first time playing, ended up playing 23 hours in a row.
second time - 23 hours again.
third time was more like 18 hours but i'd have played more if i wasn't distracted at home.

definitely buy the dlc's. they do give the game a ton more (background) story - and a lot more content both early game and mid/end game. and more variety and more/better ways to make money.

it does feel better than Stardew Valley due to not being forced to sleep.
and instead of needing to go across the map to a shower for more energy like Stardew... here you will craft a ton of energy food and chug it all the time to get a lot more done. you do end up wanting to sleep (even just for a second) to get rid of energy loss for being tired.

it reminds me a bit of runescape, given how many activities and locations there are. the game doesn't force you which activity or quest to do. you play them on your own time table.

the game dialogue starts out very funny (and continues). and then introduces you to the activities. and if you're like me, you study ways to upgrade and find ways to leap ahead in tech and productivity. it is your choice how you want to play.

beginner tips:

- get the little teleport stone item you buy early on from the bartender - it has a very short cooldown and infinite uses.
- you can double tap E on some repeat jobs (like compost bin, crop plot, some alchemy stations)
- you'll get an option to expand your workshop (your front yard). when you do this - make at least 3 furnaces, and like 10+ storage boxes. same for church basement and your cellar.
- one thing to note is the locations can have storage. your workshop you can build several storage boxes. in the church basement these storage are called other things, like alchemy racks. the game is super frustrating if you don't build enough of these.

pro tips:

- the tech tree can be quickly completed by crafting tons of glass bottles, and/or the entry level +2 stone grave fences.
- there is automation if you create a zombie workforce. they can gather the raw materials, tend farms, create alcohol, transport things where they belong, transport big items that you'd normally need to carry (like log).
- candles in church give major faith rewards, they only last 1 day. make the time to craft them and set them up before service each week. you'll go from getting +13 with no candles lit to over +100 per week with them lit.
- when you get into embalming. do lye > glue > silver > gold > then remove blood and fat. will be about 11-12 white skulls.
- the sins DLC eventually has a lady join that will sell you recipes for best marble gravestones (+7 fence)

first time playing, ended up playing 23 hours in a row. second time - 23 hours again. third time was more like 18 hours but i'd have played more if i wasn't distracted at home. definitely buy the dlc's. they do give the game a ton more (background) story - and a lot more content both early game and mid/end game. and more variety and more/better ways to make money. it does feel better than Stardew Valley due to not being forced to sleep. and instead of needing to go across the map to a shower for more energy like Stardew... here you will craft a ton of energy food and chug it all the time to get a lot more done. you do end up wanting to sleep (even just for a second) to get rid of energy loss for being tired. it reminds me a bit of runescape, given how many activities and locations there are. the game doesn't force you which activity or quest to do. you play them on your own time table. the game dialogue starts out very funny (and continues). and then introduces you to the activities. and if you're like me, you study ways to upgrade and find ways to leap ahead in tech and productivity. it is your choice how you want to play. beginner tips: [spoiler] - get the little teleport stone item you buy early on from the bartender - it has a very short cooldown and infinite uses. [/spoiler][spoiler] - you can double tap E on some repeat jobs (like compost bin, crop plot, some alchemy stations) [/spoiler][spoiler] - you'll get an option to expand your workshop (your front yard). when you do this - make at least 3 furnaces, and like 10+ storage boxes. same for church basement and your cellar. [/spoiler][spoiler] - one thing to note is the locations can have storage. your workshop you can build several storage boxes. in the church basement these storage are called other things, like alchemy racks. the game is super frustrating if you don't build enough of these. [/spoiler] pro tips: [spoiler] - the tech tree can be quickly completed by crafting tons of glass bottles, and/or the entry level +2 stone grave fences. [/spoiler][spoiler] - there is automation if you create a zombie workforce. they can gather the raw materials, tend farms, create alcohol, transport things where they belong, transport big items that you'd normally need to carry (like log). [/spoiler][spoiler] - candles in church give major faith rewards, they only last 1 day. make the time to craft them and set them up before service each week. you'll go from getting +13 with no candles lit to over +100 per week with them lit. [/spoiler][spoiler] - when you get into embalming. do lye > glue > silver > gold > then remove blood and fat. will be about 11-12 white skulls. [/spoiler][spoiler] - the sins DLC eventually has a lady join that will sell you recipes for best marble gravestones (+7 fence) [/spoiler]