Themer Solos | Stardew Valley Board Game Review | + Maggie's Epic Completionist Campaign Variant!

[@kosterix123]

There should be more videos about solo campaign tweaks that actually work. This is the ruleset to print out. In this variant, you must achieve pretty much everything you are able to in this game. Setup the season deck for 5 games - 5 years, each with 4 season cards per season. Throughout the 5 games, you must: - Complete all 8 Grandpa goals (Start with 4, replace with a new one when completed); - Complete all bundles (Start with 1 per room replace with a new one from the same room when completed - only the first bundle in each room needs to be revealed with hearts); - Build all buildings; - Have/care for every single animal; - Befriend everyone throughout the game; - Complete the museum. Removed Joja tiles are not returned to the supply - only reshuffle all tiles back into the supply if it runs out; Cleanup at the end of years 1-4: - Pay half the coin value of each building in order to keep them (otherwise return to supply); - Animals are kept if their matching building is kept, but go from happy to normal side; - Give each friend a heart or a gift they like in order to keep them (otherwise return to supply); - Tools are kept but downgraded by one level; - Profession upgrades, items, museum donations and mine level are always kept; - Coins are lost (start new year with only 3); - Placed Joja tiles stay; - Move "End of season" cards to their right spots in the new year. == You should complete the above in 3 years to call yourself having mastered the game. I have it on my wishlist; do make sure you get the 2nd edition!

[@callumhaddow2443]

You're homebrew campaign variant genuinely made me want to buy the game more than the base game itself... just gotta wait for it to hit shelves again! Awesome video as alway

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Callum! I think it's becoming available again in October 🤞

[@marcelineleiman4330]

I’d love to see more of these solo-centric videos! It helps with purchasing decisions to compare my feelings toward certain solo modes/game mechanics with someone else, especially one as enthusiastic as yourself :)

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Marcy! I really enjoy doing these so I'll keep them coming 💕 Thank you for your lovely words and encouragement 🥰

[@andyleggett18]

My edition of the second printing finally arrived the other day--and already I've played it both solo and co-op with my bf, and it's been in my hands less than 48 hours. haha I can say, unequivocally, that I absolutely love this game (despite its flaws), but we actually managed to beat it on our first try, but I did decide to do my own customizing of the deck by adding 1 Festival Card for each season and that made a little less punishing. But by the end we just looked at each other and both collapsed on the couch--it was intense as a co-op, but I think the most fun we've had gaming in several months, highly recommend. Definitely wanna try this solo campaign mode, because I could totally see myself just tucking in on a rainy day and a bottle of spice berry wine with this one. ;)

[@charnesch4274]

ooh I like the campaign mode idea! Brilliant, thank you!

[@antgerfitz]

Whenever I get my hands of a copy of Stardew Valley I will try your chillaxed legacy mode with my wife. Thanks for making the effort to share it.

[@ThinkerThemer]

My pleasure! I think their new print run will be available from October 🤞 💕

[@antgerfitz]

@@ThinkerThemer That soon! Wonderful :)

[@labcoatman]

Based on you mentioning this in one of your other videos I changed my mind and bought this for my partner’s birthday. She introduced me to Stardew and I can’t wait for us to try your variant together!

[@Elionai413]

Your completionist campaign variant made me soo much more excited to play solo! Thank you!!!

[@lindafarnden5230]

Thank you for the campaign idea, it's brilliant! 😊

[@Morganix01]

I love the video game and got my girlfriend hooked as well. I was so excited when the board game dropped but chose to pass because of the high shipping costs of getting friends to ship it to us down under. Hoping they offer international shipping in the future and I can try this campaign mode hack.

[@panosliakos3653]

"Stardew Valley: The Board Game", is one of the (very) few games, out there, that you can adjust in so many ways, according to your tastes and your playgroup, with official or even house rules. It's very friendly and accessible to anyone, at any age. It can be a gateway game or a challenge - it depends from the way you'll approach it. It's cute, it's happy, it's so sweet and provides lots of fun. Females love it and kids adore it and has the power to bring whole families over a table. It has a tremendous replayability, never makes you feel bored and it's fun, not only to play it, but, also, to watch other people play it! (Do I have to admit that is my number one boardgame?)

