Best Farm Types in Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley may seem like a simple farming game, but there's actually a lot to do and the game has some little secrets hidden in it. Farming is only a small part of what you can do, but it's still an important part of the game.

When you start a new file, you are given several options as to what type of farm you would like to live on after leaving the big city for a simpler life. There is a brief description of each farm, but it is definitely not enough to properly explain the pros and cons of each farm map. To help you make your choice, we've ranked them according to their general characteristics. But in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter which one you choose, it mostly comes down to aesthetics in the end, so just choose what you like!

Updated on January 10, 2026 by Ally Cochran: We've updated the list to include Meadowlands farm types and improved the format to make it easier to read. We've also added full, unedited screenshots of each farm so you can see them in all their glory.

8

Hilltop Farm

Mostly overrated

Hilltop Farm is a farm with some interesting features. The most notable feature of this farm is the fact that there are several areas that are actually higher than the rest. In many places there are slight steps up to these raised plateaus, and a single river runs through the whole farm. As you level up through your mining skills, rocks and ores will generate on one of these plateaus.

Although it may be really tempting to have all that ore, it doesn't really help you in the long run. Rocks and ores do not generate very quickly, and by the time you find something like gold or iridium, you will have already found it in the mines and it will be plentiful. Using that space as a crop, chicken coop, or barn may be a better option, but this layout is still pretty limited.

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7

wilderness farm

Nice to hear, but doesn't deliver.

Wilderness Farm is a unique farm layout for two reasons. The biggest difference between this farm and other farms is that monsters begin to appear after the sun sets. This is useful if you want to level up your combat skills or increase the number of adventurers' guilds.

Unfortunately, the lake in the center of the farm and the large cliffs next to it tend to limit work space. Plus, having to deal with monsters at night can limit your peaceful time on the farm and reduce the time you can spend elsewhere.

6

forest farm

Easy to gather, but not much space to grow crops

If you like finding and harvesting items in the wilderness, the Forest Farm map is definitely a solid choice. This farm generates solid tree stumps and has the opportunity to find various foraging items in the clearing on the left side of the map.

Although it has the fewest farmable tiles of any farm type, it also has 1,490 tiles to build farm buildings on. Despite the positives, the Forest Farm map may be a bit limiting if you're more interested in crop management. Large areas of grass cannot be planted, and hard tree stumps may get in the way if you have not yet upgraded your axe.

5

Riverland Farm

an underrated choice

Riverland Farm is a farm that many Stardew Valley players tend to overlook. The idea of ​​your farm being split up by a river may not sound appealing, but if you enjoy fishing, it could be helpful. Despite the broken land, the map still has 1,578 farmable tiles to plant crops and plenty of space for animals, equipment, and silos.

This map can be really versatile, but the sheer number of lectures means it's not for everyone. If you only want to fish at the community center or other locations, this map may not be the right choice for you. Time is limited in Stardew Valley, and having to cross bridges to get to other areas can be time-consuming.

4

beach farm

Farming for Professionals

If you want an extra challenge, this is it. This farm layout was added in update 1.5 and is not for beginners or those looking for an easy ride. Focusing on a maritime and tropical vibe, Beach Farm consists mostly of sand and grass areas with a long, irregularly shaped coastline. You can grow crops, but here's where the real difficulty comes. Sprinklers don't work.

This means you will have to water your crops manually unless you use the space for something else. The large open spaces have many buildings and space for animals to graze. Additionally, supply crates containing useful items float on the beach, which is a unique feature of this farm. Of all the Stardew Valley farm maps, though, this one is the hardest to work with, so make sure you're prepared if you choose to do so.

3

Meadowlands Farm

A charming person who is cozy and thinks of animals first.

Meadowlands Farm was designed from the ground up with animals in mind. Instead of starting with a packet of parsnip seeds, start your new life already equipped with a chicken coop and two chickens with random names. Instead of seeds from Mayor Lewis, you will receive 15 hay from an unknown source. This leads to a focus on animal protection rather than initial crop optimization.

These farms are covered with a special type of green grass that the animals love, making them especially attractive if you want to turn to ranching and passive income in the beginning. With 2,066 farmable tiles and approximately 2,141 non-farmable but buildable tiles, there is still plenty of room for additional chicken coops and crops. If you want to roll out of bed from day one, eat chicken and grass, and basically have a five-star meal, Meadowlands is an easy choice.

2

Standard Farm

back to basics

Standard Farm is essentially the 'base' map for Stardew Valley. This map doesn't have any special features or elements that set it apart from other farms, but it does have a whopping 3,472 farmable tiles. It's a big, solid farmland where you can do whatever you want.

This map has no special features. This means there are no restrictions on where you can place anything. However, if you're looking for something challenging, the Standard Farm map may not be the best choice given its lack of unique features. The standard map is a good map to start with when you're first starting out, but it's also a good map for people who like clean lines and nice blank squares to work with.

1

crossroads

Great for multiplayer or everything

The Four Corners map is another post-launch map layout added in Stardew Valley's 1.4 update. The layout, as the name suggests, is divided into four different sections, each with large, open spaces. This area is connected by passages that can be cleared with upgraded tools and an intersection with a greenhouse in the middle.

This layout is definitely ideal for multiplayer as it gives each player their own area, but it's also great if you want to organize your farm without having to think about where you're going. The four areas can be easily divided into different sections: one for crops, one for animals, etc.

Plus, there's a little bit of a different Stardew Valley farm type around each corner. In one corner there is a quarry where ore is generated, in one corner there is a pond for fishing, in one corner there is a lawn with stumps and weeds that drop mixed seeds, and in another corner there is a large area for farming.

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