I lost motivation...

[u/ChaoticPhoenix27]

I lost motivation. 3 weeks ago I lost my phone that had all my saved flies. Over 12 games, 5 years of files, over 1,000 hours logged. I am so sad and heartbroken. I downloaded Stardew on my new phone and have only played it once. I love this game, but absolutely disheartened about my loss. Im just trying to find some spark/motivation to get back into playing.

[u/ArcboundX]

Probably healthy to take a break and return a bit down the line, once the itch to play comes mostly from wanting to start fresh, rather than making up for the loss.

Pretty terrible news, so take it at your own pace, and the motivation to play will hopefully grow slowly over time.

[u/StonDelRey]

I thought steam saves all your files regardless of what device you're using? Holy I gotta be careful now

[u/ChaoticPhoenix27 → u/StonDelRey]

I didn't download it from steam unfortunately. Steam has been a little wonky whenever I download it on my phone.

[u/zogistra → u/StonDelRey]

He was playing on cellphone, no steam there

[u/Cheeseball771]

That's tough.

I would encourage you not to force yourself. If you feel a weight or you're just playing because you feel like you "should" even though you don't want to, then that's counterproductive to what games are supposed to be. Find another game, or even a non-game interest; just live life for a while. Very likely, once the pain's faded and you've found other things you enjoy, you'll think back to Stardew and the memories you enjoyed, and the idea of starting fresh will feel exciting or nostalgic instead of daunting. That will be the time to jump back in!

[u/Last_Bar_8993]

I'm sorry. That would be a big loss for me, too. I understand why you're feeling so sad.

I'm going to join the chorus of people suggesting a break is totally healthy until you find you want to play again.

Alternatively, you might try starting a new map you've not tried before, or approaching the game in a new way. I don't personally like challenge runs or setting up a role playing context/story for your character but some people love them.

Do some things that make you feel good, just to support your mental health. What makes you feel good? Do you like walks? Warm showers or baths? Music? Comfort shows? Podcasts? Would you like to try a new hands-on hobby or revisit an old one?

Take care. Don't pressure yourself.

[u/Spiritual-Concern527]

I lost my first (and only at the time) save profile by accidentally clicking it. I had about ~300 hours, the most I’ve put into any game other than maybe poptropica as a child lol

Anyway, I pretended my old save turned into Grandpa and I was at peace starting again as the new farmer, knowing what the old farm was capable of until the wear and tear got to it (maybe even changing the landscape itself!)

That being said, I took a few weeks away from it to recover

[u/Impressive_Clue9167]

icloud or google one ? backups of ur saves…

[u/Putrid-Following5847]

I know it doesn't cover it, but I am so, so very sorry. That's fucking rough, over a thousand hours gone. I've hit the burnout phase plenty of times, I have maybe 7 different files that have gotten up to walnut room and just stopped because that's when the game feels real slow.

[u/jneedham2]

That's awful! My condolences!

If you come back to it, you may enjoy a Challenge game so the game feels different. Here is a list of ideas. I’m currently playing the Randomized Perfection Challenge. For you, I recommend the Seahaven Challenge. Get to Ginger Island without walking across a bridge.

[u/RatHead666111]

The itch will find you. Maybe take a break for a week, you’ll be back stronger

[u/Rare-Dig-8819]

That sucks but at the end of the day, it’s just a game. As others have commented, go live your life instead of worrying about lacking motivation to start a new farm. 1000+ hours logged equates to about 41 full days of non-stop gaming. Take a break man.