From Rusty to Iridium: Powering Up Your Stardew Valley Farm Tools in 2025
Stardew Valley Tool Upgrade Planner
Plan your tool upgrades efficiently to maximize farm productivity
1. Select Your Tool
2. Select Upgrade Path
Tool Benefits Preview
Select a tool and upgrade path to see benefits
Recommended Upgrade Order
- Watering Can - Most critical for daily crop maintenance
- Pickaxe - Essential for mining deeper and gathering materials
- Axe - For wood gathering and unlocking Secret Woods (Steel)
- Hoe - Less critical early, more important for larger farms
- Trash Can - Lowest priority, only upgrade when resources are plentiful
Upgrade Timeline
Remember: Each tool upgrade takes 2 days to complete.
- Day 1: Drop off tool at Clint's before 4pm
- Day 2: Wait (plan activities that don't require this tool)
- Day 3: Pick up your upgraded tool from Clint after 9am
From Rusty to Iridium: Powering Up Your Stardew Valley Farm Tools in 2025
![Tool progression showing the five tiers of Stardew Valley tools from basic to iridium are holding you back. Every swing of that starter axe drains precious energy, and that plain watering can takes forever to tend your crops. The good news? You can transform these basic implements into powerhouse versions that make farming a breeze. If you’re in a rush, jump straight to our Quick Upgrade Checklist to start upgrading today.
If you’ve just arrived in Pelican Town or are returning after a break, upgrading your tools should be one of your top priorities. With the 1.6 update now fully deployed, tool management has never been more important-or more rewarding. This guide will walk you through everything from choosing which tools to upgrade first to mastering the new movement-while-charging feature that’s revolutionizing farm efficiency.
I’ve spent over 3,000 hours across multiple Stardew Valley farms, and I’ll share every trick I’ve learned about optimizing your tool progression. Whether you’re trying to maximize early-game profits, minimize energy consumption, or just make your daily farm routine smoother, proper tool management is the foundation of a successful farm.
Understanding the Tool Upgrade System
The upgrade system in Stardew Valley revolves around taking your basic tools to the Blacksmith and progressively enhancing them through four material tiers: copper, steel, gold, and ultimately iridium. Each upgrade requires specific resources and gold, but rewards you with tools that use less energy and cover more ground.
What Tools Can Be Upgraded
In Stardew Valley, six main tools can be upgraded through Clint the Blacksmith:
- Pickaxe - For breaking rocks, minerals, and mining nodes
- Axe - For chopping trees and stumps
- Hoe - For tilling soil for planting crops
- Watering Can - For watering crops
- Trash Can - For recovering a percentage of value from trashed items
- Pan - For panning ore from shimmering spots in water (acquired during a specific quest)
Each of these tools has five possible tiers:
- Basic - Your starting tools
- Copper - First upgrade level
- Steel - Second upgrade level
- Gold - Third upgrade level
- Iridium - Final and most powerful upgrade level
Other tools like the fishing rod have their own separate upgrade path, while some specialty tools like the scythe cannot be upgraded through the normal process (though special versions like the Golden Scythe can be obtained through gameplay).
One important note from the 1.6 update: “You can no longer lose the Golden Scythe, Infinity weapons, or tools.” This is a welcome quality-of-life improvement that protects your hard-earned special equipment.
Upgrade Materials and Costs
Each tool upgrade requires specific materials and gold. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need:
Upgrade Level | Materials Required | Gold Cost | Completion Time |
---|---|---|---|
Copper | 5 Copper Bars | 2,000g | 2 days |
Steel | 5 Iron Bars | 5,000g | 2 days |
Gold | 5 Gold Bars | 10,000g | 2 days |
Iridium | 5 Iridium Bars | 25,000g | 2 days |
Remember that each bar requires 5 ore pieces plus 1 coal to smelt, so for each upgrade you’ll actually need:
- 25 pieces of the respective ore
- 5 coal
- The specified amount of gold
For reference, a complete set of iridium tools (pickaxe, axe, hoe, watering can, and trash can) will ultimately cost:
- 125 copper ore + 125 iron ore + 125 gold ore + 125 iridium ore
- 100 coal
- 210,000g
This represents a significant investment, but one that pays tremendous dividends in efficiency.
The Blacksmith’s Role
Clint the Blacksmith, located in the eastern part of Pelican Town, is your go-to person for all tool upgrades. His shop is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except Fridays (when he’s at the saloon) and festival days.
To upgrade a tool:
- Gather the necessary materials (ore bars and gold)
- Visit Clint during business hours
- Select “Upgrade Tools” from his menu
- Choose which tool to upgrade
- Confirm the upgrade
Clint will keep your tool for two days while he works on it. This means you’ll be without that tool for a full day before it’s ready. An important note: the day you give him the tool counts as day one, and you can pick it up on the morning of day three.
A welcome change in the 1.6.3 update: “Blacksmith services are now available while a tool is being upgraded.” This means you can still access Clint’s shop to break open geodes or purchase items even while he’s upgrading one of your tools-a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Additionally, as noted in the 1.6.9 patch notes: “Clint now refills your watering can when upgrading it.” This means your upgraded watering can will be returned with a full water tank-a small but helpful feature.
Strategic Upgrade Planning
With limited resources, especially in your first year, choosing which tools to upgrade and when is a critical decision that will impact your farm’s development. A strategic approach to tool upgrades can dramatically accelerate your progress.
