If you’ve been toiling away in Stardew Valley through Spring and Summer, then you’re in for a delightful experience as the leaves turn orange and snowflakes begin to fall. This guide will focus on what to do in Autumn and Winter to optimize your gameplay. Whether it’s brewing Strawberry Ale, investing in Pumpkin crops, or working towards opening up Ginger Island, we have got you covered.
Starting Autumn Right
Just like the first day of Summer, the Autumn season kicks off by requiring you to clear wilted crops from your fields. Once that’s done, you’ll need to head to Pierre’s General Store to buy seeds for the upcoming season.
Community Center Offerings
For community center offerings, you will only need to focus on Eggplants, Yams, and Pumpkins. Plant at least two of each—Eggplants and Yams—to cover your bases.
Thunderstorms and Pumpkins Galore
While thunderstorms are less frequent in Autumn, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Equip your farm with Lightning Rods to protect your crops. For your other plots, consider going all-in on Pumpkins. They’re versatile for both gifting and wine-making.
The Fishing Agenda
Rainy days in Autumn are your best chance to fish for species needed for community offerings. Before 4 PM, aim for Catfish and Tiger Trout in the river, and after 4 PM, focus on Sardines and Eels in the ocean. Use Crab Pots if you haven’t completed the Fish Tank bundles.
Barns, Coops, and Crafting
If your Barn has been upgraded to its highest tier, now is the time to think about upgrading your farmhouse. Daily chores include petting your animals, brewing wine, smelting ores, and crafting kegs. You can also upgrade your tools and pick up quests from Lewis’s Bulletin Board near his house.
More Money, More Bunnies
If your pockets are overflowing, consider building an additional coop filled entirely with rabbits to prepare for future gift-giving needs. Twelve rabbits should suffice for birthdays and winning over the more difficult-to-please villagers.
Preparing for Mining Adventures
Mine Iridium Ore on lucky days and aim to gather around 200 to 300 ores. This should be enough to craft 40 Iridium Bars—5 for unlocking Ginger Island, 5 for Crystalariums, and 30 for Iridium Sprinklers. You’ll likely acquire the Galaxy Sword after these mining ventures.
Ring and Seed Farming
If you haven’t yet obtained a Burglar’s Ring, now’s the time to farm Coal Sprites between floors 45, 55, and 65. Once you have the ring and the Galaxy Sword, farm for Red Cabbage Seeds from Mummies and Serpents in the Skull Cavern.
Preparing for Winter
Come Winter, there are primarily two activities to focus on:
- Foraging Winter Roots, Snow Yams, Crocus, and Crystal Fruit.
- Beachcombing for Nautilus Shells to complete community center offerings.
By following this routine, you can reliably complete the Community Center offerings by the end of Winter. Although there are faster methods, they’re not recommended for new players. Completing the offerings and unlocking Ginger Island in the first year is already an achievement for a proficient newcomer.
Beyond Winter
Once you’ve navigated through the colder months, what comes next is unlocking the sewers to embark on quests from the Wizard, and then heading to Ginger Island to collect Golden Walnuts. From this point onward, gameplay largely remains consistent, but you can focus more on house decorations and collections.
Conclusion
Stardew Valley offers endless opportunities, and knowing what to prioritize during Autumn and Winter can greatly enhance your experience. From the intricacies of brewing Starfruit Wine to the excitement of opening up Ginger Island, every choice adds up to a memorable adventure.