Stardew Valley: How To Befriend The Dwarf

Aside from Krobus, the Dwarf is one of the more mysterious characters in Stardew Valley. Alone in the mines, he is the only one of his kind that the player encounters. His existence is fraught with mystery, and as of the game's current version, there's not much the player can learn about him.

Despite that, though, Pelican Town's resident farmer can still speak to and eventually befriend this strange creature. It's not easy, as it requires learning a whole new language; furthermore, it doesn't net the same benefits as friendships with other villagers do. Still, it's a fun aspect to the game, and provides a touch of the fantastical to the player's story.

Updated January 8, 2024 by Demaris Oxman: Updates to Stardew Valley in the past few years have made a few changes to how players build friendships with NPCs. 1.5 introduced the Movie Theater as a place to spend time with friends, while 1.6 made lots of adjustments to gift preferences and reactions. For players who want to befriend the odd little creature who lives in the mines, here's an updated guide to getting to know the Dwarf.

Meeting The Dwarf

In the mines, to the right of the entrance to the first floor, players will see a large boulder. The player can break this stone with a copper pickaxe or better. Alternatively, they can choose to blow it up with a bomb. Walk a little ways to the right, and the player will see an odd little figure standing in his odd little shop.

Learn To Speak Dwarvish

As the player will discover upon their first meeting, this creature does not speak the human language. The farmer can try to interact and even give the Dwarf gifts; however, they will have no effect on friendship levels. To speak to the dwarf properly, the player will first have to collect all four Dwarf Scrolls, a type of artifact. Upon donating all four to the Museum, Gunther will reward the farmer with a Dwarvish Translation guide.

Return to the mines and speak to the dwarf again. Now, the player can understand him! With mutual communication established, they can begin building a friendship. The player can also now purchase items from his shop.

Gift Guide

As with the human residents of Pelican Town, the key to the Dwarf's trust and friendship lies with gifts. Read below for information on his favorite items, which will endear the farmer to him. Players can give up to two gifts per week. Keep in mind that the Dwarf's birthday is Summer 22 — items gifted on this day will net 8 times the usual friendship points.

Loved Gifts

By far the best choices, these items will increase the Dwarf's friendship with the player by 80 points. Most can be found in the mines, so dig away.

• Gemstones: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Jade, Ruby, Topaz, Emerald
• Lemon Stone
• Omni Geode
• Lava Eel
• All universal loves

Liked Gifts

As above, players can find most of these items in the mines as well. When gifted, they will increase friendship by 45 points.

• All Universal Likes
• All Artifacts
• Cave Carrot
• Quartz

Disliked & Hated Gifts

Players should never give these gifts to the Dwarf, as they will actually result in negative friendship points. Hated gifts will lower friendship by a larger margin than Disliked gifts. However, any decrease in friendship is bad news, so avoid giving these to the Dwarf at all costs.

• Mushrooms and all other foraged items.
• All universal hates, except for Artifacts.

Movie Theater Preferences

Once the Movie Theater is up and running, the Dwarf will emerge from his underground home to attend a screening if players offer him a ticket. Like all NPCs in Stardew Valley, the Dwarf has specific preferences regarding his moviegoing experience. The amount of friendship players gain with him depends on how much he enjoys the movie and snacks they select.

The Dwarf Loves all movie options, so it doesn't matter which film players choose to watch with him. However, he's a bit more particular when it comes to concessions. He Loves Stardrop Sorbet and Rock Candy, and he Likes Cotton Candy, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jawbreaker, Salmon Burger, Sour Slimes, and Star Cookie. Any others, though, are a thumbs-down from the Dwarf.