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thanks for this Panos. I agree that at its core it has such great elements that mean one can get creative and be flexible with how to approach it. Feels definitely in the spirit of the game to customise one's experience 😊

[@MamaWaffles]

This was an excellent approach and I thought it was very thoughtful to mention who and why this would be ideal for different player types. After hearing the luck criticisms and how lengthy it can be at higher player counts, I had felt that I wouldn't want to check it out. And while I'm not a solo player, I love how you explained what would make this a more enjoyable and friendly experience. I may finally want to check it out. Thanks for the review and well done!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Ania! I really love playing it this way. So relaxed and I can just focus on what I want to and when I want to It also gives me the freedom to try out different approaches in a chill way, like when I play the video game. Let me know how you go if you get to try it out 💕

[@pascalpeters9868]

A really great, and very professional video Maggie… Maggie The Co-Developer! Hope to see more of this solo projects in the (very 😉) near future.

[@ThinkerThemer]

This was so much fun to do. Will absolutely continue to do more of these videos.💕

[@craiggruesome6400]

Nice video, Maggie! Stardew Valley is at the top of my list to download next on my Switch.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Such a treat! Enjoy! I've spent over 400hrs in this game across several farms and across several platforms Started with Switch, then moved to mobile and now on steam mostly. Beautiful game 💖

[@andresgalvez]

Yeah this game really clicked for me once I allowed myself to get creative and make it my own. This game scores high for me because of my fandom for Stardew and it would be maybe impossible for me to rate this board game as a stand alone thing. Super glad you shared this game with us.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Andres! I really feel like this brings the virtual game I love so much into something I can physically hold in my hands and move elements around. Such a treat for a Stardew fan!

[@TruckDrivinGamer]

Great video, I ❤️ the Completionist Campaign idea! If you have the time, you should post that in the Variants section on BGG, and if you're feeling really industrious, type up a rule sheet and put it in the Files section! 😘 Thanks for sharing Maggie, and happy gaming! 👍😎🚛

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you! I have the rules written up so I'll definitely look into adding to BGG soon. My BGG profile is a mess so I feel like I need to do some BGG housekeeping before posting

[@troylindeman2701]

I would love to see this too! Love your videos Maggie.

[@AaronAndSusie]

So happy to see another one for this series! Absolutely wonderful job Maggie and what a great idea for the campaign mode!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Aaron! I love playing with this entirely unofficial variant Thanks for the support 💕

[@belannat9914]

Brilliant idea, your campaign mode❤

[@missraindrop77]

Love the video, Maggie!

[@DonGilstrap]

What a lovely review, Maggie. We have really enjoyed this game as a coop. You are absolutely right about the tension of this game as compared to the video game. I actually played the board game first, so it’s never bothered me. Watching my kids thrill over every character that was revealed made me want to play the video game too and I love it. Definitely a very different experience. Can’t wait to tell the kids about the campaign mode!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Absolutely must try it out then! You can make it an efficiency thing to try to achieve everything in the least number of years possible, but I prefer to pick a strategy to try and see how the game unfolds and what directions it takes me down, even if it ends up taking 6 or 7 games to get there.

[@raymyers700]

OK...I don't care who you are :that thumbnail is adorable.:)

[@ThinkerThemer]

It really captures how I feel about Stardew 🥰

[@heidinewell3925]

Love the variant idea. I and my sister changed a bit of Mystic Market where each time the Market Shift card comes up, we also clean up the potion cards and set down a new line-up of them. We reshuffle them when we run out and lay new ones again. Makes it more interesting as well. I bet my sister is going to love this game as she loved Farmville, the video game years ago.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Must definitely give it try then! And completely agree that finding ways to make the game suit personal preferences makes it even better. It's also very much in the spirit of Stardew Valley in particular as the entire game is about creating your unique experience. 🥰

[@ninehundred352]

Loved the video, thanks Maggie! My wife is still blaming me for not knowing about this release before it sold out, LoL she is a huge Stardew fan. We’ll try it regular the 1st couple of times but we love how this variant sounds since it lets you play multiple years and I tend to be a completionist when it comes to video games so yeah much excitement. Cheers!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Can't wait for you and your wife to try it! 🥰There's meant to be another print run of the game available from October. So hopefully not too far away 🤞

[@moldymeatwad1209]

Stardew actually got me into the board gaming hobby and now I have way too many board games lol...Thank you for the campaign idea, I already have my game set up to try it and I'm excited! I think the only problem I had with the original way to play was that it felt rushed and always left me wanting to do so much more. Your idea seems like a more satisfying way to experience everything this game has to offer.

