Stardew Valley Angler or Pirate: Which is Better?

Angler or Pirate in Stardew Valley: Choosing the Best Path

Choosing the Angler or Pirate Profession in Stardew Valley

If you’ve been fishing your heart out in Stardew Valley, you’ve probably reached a point where you’ve got a big decision on your hands. It’s the level 10 fork in the road, the moment of truth – are you going to be an Angler or a Pirate? It’s a bit like being asked to pick your favorite child, isn’t it? But fret not! We’re here to help you navigate these Murky waters.

In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the Angler and Pirate professions to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive in and see what each path offers.

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Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. To even get to the point of making this decision, you need to have chosen the Fisher profession at level 5, which already increases the value of the fish you sell by 25%. But now, at level 10, you have to choose: will you go for the Angler, with its treasure trove of fish worth 50% more, or will you embrace the life of a Pirate and double your chances of finding treasure?

Angler Profession Icon in Stardew Valley

Angler

“Fish worth 50% more”

Catching a Flounder from fishing in Stardew Valley

The Angler profession is like a money-making machine if you’re seriously into fishing. It takes the Fisher profession and kicks it up a notch – instead of just a 25% increase in the value of your fish, now you’re looking at a whopping 50% increase. An Iridium Quality Pufferfish that normally goes for 300g? With the Angler profession, you’re raking in 450g per fish.

Selling Fish with Angler Profession in Stardew Valley

The Angler profession is pretty straightforward. No bells and whistles, just a nice, tidy profit from your fishing exploits. If you’re a big fan of fishing and plan to make a decent living out of it, the Angler profession is a no-brainer. There are no downsides, it’s all about making you more dough for doing what you love.

Pirate Profession Icon in Stardew Valley

Pirate

“Chance to find treasure doubled.”

Fishing for Treasure with Pirate Profession in Stardew Valley

Now, if you’re more of an adventurer at heart, the Pirate profession might be more your speed. Pirates have double the chance to find treasure when fishing. Your odds to find a chest jump from 15% to a not-too-shabby 30%. And if you’re willing to use some Magnet bait and Treasure Hunter tackle, you can even push that chance to an impressive 50%.

But what’s in these treasure chests? Well, they’re a bit of a mixed bag. You might find some Bait, Mixed Seeds, or a few pieces of Copper Ore. But if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a Prismatic Shard or unique and valuable pieces of gear like Genie Shoes and Iridium Bands. And let’s not forget about gems, geodes, and artifacts that could fill up Gunther’s Museum.

Opening Treasure Chest in Stardew Valley
Treasure can contain a variety of different items

The thrill of finding treasures can add a fun twist to your fishing trips. You never know what you’ll pull up, and that element of surprise can make fishing that much more exciting. If you’re keen on completing the artifacts collection in the game faster, or you’re just a fan of a little unpredictability, the Pirate profession could be the perfect fit for you.

Angler or Pirate: Which is Better

Choosing Either Angler or Pirate in Stardew Valley
Choosing the Angler or Pirate Profession in Stardew Valley

When it comes down to choosing between the Angler and the Pirate, the choice really depends on what you want out of your Stardew Valley fishing experience. If you’re all about maximizing your profits and making fishing your main gig, the Angler profession is the way to go. But if you’re a thrill-seeker who loves the unpredictability of treasure hunting and doesn’t mind a bit of a challenge, the Pirate profession will be right up your alley.

In the end, both professions have their merits. It’s not so much about which is better overall as it is about which is better for you. It’s your game, after all, so follow your heart and pick the profession that will make your Stardew Valley experience the most enjoyable!

Can I switch between the Angler and Pirate professions?

Fishing Icon in Stardew Valley

Yes, you can change your profession in Stardew Valley. This can be done by visiting the Statue of Uncertainty in the sewers, which allows you to change your profession for 10,000 gold. This will reset one skill tree of your choice, allowing you to pick different skills the next time you sleep.

Can I still find treasure if I choose the Angler profession?

stardewvalleyfishingtreasurechest

Yes, you can still find treasure chests with the Angler profession, there will just be less of a chance to do so. By using a Magnet and/or the Treasure Hunter tackle, you can increase your chance of finding treasure chests.


Summary

As we wrap up our deep dive into the Angler and Pirate professions in Stardew Valley, it’s important to remember that this charming and intricate game is not just about making the most money or finding the most treasures—it’s about carving out a story that’s uniquely yours. Whether you choose the steady, reliable income of the Angler or the thrilling unpredictability of the Pirate, the choice is a personal one that should align with your playstyle and what you find most enjoyable.

Stardew Valley offers a world filled with possibilities, with each decision opening up a new path to explore. If you choose to be an Angler, you’ll find satisfaction in the peaceful rhythm of fishing and the steady jingle of coins adding up. If you go down the Pirate route, you’ll add an extra layer of excitement to your fishing trips, never knowing what you might reel in next.

So, as you continue your adventure in Stardew Valley, remember that whether you’re casting nets as an Angler or hunting for hidden treasure as a Pirate, the game’s true treasure is the joy, relaxation, and sense of accomplishment you derive from it. In the end, the best choice is the one that makes you the happiest. Because, after all, isn’t that what playing games is all about?

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Ethan is the founder of Shark Games and oversees all site content. He's been a dedicated (mainly PlayStation) gamer for over 15 years, netting him over 4000 Trophies; 25 of which are Platinum. Over these countless hours, he has developed a passion for both digital card games and story-driven adventure games. He's reached the "Legend" rank in both Standard and Wild modes in Hearthstone. God of War Ragnarok is his favorite game of all time, and he's 100% completed every game in the Ratchet and Clank franchise (except for the garbage ones on handhelds). He also sucks at League of Legends.