Guides

Essential Tips For Mastering Stardew Valley

Published

4 years ago

August 10, 2021

Essential Tips For Mastering Stardew Valley

Picking up a random game and being instantly good at it can be a daunting task. It takes time and experience to master a game, regardless of its nature and difficulty. Passionate gamers find excitement in the most difficult phases of games where progression becomes a formidable challenge. However, for casual gamers, numerous guides and walkthroughs are available on the Internet that provides step-by-step tutorials.

Stardew Valley is a renowned name in the world of simulation and role-playing video games. To this day, the game has sold over 10 million copies and is available on all console, mobile, and computer platforms. The game makes the players follow the story of a character who inherits a tumbledown farm from their grandfather in a fictional location known as Pelican Town in Stardew Valley.

Players can take part in open-world activities like crafting ingredients, raising livestock, growing crops, mining ores, selling the produced materials, and maintaining a social life with the people around. Countless hidden mysteries and rewards are hidden all over the map. The secret note 11 is one such mystery in the game that has perplexed players ever since its release. This article will provide an in-depth discussion on the essentials of mastering Stardew Valley.

Farm Types

Choosing the right farm type is the first major decision you will need to make in the game. Understanding the certain features of each farm type is crucial, as this takes players on specific pathways that determine the overall feel of the game. Following is a list of the available types of farms in the game, along with their summarized features.

Standard farm: A wonderful choice for beginners, this is a standard map with the highest area of land available for growing animals and farming crops.
Forest farm: This map is great for foraging bushes and weeds, and is a heaven for hardwood collectors.
Wilderness farm: Combat enthusiasts love this map due to the presence of night-time monsters like golems that can be killed and harvested.
Beach farm: Fishing fanatics are able to farm different types of fish on this map, and enjoy the occasional supply crates that wash up at the shore.
Four corners farm: This multiplayer map is divided into four small farms that are a combination of the Riverland, Standard, Hill-Top, and Forest farms.
Hill-Top farm: This map is perfect for players devoted to mining resources, despite the lack of farming land due to the presence of the hills.
Riverland farm: Similar to the beach farm, this map is great for players opting to fish rather than farm crops.

Do Not Forget to Watch TV

Whether it is time to go to sleep or the start of a new day, it is always a good idea to turn the TV on for a while every day. This is a valuable source of in-game information that helps in progression. A channel called Fortune Teller gives predictions about your luck on that day. The chances of discovering rare items are increased on lucky days, and vice versa.

The weather report is another important piece of information that can be retrieved from watching TV. Rainy days mean the crops do not need watering, and the effort and resources can be used on other tasks for that day.

Additional channels are unlocked as the player progresses through the game. For general tips and tricks, Livin’ off the Land is a great channel to visit every day.

Plan Your Layout

Experienced strategy-simulation gamers mostly vouch for a planned approach to games that requires the setting up of a layout. While these layouts vary between gamers, it is always a smart initial step that decides the entire playstyle of the player throughout the game.

3×3 grid patterns can be a fixed standard you can strictly follow that will enable you to place any object without having to worry about the spacing or relocating other structures. Clever placement of assets can make the gaming experience smoother and less challenging. Plants with shorter cultivation time can be harvested closer to your cabin, compared to plants taking a longer amount of time. The small and specific sections of the grid layout help the farmer keep the entire spread categorized.

Communicate with Your Neighbors

Exchanging pleasantries with the people of the town might seem like a waste of time, but this does have its perks. Once all the townspeople have been approached, a specific achievement is unlocked in the game. Furthermore, the people would then be handing out more quests to complete, which helps in progression. These NPCs also gift the player with various rewards and recipes that are not obtainable from other sections of the game.

Visit the Community Center and Bulletin Boards

Unlocking the community takes some time but is usually available after a few days of playing the game. A wizard will guide you through the process, and you will end up with more quests if you act accordingly. Completing every possible quest in the game is the true key to progress. The difficulty of these quests increases gradually, along with the value of rewards. Make sure you don’t put off these challenges, as they are time-sensitive.