[@ThinkerThemer]

This is so wonderful! Let me know how you go with the campaign mode! Keen to hear your experience. And make sure to try playing the soundtrack in the background while you play too! 🥰

[@mattyweaves]

I hesitated looking into the game further once I saw a bunch of people saying it wasn't as relaxing as the video game. This campaign mode has me very intrigued. Now just need to wait for a re-print. Great video.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Yeah 100% my experience with the game as it came out of the box. I thought they did a great job at translating so many of the amazing elements of the video game into board game format, but the chill exploration was missing and this unofficial variant helped me feel like I do with the video game. Props to the designers for doing all the heavy lifting though! I think I read somewhere that the new print run of the game would be available from October🤞

[@travisr9839]

I’m waiting for the restock. I was hoping that you could just refresh the season deck every year to slow the pace and recreate the solo experience of the video game. So glad to see that you found a version of that and it works!

[@malvinafis6907]

Great video.

[@redbirdbluesong]

This was wonderful Maggie. Can we expect to see more of these solo reviews in the future? After your solo list with Rahdo, I was curious if you ever play non coop games or non soloable games "two handed"? Not sure the best term for this, but basically play against yourself. I really enjoy doing this with games that are best at two player or two player only like Targi. I do this because I am not a huge fan of coops and some solo modes, when they are available in a game, change the game feel too much or are overly cumbersome and it's simpler to play competitive against myself and explore strategies that way. Loved hearing about your custom campaign design of Stardew. House ruling or redesigning a game to meet your needs or your groups preferences is such an interesting topic.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Sarah! I don't often play two-handed, though Paleo would be my most recent exception because I actually prefer it that way. I try a game two-handed when I'm trying to learn it before teaching it for the first time. I really struggle to keep my mind effectively split across controlling 2 players in a game. My brain just wants to go all in on one thing and gets easily distracted when I'm facilitating the alternate player. That's why I also struggle with Automas and AIs with a high overhead. I find I completely lose track of what I was going for when it goest back to my turn My favourite solo modes are the ones that have minimal or no interaction from an AI. Like Feast & Nusjord where you're playing as two colours, but it's all adding to one score and so you're effectively only blocking yourself along the way. Or like in Terraforming Mars where it's really just the same puzzle of trying to reach particular goals within a set number of rounds. I wish I were better at two-handed though because it would make exploring strategies a lot easier! 😅💕

[@CandiceLikes]

Yay! Stardew Valley! 💜💜💜

[@ThinkerThemer]

Such a beautiful world to get lost in! 💖

[@CandiceLikes]

Agreed! My wife and I just adopted two children from the foster care system here in 🇺🇸 so we’ve both been super stressed out for the past couple years! But when the little ones go to bed, I take a little time to myself to relax with a cup of tea and Stardew valley. Really calm my nerves. Thanks for this review btw. I was hesitant to buy this because I didn’t want to be disappointed, but I really liked your hack (and tbh I feel like the game SHOULD be several years, not just one) so I think I’m going to get it. 😎✌️

[@ThinkerThemer]

That's so lovely 💖 And completely relate to a cup of tea and Stardew Valley as a great relaxation experience. And absolutely agree that this game needs to take place over several years to capture the spirit of the video game. I think the new print run for the board game will be available from October 🤞

[@Tr1n1tyNZ]

Awesome Maggie, loving this solo series - more please!

[@jinetduran6621]

Yes I am a solo gamer too. And I can improve my ”english”, I’m french ,-)

[@JestAGoof]

I absolutely loved the video and the campaign mode idea. Thank you for sharing that and now all I just need a copy of this game to be able to put my 5 year plan into action. 😏 Hurry up and get this game back in stock!!😩

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you! And yes, I think more copies are becoming available from October 🤞 💕

[@BeTheGuitar]

Thank you so much for this solo variant, Maggie. I just ordered the reprint for my daughter, who loves the video game. But I was worried it may not get to the table that much due to the numerous quibbles I’ve read online. But playing this solo together with my daughter sounds like what she’ll love. By the way, I know I’m late to the party, just subscribed though I’ve been watching your guys’ channel for awhile. Congratulations on producing a really fantastic channel and for helping to diversify the public face of gaming. I love what you two do!

