The valley’s quiet hum is transforming into loud whispers as new marriage candidates are about to be introduced in Stardew Valley 1.7, and their identities will be revealed via an announcement on February 26, so we can already hear the wedding bells in the distance! Soon, the veil of being an ordinary villager to true companionship may lift for two lucky souls. With that, let’s explore the potential new marriage candidates as we rank the best possible spouses left from the list of Stardew Valley NPCs.

Best Possible New Spouses in Stardew Valley 1.7 (Ranked)

Currently, the following Stardew Valley villagers mentioned below are non-marriageable NPCs. However, two of these NPCs might have the chance to become a spouse to the player with the release of Update 1.7. Nonetheless, it should be worth mentioning that Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, Stardew Valley’s sole developer, will announce the new official marriage candidates on the game’s anniversary on February 26. With that, below are what the community might speculate to be some of the best Stardew Valley NPCs to turn spouses and make it into the game’s marriageable list:

10. Krobus

Krobus is a friendly shadow monster in the Pelican Town sewers. This “entity” is a clear example of the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Unlike other shadow creatures, he is peaceful and even fearful of humans, yet he runs a shop selling rare goods. With the Stardew Valley Update 1.7 looming in the distance, Krobus could be one of the potential marriage candidates to be introduced in this major patch. After all, it’s already possible to invite him as a roommate if you’re not married. Krobus’s personality shows a deep desire for connection, albeit with some wariness. Additionally, increasing his friendship level reveals a caring, loyal nature. Updating his status from a roommate to a marriage candidate would formalize an existing affectionate relationship.

9. Willy

If you’re looking for fishing goods in Stardew Valley, the first person to approach is Willy. This friendly, grey-bearded gentleman lives and works in his fishing shop on the beach south of Pelican Town. He admires the peace that he can often be found with a rod in his hand or sipping a drink at the Stardrop Saloon. Willy could be one of the possible marriage candidates in Stardew Valley 1.7, perhaps because of his kindhearted and solitary nature. Underneath his rugged exterior, Willy is a gentle soul who gifts players their first fishing rod. Eventually, Willy shares his personal recipes through various heart events. If chosen as a spouse, players might be able to ease his loneliness, which may also involve exploring his past through deeper storytelling.

8. Gus

As the owner of the Stardrop Saloon, Gus is a beloved figure in Pelican Town who always lends an ear to others. He consistently shows kindness and a demeanor of hospitality by preparing hearty meals for his patrons. Gus is a nurturing presence in Stardew Valley, which could make him a potential marriage candidate for Stardew Valley Update 1.7. Some community members see his behaviors to support this speculation, as he is a bachelor with a good heart and patient attitude, as shown in one of his heart events when talking about Pam’s growing tab. Underneath the scruffy look is a person who finds personal happiness beyond his work. As a spouse, Gus may reveal more of his caring and problem-solving side.

7. Pam

At first glance, Pam might be an unlikely choice to become a potential marriage candidate in Stardew Valley 1.7. In particular, her hard-drinking habits might put off some players. Despite her gruff exterior, this single mother to her daughter, Penny, shows moments of warmth and vulnerability. With that, ConcernedApe may decide to make Pam a marriage candidate for Update 1.7 to let players pave the way for character development. A player’s friendship might inspire her to confront her past, which might lead to the tying of the knot. Also, a marriage storyline with Pam would offer a mature relationship option. Players can focus on helping her grow and stabilize, and perhaps become a new parent to Penny.

6. Linus

Linus might not be part of the standard Pelican Town crew, but he’s still very much an essential element to Stardew Valley. This NPC lives in the mountains as a reclusive villager. His adherence to solitude often makes him the subject of being misunderstood. Despite being treated as an outcast, Linus possesses qualities that may make him a potential marriage candidate in Update 1.7. Befriending him and increasing his relationship level reveals a lonely soul deserving of connection. If chosen as a spouse, Linus might allow players to change his ways and abandon his wild spirit. Perhaps he could still maintain some of his “wild side” inside the farmhouse by letting him pitch a tent inside the house. Additionally, his closeness to nature might also become an extra helping hand in maintaining the farm.

5. Gunther

As of Update 1.6, Gunther is one of Stardew Valley’s non-marriageable NPCs. It’s also not possible to increase his relationship level, as he has none. Nonetheless, it’s not impossible for this museum curator to become one of the two marriage candidates in Stardew Valley 1.7. After all, years of being in front of his desk at the museum might make him eager to explore new horizons. He may opt for a life outside the establishment, and perhaps dive into a married life with the player. If so, his quiet, intellectual personality may also suggest a deep, unexplored character. Uncovering the mysteries he’s hiding might also make him a fully-realized part of the Pelican Town community.

4. Wizard

Also known as M. Rasmodius, the Wizard is the reclusive master of the arcane arts living in his tower at the western edge of Cindersap Forest. Like other Stardew Valley NPCs, this mysterious figure likes seclusion, as he expresses that the townsfolk are afraid of his eccentric nature. Despite being aloof, the Wizard’s character shows depth, making him one of the potential marriage candidates in Stardew Valley 1.7. One of his dialogues even states that he’s actively looking for an apprentice, which also reveals a desire for connection. This longing for company may also stem from having an ex-wife. This emotional depth to the Wizard’s character might make him a great choice for a spouse in Stardew Valley.

3. Marnie

Marnie is the ranch owner in Stardew Valley. She sells essential animals as livestock, providing farm owners with additional income-generating opportunities. Head to her house to find that she’s living with her nephew Shane and niece Jas. Her deep love for animals and her role as the guardian of two children can make her a stable candidate to be one of the new marriage candidates in Update 1.7. [SPOILER ALERT] Her potential as a marriage candidate may come from her not-so-secret relationship with Mayor Lewis. Some players might believe that Marnie deserves a partner who can treat her as a priority rather than playing second fiddle to the politician’s whims. If so, her story may have a new path with Update 1.7. Perhaps the player can be the person who can whisk her away from a life of secrecy to one with bliss and peace. Then, the farmhouse can become a place of solitude for Marnie, along with her nephew and niece. She might also be grateful for the chance of having a new life by helping out on the farm, especially by taking care of livestock.

2. Clint

Clint hammers away at his shop most of the time. Apart from his establishment, this blacksmith is seen pining away at the Stardrop Saloon, thinking about opportunities to socialize with Emily, his crush. This introversion comes from his family, as his father left him feeling trapped and unfulfilled. This underlying isolation and sadness might make him a prime candidate for a romantic storyline with the release of Stardew Valley Update 1.7. Perhaps a romance arc with Clint is in the works, wherein he’ll finally move past his fixation with Emily. Instead, he might redirect his affections toward the player in a more meaningful way. If so, this socially awkward bystander might even transform into a social butterfly.

1. Sandy

Travel to the Calico Desert to find a unique shop. Enter the establishment to let Sandy greet you with glee, which is a stark difference from the dreary desert atmosphere outside. This warmth and optimistic nature, combined with her mysterious background, make her one of the best marriage candidates for Stardew Valley 1.7. It’s apparent that Sandy exudes positive energy from the get-go. Additionally, her deep yearning for a connection suggests a desire for community. Marrying her would take her away from the lonely lifestyle, allowing her to form bonds with the player and the rest of the Pelican Town community.