In the exciting world of Stardew Valley, mastering the art of fishing can be both an enjoyable pastime and, perhaps more importantly, a profitable business. As players advance in their fishing skill, they must make decisions that will determine their approach to fishing. Two critical choices arrive at levels five and ten. Players must choose between becoming a Fisher or a Trapper and advancing that path, respectively. The biggest difference between Fisher and Trapper is that Fisher focuses on maximizing the value of the fish caught, whereas Trapper emphasizes reducing the cost and effort of using crab pots. This article delves into these two paths, comparing them side-by-side and helping you determine which is the best fit for your playstyle.
Professions in Stardew Valley
In Stardew Valley, professions play a vital role in shaping a player’s experience and success. Professions are specializations that become available when a player reaches levels five and ten in all of the five main skills in the game. They allow a player to customize their abilities, each of which has benefits to suit specific playstyles.
When it comes to fishing, there are two specific professions to choose from: Fisher and Trapper. The decision between these two paths is fairly significant. It impacts how much money you earn from fishing, the efficiency of different fishing methods, and the types of fishing activities you’ll engage in with your character.
Fishing skill can be leveled up by casting your line into various bodies of water and catching fish. The experience gained varies depending on the catch, with higher quality and more difficult fish providing more experience. This leveling process leads up to the decision at level five, where the choice between Fisher and Trapper begins to define your fishing journey.
Side-by-side Comparison
Fisher
The Fisher path focuses on increasing the value of the fish you catch. The following summarizes the advantages:
- Level 5: Fish are worth 25% more.
- Level 10 Options:
- Angler: Fish are worth 50% more, which can lead to significantly increased profits.
- Pirate: Doubles the chance of finding treasures, which can be a great source of artifacts and valuable items.
Trapper
The Trapper path is geared towards those who prefer using crab pots. Here’s what the Trapper path entails:
- Level 5: Reduces the resources needed to craft crab pots.
- Level 10 Options:
- Mariner: Crab pots never catch trash, keeping them more efficient.
- Luremaster: Crab pots no longer require bait, saving time and effort.
Why Choose Fisher
Fisher is often considered the superior choice for players who enjoy actively fishing and are seeking to maximize their profits. Some benefits of choosing Fisher include:
- Higher Profits: With a combined 75% increase in fish value if you choose the Angler profession at level 10, the earning potential is high.
- Treasure Hunting: The Pirate profession provides more opportunities for valuable treasures and artifacts. This adds excitement with a lottery-type system and can have the potential for great earnings.
- Benefits All Fishing: The bonuses apply to all fishing activities, not just crab pots. This is great if you love the activity of fishing.
Why Choose Trapper
Trapper is a more specialized choice and might be suitable for those who prefer a more passive approach. Trappers don’t need to be actively fishing. Also, they can attract special catches, thanks to crab pots. Reasons to choose Trapper include:
- Reduced Crafting Costs: If you plan to use multiple crab pots, the reduced crafting costs can be valuable. This is especially the case in the early game.
- Time and Effort Savings: The Luremaster profession eliminates the need to bait crab pots. Also, the Mariner profession ensures that trash won’t clog them, both of which can save time and frustration.
- Unique Catch Opportunities: Crab pots allow you to catch certain types of fish that are not available through regular fishing. These include the likes of Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Crayfish, and Snail.
Conclusion
Choosing between Fisher and Trapper in Stardew Valley is a decision that should align with your preferred playstyle and goals within the game. If you love fishing and aim to maximize profits, Fisher is likely the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the passive approach of using crab pots, Trapper might be the right path. Don’t forget that if you want to catch things like Crayfish or Lobster, crab pots are the only way.
Ultimately, neither profession is right or wrong. However, understanding the benefits and limitations of each can help you make an informed choice. Whether casting your line into the open water or setting a crab pot to do the work for you, both paths offer unique gameplay aspects.