[@windbane69]

I might try this epic variant co-op with my partner when we get a chance to get this again; she's gotten into the app recently. The variant sounds like a lot of fun!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Yay! Let me know how you go when you try it. I also love playing the soundtrack in the background while I play. If you love the video game it takes you right into it again! 💕

[@Viragomp]

This is so brilliant Maggie and thanks for sharing!! Now all we need is for the game to become available again. 😃

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thanks Virginia! Apparently it will be back in stock from October. So hopefully not too far away 🤞

[@Viragomp]

@@ThinkerThemer ooh I didn't know, thanks!!

[@darlene7165]

Maggie this was great!! I am not a video gamer so had never heard of Stardew Valley til the board game came out. And honestly wasn’t too interested until now!! Your explanation of the game and comparison to the video game made me want to get the game and now I am tempted to try the video game! I mean, I didn’t even realize it was a farm game! ! That’s how far removed I was from it. Love what you did for your epic campaign! That sounds awesome!! I really enjoyed this deep solo dive and hope you continue to do these at least every now and then for those of us who do a lot of solo gaming! 😁. Thanks for another awesome video!!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you Darlene! This game is hours and hours of fun and if you do download the video game beware.. that is hundreds of hours of fun!! haha! Thank you for your amazing support as always!

[@EHGamingUK]

Genius campaign piece - thank you, looking forward to trying it out 👌

[@mikeshomegardening8150]

Thank you for this video, Maggie! I can't wait for my copy of the board game to arrive. I look forward trying out your varient!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thank you so much Michael 🥰 I can't wait for you to try the game! Hopefully the variant makes it feel even more like the video game. Look forward to hearing what you think about it!

[@jonaskissling8343]

I dont know anything about the computer or board game, but this was such a joy to watch (actually listen while vacuum cleaning). And 👍👍👍 for your inofficial Thinker-Themer-Variant!! The game reminds me of a old gameboy farming game my cousin had. Why is the farming theme so appealing?! Best wishes!

[@ThinkerThemer]

Hahaha Glad to hear you even got the vacuuming done at the same time! Great stuff. And definitely farm themes I tend to find super relaxing, though I'm sure it's not at all relaxing to run a farm in real life 😅

[@julietaylor5287]

Well done Maggie on you first solo.

[@matthewmelissamakak2615]

Dang, right when I thought "pfft I don't need this game," here comes Maggie to say I'm wrong. Your solo campaign hack sounds like so much fun!!

[@mooghoo2]

Wow! What a great idea for the completionist mode! I will try this once the game arrives. My daughter and I are looking forward to this one!

[@monicamurphy6552]

Great video! Lisa has been waiting for this review! She really enjoyed it.

[@ThinkerThemer]

This literally couldn't have happened without you 💕Thank you sooo much for helping me be able to even get to experience the game at all! Let alone having a fantastic time hacking away a home brewed variant! Glad Lisa enjoyed it as well 🥰

[@monicamurphy6552]

@@ThinkerThemer We are both happy to help. And to see you so happy.

[@Financiallyfreeauthor]

It’s even more adorable than I imagined!

[@TM-kn9uq]

I actually already wrote this game of. But you variant sounds intriguing, so maybe I will have to give it a try if I can get my hands on it sometime.

[@Dowgle]

Ive just ordered the game now that it is finally available in the UK but the one thing I was unsure about was the randomness having seen other reviews. Your campaign version looks great and definitely makes me feel happier about my purchase, think I'll use that from the outset. Just found your channel as well and it is great. Subscribed :)

[@Cissewis]

Awesome video as always Maggie! Really loved your enthusiasm and your epic campaign variant! Thanks so much for making time to make this content :-)

[@ThinkerThemer]

Aw Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your support always!

[@rhubahb]

This is awesome Maggie! Curious, do you play through the whole campaign in one sitting (how long does it take you to finish it?) or leave it on the table and come back to it over a series of days/evenings?

[@ThinkerThemer]

I tend to tell myself that I'll play it over a couple of evenings, but I tend to find it hooks me in and play it all in 1 or 2 sittings. I find each game/farm year is about 30ish minutes. So it can be done it 2.5 to 3hrs all up. I do tend to leave it on the table if I'm taking a break between games (usually when it's 1am and I should be going to bed) But I can also see myself having a campaigned "used/met cards" baggy to keep components separate in the box. Main thing would be to keep all met Grandpa goals and met bundles separate, and keep track of all buildings and friends I managed to keep at end of last game that will be with me at the start of the new game.