The bulletin board is situated beside the general store. Multiple quests are listed on the right and can easily be completed as these are usually small challenges with fitting rewards. On the left side of the bulletin board is a calendar including all the birthdays of the other players. Delivering gifts to these players helps in building friendship, which is greatly beneficial for players looking to progress in the game.

Farm, Farm, Farm!

Role-playing games, or farming games, generally require extensive grinding to reach the higher tiers. Players need to farm vigorously if they wish to stay competitive amongst the top players in the world. Even casual players should farm constantly to replenish resources spent on quests or sowing new seeds. Ranging from foraging to fishing, any form of farming adds to your resources, making you richer and more capable in the process.

Final Words

Stardew Valley is an amazing opportunity for gamers of all types, as the game is loaded with features suited to the likings of most players. There is a little bit of everything in this brilliant strategy RPG. Conquering the initial challenges can be unnerving for certain players, but reading a guide or a walkthrough solves this dilemma. A strong start to the game can set you up on an amazing journey for years to come!

Guides

Guild Wars 2 Weaponsmith Leveling Guide 0-400

Published

1 month ago

May 20, 2025

Olivia

Key Points:

Weaponsmithing lets you craft melee weapons for all classes, helping you gear up or earn gold efficiently.
Leveling from 0 to 400 involves crafting and discovery, using materials like wood, ore, inscriptions, and sigils.
Smart planning, material gathering, and diverse crafting recipes make the journey to master Weaponsmith smooth and cost-effective.

Introduction

Weaponsmithing is one of the primary crafting professions in Guild Wars 2. It allows you to craft melee weapons used by many classes, which is perfect if you want to gear up your characters or make gold by selling gear to other players. Here, we’ll walk you through leveling the skill from 0 to 400, step-by-step, while keeping it fast, simple, and beginner-friendly.

What Is Weaponsmithing in GW2?

Weaponsmithing is a crafting discipline that lets you create melee weapons. These weapons are used by almost every profession in the game. With Weaponsmithing, you can make:

Axes
Daggers
Greatswords
Hammers
Maces
Shields
Spears
Swords

To unlock the profession, you’ll need to visit a Weaponsmithing Trainer (found in major cities like Lion’s Arch, Divinity’s Reach, Hoelbrak, etc.). You can have two crafting disciplines active simultaneously, but switch between them later for a small fee.

Weaponsmithing is excellent for making powerful gear, leveling alts, or selling weapons on the Trading Post.

Also Read: Can You Play Elden Ring Offline? | Everything a Tarnished Needs to Know

Before You Start: Things You’ll Need

Crafting takes time and resources, so it’s smart to prepare a few things before starting:

A character (Level 80 is ideal, but not required)
A few gold coins (you’ll need to buy ingredients)
Access to a bank and the Trading Post
Salvage kits to break down unwanted gear
Lots of bag space (crafting fills up your inventory fast)

You can gather materials while playing or buy them directly for faster leveling. Either way, planning ahead is good so you don’t get stuck.

Total Materials Needed (0–400)

Here’s a list of materials you’ll need from the start to level 400. Most of them can be gathered or bought from the Trading Post.

From Weaponsmith Vendor:

171 Lump of Coal
90 Lump of Primordium

From Trading Post / Gathering:

144 Green Wood Logs
72 Soft Wood Logs
54 Seasoned Wood Logs
162 Hard Wood Logs
240 Elder Wood Logs
796 Iron Ore
180 Platinum Ore
256 Mithril Ore
72 Claws
18 Pile of Shimmering Dust
72 Small Venom Sacs
2 Crystal Shards
8 Molten Cores
16 Molten Shards
13 Onyx Fragments

Special Components:

24 Bronze Axe Blade
27 Bronze Spear Head
27 Large Green Haft
13 Carrion Mithril Plated Inscription
27 Berserker’s Hard Inscription
13 Malign Bronze Plated Inscription
11 Malign Green Inscription
27 Rampager’s Elder Inscription
27 Rejuvenating Seasoned Inscription
27 Resilient Green Inscription

These numbers are optimized to help you level fast while using as few materials as possible.

