Revision 1

How relationships work

Relationships in Starsand Island use a heart-based affection system, similar to Stardew Valley. Each character has a friendship meter that fills as you interact with them. But unlike most life sims, gift-giving is not the only way to raise it.

NPCs observe what you do. They notice who you help, what you say, what gifts you give, and who you spend holidays with. Your actions shape how they feel about you, not just the items you hand them.

NPC behavior

The NPCs take autonomous actions as your relationship grows. At higher affection levels, a character might:

• Write you a love letter

• Give you a gift unprompted

• Start addressing you with more familiar terms

• Visit your house to hang out

• Comment on changes you have made to your farm or home

This means relationships do not feel like a one-way street. The NPCs initiate things on their own, which makes the system feel more alive than the standard "give gifts until a bar fills" approach.

Relationship progression

The general path from stranger to partner:

1. Casual acquaintance -- You have just met. Basic greetings.

2. Hangouts -- You start spending time together. Activities unlock.

3. Visits -- They come to your house. You go to theirs.

4. Roommate -- They can move in with you.

5. Dating -- Formal relationship begins.

6. Romance -- Full romantic partner status.

The pace depends on how much time you spend with the character and how your interactions go. It is not purely gift-based.

Signature activities

Each character has activities you can do together as your relationship grows:

• Fortune teller readings with Youfang

• Riding bikes together

• Swinging at the park

• Having sleepovers

• Binge-watching TV on the couch

These are not generic. Each character brings their personality into the activities. Spending time doing these things raises affection faster than generic interactions.

Tips

• Pay attention to what each character likes. Their preferences come through in conversations.

• Participate in seasonal events and holidays with the person you are interested in. NPCs notice who you spend holidays with.

• All 12 romanceable characters are available regardless of your character's gender.

• Gust and Ginger (the My Time at Portia crossover characters) are not romanceable, but can be befriended up to 4 hearts.