When playingStardew Valley, regardless of the approach, the relationships between villagers are essential to its experience. The villagers each have their own personality, making it more interesting as it’s up to the player in whom they want to invest, so they can have a platonic or romantic relationship with whoever connects with them the most. For the most part, the deciding factor comes from their interactions and the dialogue, and out of all the residents,one gets the most backlash, even though there is more at play.
Even though first impressions are essential, so is looking beyond the surface. Just like human beings,the villagers have complex lives and situations. Throughout theStardew Valleycommunity, there seems to be a communal hatred towards Haley. She might have an attitude anddemanding dialogue, but it’s an essential part of setting up one of the game’s most interesting characters.
Haley Is Overlooked By The Stardew Community
There’s More To Her Than Meets The Eye
Because of this,farmers are quick to judge, avoiding her in almost every playthrough. RedditorVivaldaimaddressed this within the community, asking, “why does everyone hate Haley specifically,” even though they noted that she is the only one “with real character development,” making her more realistic. From the typical standpoint,it can be understandable how she can come across as mean.
However, the female experience and how all women over the years have been disregarded and not treated equally can be the cause. For instance, it has manifested in many as the pressure translates into female rivalry, and when joining the village, Haley questions: “Hmm.. If it weren’t for those horrendous clothes you might actually be [cute/pretty].”
Haley
This quotation is not any nicer depending on the player character’s gender, and it further ingrains howputting others down is an instinct for her, for her survival. AsHarvard Business Reviewnotes, this is a consequence of female suppression, central to the concept of female rivalry. Another factor from the patriarchal systems is the pressures on the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular with compulsory heterosexuality, which theStardewcommunity has linked to Haley through Chappell Roan’s music. Haley constantly runs after the men, finding validation, like the antagonist in Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” It represents howher actions are rooted in the various hurtful cycles she faces.
Haley Deserves To Be Listened To & Given A Chance To Change
Sometimes, All You Need is Love
Vivaldaim notices this in their investigation, as in Haley’s character, she originates as a mean person.After being shown what love is,she breaks the cycle and becomes incredibly affectionate.RecurringZombieon Reddit also noticed this; Haley’s 14-heart event is singularly about helping others, and she’s heartbroken when another villager, George, suggests she’s using the cakewalk money selfishly. It perfectly illustrates how much Haley has grown as a result of the player’s affection.
Do not give Haley clay, wild horseradish, any kind of fish, or prismatic shards when trying to foster a relationship with her – she hates them.
It’s important to note where the player fits into this story and how their actions have impacted other villagers and caused them to mirror the player. In Haley’s case, reading her dialogue, one will learn what she dislikes and likes. That knowledge shows how she is cared for, making her show the same love back while letting the relationship grow.Stardew Valley’s Haley is just like everyone else and needs some understanding.
Sources:Vivaldaim/Reddit,Harvard Business Review,RecurringZombie/Reddit
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming indie farming scene that took the world by storm. After inheriting a run-down farm from their grandfather, the player moves to Stardew Valley to start a new life away from the city. Grow crops, raise animals, befriend the villagers, and discover the secrets the valley has to offer.