Also Read: Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

How Leveling Works

Weaponsmithing XP comes mostly from Crafting and Discovery. Discovery gives more XP, especially when creating something for the first time. To use Discovery, combine base components (like sword blades, hilts, and inscriptions) in the discovery tab at a crafting station.

Level 0–75: Start With Bronze

Materials:

Bronze Ingots (made from Copper + Tin)
Green Wood Planks
Small Green Hafts
Malign Inscriptions

What to Craft:

Make 48 Green Wood Planks
Craft 24 Small Green Hafts
In Discovery, combine:
- Bronze Axe Blade + Small Green Haft + Malign Green Inscription = Malign Bronze Axe
Make 10 Malign Bronze Axes
Discover Resilient Bronze Spear
Craft 26 Resilient Bronze Spears
Discover (Master) Malign Bronze Axe (uses Plated Inscription)
Make 12 of those

You’ll reach level 75 quickly by mixing different weapon types and using discovery.

Level 75–150: Move to Iron

Materials:

94 Iron Ingots
18 Soft Wood Planks
Iron Shield Parts (Boss and Backing)
Inscription materials
Onyx Fragments + Dust

What to Craft:

Make 9 Iron Shield Backings and 9 Iron Shield Bosses
Discover and craft Simple Sharpening Stones
Discover and make a Minor Sigil of Strength
Make 9 Iron Plated Dowels
Craft 9 Ravaging Iron Inscriptions
Discover and craft (Master) Ravaging Iron Shield
Make 8 of those

You’ll now be halfway through T2 crafting.

Also Read: Is PUBG Cross Platform? [PC, Xbox One, PS4, And Mobiles]

Level 150–225: Steel Weapons

Materials:

171 Steel Ingots (Iron + Coal)
18 Seasoned Wood Planks
Steel Shield Parts
Pillaging and Rejuvenating Inscriptions

What to Craft:

Make 36 Steel Shield Bosses and 36 Backings
Discover and make Rejuvenating Steel Shield (26 total)
Make 9 Steel Plated Dowels
Create 9 Pillaging Inscriptions
Discover and craft (Master) Hunter’s Steel Shield (8 total)

You’ll reach 225 and be ready for high-level materials.

Level 225–300: Craft With Darksteel

Materials:

90 Darksteel Ingots (requires Iron + Mithril + Primordium)
54 Hardwood Planks
27 Spear Heads
Large Hafts
Crystal Shards and Molten Shards

What to Craft:

Make 27 Darksteel Spear Heads and 27 Large Hard Hafts
Discover the Major Sigil of Sanctuary
Discover and craft Berserker’s Darksteel Spear (26 total)
Discover and craft Major Sigil of Doom (7 total)

After this, you’ll reach level 300.

Level 300–400: Final Stretch With Mithril

Materials:

128 Mithril Ingots
80 Elder Wood Planks
40 Large Elder Hafts
13 Mithril Hammer Heads
27 Mithril Spear Heads
Rampager’s, Carrion Inscriptions
Molten Core

What to Craft:

Craft 27 Mithril Spear Heads + 40 Large Elder Hafts
Discover and craft Rampager’s Mithril Spear (26 total)
Discover and craft the Carrion Mithril Hammer (12 total)
Make 7 Major Sigils of Doom (Mithril + Molten Core)

Congratulations! You’re now a level 400 Weaponsmith!

What’s Next After 400?

After hitting level 400, you unlock the ability to:

Craft exotic weapons
Level up to 500 for ascended gear
Do daily crafting for profit
Make legendary components

You can also craft high-level gear for your other characters or sell them for gold.

Final Tips

Use Discovery Often – It gives more XP than plain crafting.
Salvage Gear You Don’t Need – This contains inscriptions, dust, and sigil parts.
Don’t Overcraft One Item – Variety saves materials and gives better XP.
Watch the Trading Post – Prices fluctuate, buy mats when they’re cheap.
Craft Boosters – Use them during festivals or XP events for extra gains.

Also Read: Is DayZ Crossplay? Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion

This GW2 weaponsmith guide gives you everything you need to level from 0 to 400 quickly and with fewer wasted materials. You’ve learned what Weaponsmithing is, what materials are required, and how to optimize your journey through each crafting tier.

