This map is actually great for solo players because each corner of the map holds something different, meaning you can cater any type of play style to this map.

2. Standard Farm

The Standard Farm is the default map we have all come to know and love. This farm is a great choice for new and beginner players, which is why we've ranked it so high. A classic is a classic for a reason!

There aren't really any cons to this map, which is why we recommend it, especially for those playing for the first time. It's also one of the best farm maps to choose when you have a real idea of your layout since there's so much space to work with.

3. Forest Farm

Space certainly isn't the main feature of the Forest Farm, but we don't hold that against it. This farm map is absolutely brimming with resources, including plenty of hardwood stumps, berry bushes, forageable food items, and ponds that include fish that can usually only be found in rivers.

It's also a perfect farm for an influx of Stardew Valley mods, because you can really lean into the cosy and aesthetically pleasing vibe of farmer life.

4. Riverland Farm

The Riverland Farm really depends on what type of Stardew Valley game you play. If you're a keen fisher, then this is definitely one of the best farm maps, but it's an acquired taste which is why we've rated it on the lower end. There's not a great deal of tillable land on this farm in comparison to others, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in fishing.

Fishing on the Riverland Farm guarantees you either town or forest fish, and it also allows for bubble spots to appear in the rivers surrounding your home. We've also put together a comprehensive fishing guide, so if you're looking to really make some money early on, this might be one of the best farm maps to go for.

5. Hill-Top Farm

Similarly to the Riverland Farm, the Hill-top Farm is specific to a certain style of play. If you're more of a miner than an angler, then this will be one of the best farm maps to choose. It's once again an acquired taste, but it still holds a wealth of materials to mine, craft, and then eventually sell for a hefty profit.

There's even a miniature quarry on this farm map, but sometimes it'll be blocked by a large boulder or another such obstacle, and you'll need to work to get your equipment upgraded in order to be rid of it. So, that makes a whole section of the farm unplayable from day one.

6. Wilderness Farm

This map has quite a large area to create a profitable farm, however, as the name suggests, it's vulnerable to outside influences. That means protection is almost as important as actually farming.

Monsters will spawn on this map at night, so if you're looking to do some late-night farming, or you're coming back from a long day in the mines, you'll have to clear your farm from creatures before you can do so.

It's great for levelling up your combat skills, however, and so if you're more of an adventurer than a farmer, this could be one of the best farm maps to try out.

7. Beach farm

This farm map is literally meant for 'seasoned players' as opposed to new starters, which is why we've ranked it bottom of our list. That's not to say that it isn't worth trying at all, because it does come with a whole host of potential. It's great for foraging since both forest and beach foragable items spawn on this map. It's also (quite obviously) great for fishing, as you have the ocean right on your doorstep.

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It is, however, the smallest map for farming. It has a lot of space, but sprinklers can't be placed in the sandy soil. There is a section for only 202 tiles viable for sprinklers, which makes it tough to grow many crops on this map. If you know what you're doing and you're confident in your abilities, this might be the best farm map to flex your muscles on. But for new starters and casual players, it could pose more effort than it's worth.

So, there you have it, there's our current tier list for the best farm maps in Stardew Valley! What map will you go for in your next save? If you're looking to venture further afield, we've put together a helpful guide on how to get to Ginger Island, and we also recommend checking out our character hub so you can decide which NPC you want to be besties with!

For more articles like this, take a look at our Stardew Valley and Guides page.