[@Sem5626]

hmm yeah good idea with the completionist variant, i might give it a go because the regular solo was a bit meh... to me compared to every other solo mode ive played and i have a fair few i played it twice back when i first got it and its just sat on the shelf ever since, you may have just revived it back into the regular cycle

[@fy8798]

Great approach, and I really like this unofficial version. We played the original version of the game and bounced off because the tension + RNG just felt counter to what we felt the game should be like (based on the PC game we all knew), this variant sure sounds more fun :)

[@melblack7412]

Hi! I've watched several of your guys' videos and enjoy them! A couple video ideas that I would love to see would be Maggie's favorite solo games, and the best "sand castle building" games. These are two kinds of games I really love, and would like to hear which games you have found that fit this best.

[@gee3161]

Great job, loved the vid

[@ThinkerThemer]

Thanks for checking it out! 😀

[@Hardcorestilllives]

I love your Kampagne idea! Is there something like a PDF or a BGG Post?

[@charlesvalentine9638]

How long does all that take? You must have a place you can keep it set up.

[@ThinkerThemer]

Hi Charles! It takes me about 3hrs (I tend to go through a game year in 30ish minutes). And so far I've just kept it set up and done it usually in 1 or 2 sittings, but it could also be packed away using baggies for "met/used" goals and cards that are no longer part of the rest of the campaign.

[@jessebetend1569]

This is so dang fun! Absolutely brilliant job. I'm part way through your campaign variant. One question, am I allowed to keep the tiles in my inventory between years (as I have been) or are they lost along with money and hearts? In addition to your rules I decided to try making all goal and bundle requirements = 4p count to provide some extra challenge

[@Edward1140]

I had no interest in this game until I watched this video. As with your anticipated Kickstarter series, this video just made me spend more money. A great solo outing.

[@seekingadventure6004]

The hack sounds amazing, very clever that you were to modify this to suit what you like, you go!! I wasn't familiar with either the video or the board game until now and I love co-ops. Thank you for this video will look for this game. Good luck with the competitive hack. Are you going to post those on BGG community?

[@kailomonkey]

I dream of making a video for this game myself. You did a little of what I want to do, in that you framed the story a bit at the start. I am not a good salesman and couldn't sell the experience to my friend to play, so I would like (to make) a video that expresses the game's theme and goals a bit more concretely. Because if you haven't played the videogame, the elements of the game might not stand out. And if you HAVE played the videogame, you might not appreciate that we're under a time pressure against Joja! As you point out, the game is time pressured and your extended campaign fixes that to put it more in line with the videogame feel. The rules as they're given is more in line with speedrunners of the videogame, or more specifically, challenge runners who try to complete the community centre in year one. So to make the story make sense for the board game I'd add that Joja is set to turn the community centre into a warehouse at the end of one year if it isn't fully restored! I appreciate your take on an extended campaign. I've read various attempts and thought about my own. I too like to play the Stardew Valley music while playing, to match each season.

[@doriscarbaugh1402]

Trying to play this solo variant. Do I need to keep everyone as a friend? It’s very hard to have so many resources or hearts end of each year. Am I only allowed to have 1 tool to keep upgrading? Thanks for any help. Really enjoying the game.

[@shawbag11]

I think the only issue i had with the game besides how much trubble i had buying it "grumble grumble" was that i think its just a bit too easy. like iv played a few games with it and i always finish all the goals and bundles by the start of winter then there is 4 turns that more or less have 0 reason happening. much like the video game before the island update that added one the game is missing a end goal after the community center and it really needs one. idk maybe its just me but i think id want atleast 1 more rule that gives you reason to finish all the cards after you have compleated the main goals. maybe your idea of finishing all the goals on the community center might be a good idea but i kinda feel like even that might be too easy cus i feel like you still might find yourself having to end the game early with cards left in the season deck cus you have already beaten the main goals

[@AdrianPaneto]

Any chance you can write this up and upload it to BGG for more people to find the variant? I can also do this but wanted to ask

[@ThinkerThemer]

Hi Adrian. I posted the video on the BGG page, but absolutely feel free to add it as a post as well. I have it written out in the description. Thank you!