Whether you’re here to make gear, earn gold, or complete your crafting journal, you’re now well-equipped to start your adventure as a master Weaponsmith in Tyria.

Good luck—and happy forging!

Guides

Can You Play Elden Ring Offline? | Everything a Tarnished Needs to Know

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2025

Olivia

Key Takeaways

Yes, you can play Elden Ring offline—fully and without missing the core story or mechanics.
You’ll lose online messages, bloodstains, co-op, and PvP.
You’ll gain immersion, peace, and improved stability.
Ideal for solo players, modders, or anyone wanting a focused experience.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Lands Between, dodging arrows, dragons, and then you encounter a disconnect error? If you have done all the above in Elden Ring, you must also have wondered: Can you play Elden Ring offline? Well, the short answer is yes, you can.

But obviously, the story has to run deeper than this. As a hardcore gamer and FromSoftware veteran, we dived deep into both online and offline gameplay. So, in this guide, we’re not just answering the question; we’re unpacking every twist and turn Elden Ring brings with it.

Whether you’re dodging PvP invasions or preserving bandwidth in the wilds of Caelid, this is your definitive guide to playing Elden Ring offline, what changes when you do, and why some players might prefer it that way.

Quick Answer: Can You Play Elden Ring Offline?

Yes, Elden Ring does offer a fully functional offline mode. In fact, you can play the entire game, including main quests, side content, and even NG+ – without connecting to the internet at all. However, offline mode does alter certain game mechanics and removes online features like player messages, bloodstains, co-op summons, and PvP invasions.

But before you flip the switch, let’s dig into what that truly means.

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide On How To Drop Items In Elden Ring

How to Play Elden Ring Offline

Source: theverge.com

There are two main ways to play Elden Ring offline:

1. Disable Network at the System Level

PC (Steam): Launch Steam in offline mode, or disable your internet connection entirely.
PS4/PS5: Disconnect Wi-Fi or LAN under Settings > Network.
Xbox: Go to Settings > General > Network Settings > Go Offline.

2. Use the In-Game Setting

From the main menu:

Go to System > Network.
Change Launch Setting to Play Offline.
Save and restart the game.

This second method is the best option if you still want to keep your console/PC online for other apps or downloads while keeping Elden Ring isolated.

Also Read: Elden Ring Confessor Build: A Beginner Guide

What You Lose in Offline Mode

This is where things get spicy. While the core gameplay stays untouched, playing Elden Ring offline cuts out all the way asynchronous multiplayer features. Here’s what you’ll be missing:

Player Messages

Those cryptic (and often hilarious) messages left by other Tarnished – gone. No more “try jumping” next to a cliff or “liar ahead” in front of a friendly NPC. Offline play removes this crowd-sourced guidance system, for better or worse.

Bloodstains

Curious how another player met their doom? Offline mode removes bloodstains, so you won’t see ghostly replays of fatal mistakes. A small detail, but one that adds charm and caution to online play.

Summoning for Co-op

Need help with a boss? Offline mode blocks all co-op signs. You’ll need to face Malenia and her like solo. This also means:

No access to Furlcalling Finger Remedy interactions.
Spirit Ashes are still available (so you’re not totally alone).
NPC summons like Blaidd or Millicent? Still there—they’re not affected.

PvP Invasions

The most divisive feature in FromSoftware games. Offline mode guarantees:

No red phantom invaders.
No blue phantom defenders.
No duels.

Some players breathe a sigh of relief, others lament the loss of adrenaline-fueled encounters.

Also Read: Is Dying Light 2 Cross-platform?

What You Gain in Offline Mode

Surprisingly, playing Elden Ring offline offers a few unique advantages:

Peaceful Exploration

No fear of unexpected invasions while you’re admiring the Erdtree or getting your bearings in Nokron. Ideal for lore hunters and map lovers.

Solo Integrity

Every boss kill is yours alone. No summons, no crutches—just pure, raw grit. For purists, it’s the most authentic Soulsborne experience.

