Summary
Stardew Valley’s romance options have become a defining part of the game, but one character players can’t romance might be a missed opportunity. Showing a bit more love to one ofStardew Valley’s more complicated characters may have been a way to expand on the game’s lore.
WhileStardew Valleycontinues to receive updates, it seems that no more romance options will be added to the game. With 12 different romanceable characters,Stardew Valleyis perhaps one of theRPGs with the most romance options, but some characters still lack a certain amount of development. One of the game’s most controversial characters, who could use some extra screen time, is Morris. As Pelican Town’s resident JojaMart corporate employee, he sticks out among the rest of the cast, and can even be viewed as a villain. But giving players the option to romance and marry him would have provided an opportunity to expand his character into a more three-dimensional person.
The Case For Romancing Morris in Stardew Valley
Being the JojaMart representative in Pelican Town is a thankless job, but Morris does his best. While it’s easy to view the corporation as a villainous entity, some players have enjoyed playing apro-JojaMart version ofStardew Valley. In these playthroughs, Morris becomes a much more important character. As JojaMart’s only representative to Pelican Town, he is the one that players will be interacting with as they expand JojaMart. This version of the game sees a JojaMart warehouse being built instead of the community center.
A romance track with Morris could allow players an opportunity to see Pelican Town from an entirely different perspective. Unlike most of the other townsfolk, Morris is a visitor to the town, coming and leaving for work each day. As an outsider, he could share a unique perspective with the player, who is also new to the community. Adding him as a romance option would also come withrevealingStardew Valleyheart eventsthat could add an extra layer to his character.
JojaMart: A Man on the Inside
Another unique way Morris’ romance could have added to the game is a chance to see JojaMart from the inside. JojaMart serves as the closest thingStardew Valleyhas to a villain, so viewing it from Morris’ point of view as a spouse could have led to more chances to throw shade at corporations. He’s dedicated his life to them, so it’s unlikely that he would leave that job just because he’s married. Seeing how little his schedule allows him to spend time with his spouse and children compared to the other romance options would create a jarring contract between corporate and rural lives. This might be asurprisingly dark moment inStardew Valley, but the game already has its share of darkness.
Or perhaps living so close to someone who believes in the corporation would unlock more dialogue options from Morris, allowing the player to see them as less of a villain. After all,Stardew Valleyshows both sides of the argument. If the player chooses to run JojaMart out of town, the villagers who work there are out of a job, and the less wealthy residents can’t afford to shop anywhere else. Letting Morris sing JojaMart’s praises to the player by decorating his living space accordingly and telling them why he stays at the job would give an insight into that part of corporate life that the game is currently missing. This could all add to thesimulation game’s great worldbuilding.
“He truly believes that Joja Co. will propel the Ferngill Republic to a more prosperous future”- Morris' description via Steam
It’s unclear if many players would choose Morris as their romance option over the other candidates, but his inclusion offers so many possibilities that it seems a shame they don’t have a chance to. He could be one of thebestStardew Valleyromance options, if he had a chance. The JojaMart path is one that players tend to overlook, but it offers an alternate experience that is worth having in a game likeStardew Valley. Player choice is important, and letting players fully commit to the JojaMart path by marrying their highest ranking employee in town would be the perfect addition to any pro-JojaMart playthrough.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
