Combat is a vital skill in Stardew Valley, and Fighter or Scout is a decision that awaits you in level 5. Combat skill is used to fight monsters in the mines, skull cavern, or the wilderness. However, if you did not choose wilderness farm, combat will be available after 5 days.
The Fighter profession is better because it offers substantive and consistent damage to the target. The 10% attack damage bonus stacks up with the 15% offered by the Brute specialization for 25% damage. And you still get some decent defensive stats too. The Scout profession doesn’t offer much because the critical chance remains low, and there is no HP.
As in any other mini-game in Stardew Valley, the Combat mini-game has up to 10 skills to level up. You increase your combat level by killing monsters, and each level unlocks different abilities and crafting recipes.
The first four levels will unlock the following items and recipes:
Level 1: Sturdy Ring
Level 2: Life Elixir
Level 3: Roots Platter
Level 4: Warrior Ring
The above items are essential for your Combat skill. For instance, the Life Elixir fully restores your health no matter how low it is.
At level 5, you have to choose between a Fighter and a Scout. This article looks at these two professions, their respective specializations, and factors that might influence your decision.
Should I Become a Fighter or Scout in Stardew Valley?
To answer this question, we need to look at the two professions regarding what they offer. And the specialization options available for each profession at level 10.
Ultimately, the professional path taken at level 5 determines specialization options at level 10.
Note that the path you take at this level does not affect the rewards and recipes you unlock in levels 6 to 9. These include:
Level 6: Slime Egg-press and Oil of Garlic
Level 7: Ring of Yoba
Level 8: Slime Incubator and Explosive Ammo
Level 9: Iridium Band
These recipes are extremely important. For example, the Ring of Yoba (in level 7) has a chance to make you immune for five seconds after damage. Level 8 unlocks Slime Incubator and Explosive Ammo, both useful in combat.
Stardew Valley Fighter Profession
You will choose the Fighter profession at level 5 of the mini-game. The fighter profession involves attacking the enemy and protecting yourself. If you take the fighter profession, you will get 10% attack damage on all attacks and 15+ HP.
Stardew Valley Fighter Specializations
At level 10, the Fighter profession presents you with two specialization options, namely Brute and Defender. They are two distinct paths with different rewards. We look at these specialization options and the rewards on offer.
The Brute
If you select Brute, you unlock a 15% damage increase which stacks up with the first bonus of 25%. This is impressive, primarily because of the stacking feature.
Let us see what the other specialization option has to offer.
Defender
The defender specialization offers a +25 HP increase which stacks up with the 15 +HP for +40HP. +HP are defensive stats, so a defensively-minded player will find Defender appealing.
The fact that the bonuses stack up in both cases is impressive. You end up with extreme damage and defensive stats in level 10.
The level of damage that Brute deals the enemy is significant. I would favor a more offensive approach every other day. Because I believe that being defensive alone is not enough. If you follow soccer, you will know that the best way to defend is to attack.
Even though Defender gives you +25 HP, which is pretty solid, I’d instead go for the 15% increase in attack damage. As you progress more in the game, you will need more firepower than protection. Again, the Fighter profession offers some +HP that will protect you even later in the game.
Finally, you can learn to dodge attacks, and in case you are hit, use consumables unlocked in levels 6-9.
Stardew Valley Scout Profession
You can choose the scout profession at level 5. The Scout is a skilled professional who doesn’t rely on the quantity of damage but on critical hits. If you choose this profession, your critical chance increases by 50%. The % increase is multiplicative and not additive.
Simply put, it will increase the base critical chance by half. If the base critical chance is 2%, multiplying by 1.5 (2*1.5) gives you 3%, which is a 1% increase. As you can see, the 50% bonus looks good before you do the math. But the multiplicative aspect makes the bonus almost insignificant given the low critical base you have to work with.
For your info, the highest critical chance you can unlock in Stardew valley is 10.89%
Note that the Scout profession has no bonus +HP, which exposes you defensively.
Stardew Valley Scout Specializations
The Scout profession has two distinct specializations in level 10. These are Acrobat and Desperado. Let’s have a look at what each of the two specializations offers.
Acrobat
As an Acrobat, the cooldown on special moves is cut by half. This means twice the number of special moves you can undertake. This will be ideal if you are willing and capable of using the special moves of your equipment.
Desperado
Critical hits are deadlier (IE: 2x critical hit damage). This means you are more likely to bring down a monster with a single hit because your hits are lethal. The Downside of it is that it relies on RNG, and it doesn’t allow you to Brute Force some fights.
Conclusion
The fighter profession will favor a player with an aggressive approach from the above breakdown. But a strategic player in approach will find the scout profession more fulfilling. Looking at the stats, the Fighter profession gives you consistent damage increase while also providing some defensive stats, albeit minimally. Stats for the Scout profession look good until you do the math.
It is possible to change a decision made at level 5, but it will cost you an arm and a leg. So better take your time to think through your options before making any move. Note that decisions made at level 10 are irreversible.
Your gameplay should also inform these professional decisions to get the best experience out of Stardew Valley. We believe that whatever professional path you take, your Stardew Valley experience will still be great.