Fewer Distractions

Online features can be immersion-breaking. You’re deep into Leyndell’s grim majesty, and suddenly there’s a troll message spamming “try finger but hole.” Offline mode returns you to a pristine, atmospheric journey.

Stability

On rare occasions, FromSoft’s servers hiccup. Disconnects mid-boss? UI lag from online polling? Offline play can actually improve performance, especially on lower-end systems.

Does Playing Offline Affect Game Progress?

Nope. Elden Ring makes no gameplay concessions for offline mode. All NPC quests, endings, loot, and secrets are intact. You can:

Beat the game entirely offline.
Unlock all achievements/trophies.
Return to online mode later without losing anything.

Just remember: multiplayer-related achievements (like successful invasions or co-op assists) can’t be unlocked in offline mode.

Also Read: Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

Offline Mode & Mods: A Hidden Bonus

For PC gamers, this is when things start to become very interesting.

Offline mode is your best friend if you’re a modder. Offline mode is frequently necessary for tools like Seamless Co-op, Elden Ring Reforged, and gameplay overhaul mods in order to prevent bans and preserve compatibility.

Why?

In offline mode, anti-cheat is turned off.

The servers of FromSoft won’t sync with your modified game.

Shadow realms and soft bans don’t affect you.

Offline play is therefore the key to freedom if you’re a challenge-runner or tinkerer.

Here’s where things get really interesting for PC players.

Elden Ring Offline: Who Is It Really For?

Let’s get real. Here’s who benefits most from staying offline:

First-timers who want to learn enemy patterns and systems on their own terms.
Hardcore veterans chasing the purest Soulsborne experience.
Mod users avoiding online restrictions and bans.
Minimalists seeking uninterrupted immersion.
Players in low-bandwidth regions or with unstable internet.

Meanwhile, online mode is best for:

Social gamers and streamers.
Lore seekers crowdsourcing community discoveries.
PvP duelists and co-op runners.

Can You Switch Between Online and Offline Mid-Playthrough?

Absolutely. Elden Ring is flexible. You can switch between offline and online anytime from the main menu. There’s no penalty, no reset, no weird side effects. The seamless game play between online and offline is what makes this game so loveable.

Pro tip: If you’re stuck on a tough boss, consider switching online just for that section, then going back offline for solo exploration.

Also Read: Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay: The Guide

Final Verdict: Should You Play Elden Ring Offline?

Without sacrificing the essential experience, the answer to the question “Can you play Elden Ring Offline?” is yes. While offline play removes communal aspects, it also makes room for a more individualized, lore-rich, and distraction-free experience.

It’s simply different, not better or worse. With the lights down, the volume down, and the stakes up, it’s Elden Ring.

Guides

Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

Published

1 month ago

May 15, 2025

Olivia

Key Points:

The Forest does not support cross platform play; PC and PlayStation players can’t connect across different systems.
The game is only available on PC and PS4, with no versions for Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
If crossplay matters, try other survival games like Minecraft, Ark, or Rust that support cross-platform multiplayer features.

Introduction

Have you ever played a game that made you feel completely lost, nervous, and thrilled at the same time? That’s The Forest for you. One moment you’re collecting sticks to build a shelter, and the next, you’re running from something horrifying that you can’t even explain.

The game is wild in a good way. But if you’re like most people, you probably didn’t want to face the game’s chaos alone. That’s why so many players want to know:

Is The Forest cross-platform?

Can you play it with friends, even if they’re on a different system than you? Let’s discuss what’s going on with this game, without any techy fluff or confusing jargon. Just clear answers.

What Even Is Cross-Platform?

Let’s start from the top, just in case. When a game is cross-platform or supports crossplay, people playing on different systems can play together. So,if you’ve got a PlayStation and your friend is on a PC, crossplay lets both of you play the same game.

Simple enough, right? The good news is, lots of games offer this now. Fortnite, Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone—they all let you team up, no matter what console or computer you’re using.

Unfortunately, not every game is that flexible.

Also Read: Is PUBG Cross Platform? [PC, Xbox One, PS4, And Mobiles]

So… Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

No. It’s not.

The Forest does not support cross-platform play. You can only play with other PC players if you’re playing on a PC. If you’re on PlayStation 4, you’re limited to playing with other PS4 users.

That’s it. No PC-to-PS4 multiplayer. No PS4-to-PC workarounds. It’s a hard line.

That’s a Bummer. Why Isn’t It Cross-Platform?

Honestly? There are a few reasons that make sense when you look at the whole picture.

It’s an Indie Game

A small team, Endnight Games, developed the Forest. They’re not a huge company with endless resources. Cross-platform support might seem simple from the outside, but it takes a lot of extra coding, testing, and backend setup. For a small studio? That’s a big ask.

PC and Console Versions Were Built Separately

Even though the gameplay looks the same, the PC and PlayStation versions were built using different tools and systems. They work differently behind the scenes, so syncing them up to work together is a lot more complicated than just flipping a switch.

Sony’s Crossplay History

Let’s be real—Sony hasn’t always been friendly with crossplay. They’ve improved in recent years, but when The Forest launched on PS4, it was a different story. Some of the delay or lack of cross-platform features could have been tied to that.

Also Read: Is DayZ Crossplay? Everything You Need to Know

Can You Still Play With Friends?

Yes—just not across platforms.

If you and your friends play on PC, that would be great! You can play together without any trouble. The game supports co-op for up to eight players. The same thing goes for PlayStation 4. If you all have it on PS4, you’re good to go.

You can’t mix and match between the two.

What About Xbox or Nintendo Switch?

Here’s another letdown: The Forest is unavailable on Xbox or Nintendo Switch. At all.

So if you’re on one of those systems, you can’t play the game. There’s no version of The Forest for either of them, and Endnight has never said anything about bringing it to those consoles.

It’s just a PC and PS4. That’s it.

Is There Any Hope for the Future?

If you’re hoping The Forest will suddenly become cross-platform someday… well, I wouldn’t count on it. The original game came out years ago, but Endnight Games is now focused on its sequel, Sons of the Forest. That’s where their time and energy are going.

There haven’t been any updates or announcements suggesting they’ll go back and add crossplay to the original game. It’s like fixing your old house after moving into a new one. Not impossible—but also not likely.

What’s the Deal With Sons of the Forest?

Sons of the Forest is the follow-up game, and it’s a huge step forward in terms of graphics, gameplay, and overall polish. If you loved The Forest, you’ll love this one even more.

But here’s the kicker: Sons of the Forest is only available on PC. So not only is it not cross-platform, it’s not even on PlayStation or Xbox yet.

That could change down the road, of course. And if they eventually bring it to consoles, they’ll consider adding cross-platform features. But as of now? Still no crossplay.

Also Read: Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay: The Guide

What Are Your Options?

You’ve got some decent alternatives if you’re itching to play a cross-platform survival game with friends.

Minecraft

Yes, it’s blocky. Yes, it looks simple. But Minecraft has excellent survival mechanics, and it’s fully cross-platform. You can play with friends on PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and mobile.

Ark: Survival Evolved

Tame dinosaurs, build massive bases, and try not to get eaten. Crossplay support depends on the platform, but it’s better than nothing.

No Man’s Sky

A survival game in space with crafting, exploration, and danger around every corner. And yes—it’s entirely cross-platform.

Rust (Console Edition)

Hardcore survival, brutal PvP, and crossplay between PS4 and Xbox players.

Dauntless

Less horror, more monster hunting. But it’s fast-paced, co-op focused, and lets people play together across different systems.

Also Read: Guild Wars 2 Weaponsmith Leveling Guide 0-400

Conclusion

So, let’s circle back. The original question was:

Is The Forest cross-platform?

The clear answer? No, it’s not.

PC players can play with other PC players. PS4 players can play with other PS4 players. That’s the limit. There is no support for cross-platform multiplayer, no Xbox version, no Switch version, and no signs that any of that is going to change.

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the game. The Forest is still one of the best survival horror experiences out there. It’s terrifying, intense, and full of surprises, especially when you play with friends (on the same system, of course).

If crossplay is a must-have for you, consider looking into one of the other games we listed. Otherwise, grab your crew, match platforms, and prepare to survive the night.

Good luck out there. You’ll need it.