Best Tools to Upgrade First
The optimal upgrade order depends somewhat on your playstyle and farm focus, but there’s a general consensus among experienced players about which tools deliver the most immediate benefit:
- Watering Can - Usually the top priority as it’s used daily for crops, your main income source
- Pickaxe - Essential for mining deeper levels and gathering upgrade materials
- Axe - Becomes important when clearing land and accessing the Secret Woods (requires Steel Axe)
- Hoe - Less critical early on when farm plots are smaller
- Trash Can - The lowest priority as its benefits are minimal compared to the others
This order optimizes for early-game profit and progression speed. As one Reddit user noted: “In my personal opinion, the farming tool upgrades are the best. Helps save time and cover more tillable area.”
For players focusing heavily on mining, you might prioritize the pickaxe first, as it enables you to gather upgrading materials more quickly. If you’re concentrating on clearing large areas of your farm, the axe might take precedence.
Decision Factors:
- Watering Can: Prioritize if you have many crops and no sprinklers
- Pickaxe: Prioritize if you spend a lot of time mining or need to clear large rock areas
- Axe: Prioritize if you need wood resources or want early access to Secret Woods
- Hoe: Prioritize if you’re planning large crop expansions
- Pan: Very low priority for most players
Upgrade Timing for Maximum Efficiency
The timing of your upgrades is almost as important as which tools you choose to upgrade. Here are some key considerations:
Early Game (Spring Year 1):
- Focus on the copper pickaxe as your first upgrade to reach deeper mine levels
- Aim for a copper watering can before your crop count exceeds 40-50 plants
Mid Spring (Year 1):
- Upgrade to steel pickaxe to access gold ore (level 80+ in mines)
- Consider copper axe if wood is limiting your progress
Late Spring/Early Summer (Year 1):
- Steel watering can becomes important as your farm expands
- Steel axe gives access to Secret Woods (hardwood daily)
Fall (Year 1):
- Gold watering can and pickaxe become priorities
- Hoe upgrades become more valuable for winter foraging and spring planning
Winter (Year 1):
- Ideal time for watering can upgrades (no crops to water)
- Focus on reaching iridium tier for key tools before Spring Year 2
Remember that each upgrade takes two days to complete, so planning multiple upgrades back-to-back requires careful scheduling to avoid disrupting your farm routine.
Seasonal Considerations
Different seasons present unique opportunities and challenges for tool upgrades:
Spring:
- Busy planting season makes watering can upgrades tricky
- Use rainy days strategically for watering can upgrades
- Early focus on mines for upgrade materials
Summer:
- Longer days provide more time for mining and resource gathering
- Plan watering can upgrades around forecasted rain
- Heat makes energy management more important (upgraded tools help)
Fall:
- Last major crop season before winter
- Good time to prepare for iridium tool upgrades
- Focus on gold accumulation for expensive final upgrades
Winter:
- Ideal season for watering can upgrades (no crops)
- More time available for deep mine exploration
- Strategic planning for Spring Year 2
One key tip from the community: “Wait for a rainy day forecast to upgrade your watering can. Water your crops, give the can to Clint, let the rain water your crops the next day, then pick up your improved can on day three.”
Resource Gathering for Upgrades
Efficiently gathering the resources needed for tool upgrades can significantly accelerate your progression. Here’s how to obtain each required material as quickly as possible.
Mining for Copper, Iron, and Gold
Copper Ore:
- Found abundantly between mine levels 1-39
- Most concentrated between levels 20-29
- Each copper node typically yields 1-3 ore
- Can also be purchased from Clint for 75g each
Iron Ore:
- Found between mine levels 40-79
- Most concentrated between levels 60-69
- Each iron node typically yields 1-3 ore
- Can be purchased from Clint for 150g each
Gold Ore:
- Found between mine levels 80-119
- Most concentrated between levels 90-109
- Each gold node typically yields 1-3 ore
- Can be purchased from Clint for 400g each
Mining Tips:
- Bring food for energy restoration
- Focus on finding ladders to descend quickly
- Use elevator checkpoints (every 5 levels) to plan efficient mining runs
- Mine on high luck days for better ore yields
- Break barrels and crates for occasional ore pieces
- Craft and place staircase to skip difficult levels
As noted in one source: “The copper spawns heavily meaning it can be easily found but you just need to approach mine level 20 and you will find plenty of copper after that until mine level 39… The best thing is that the copper that you have mined will respawn the next day so you can come to the next day and mine again.”
Obtaining Rare Iridium
Iridium is the most challenging resource to obtain, but there are several reliable sources:
Primary Sources:
- Skull Cavern (Desert) - The most abundant source, especially below level 25
- Meteor Strikes - Rare events that leave iridium-containing meteorites on your farm
- Mystic Stones - Purple stones occasionally found in the mines (especially on level 100+)
- Magma Geodes - Can contain iridium ore when broken
- Omni Geodes - Lower chance of iridium than Magma Geodes
- Statue of Perfection - Rewards from Grandpa’s evaluation (produces 2-8 iridium ore daily)
- Completing certain fishing bundles - One-time rewards
Skull Cavern Strategy:
- Prepare several staircases to descend quickly
- Bring bombs to clear large areas efficiently
- Focus on reaching levels 50+ for better iridium chances
- Visit on high luck days only
- Bring plenty of high-energy food
- Use desert warp totems to maximize mining time
For most players, the Skull Cavern is the most reliable source of iridium before obtaining the Statue of Perfection. As you descend deeper, the chances of finding iridium nodes increase significantly.
Coal Acquisition Strategies
Coal is often overlooked but is essential for smelting ores into bars. Here are the best ways to obtain coal:
Mining Sources:
- Dust Sprites on mine levels 40-79 (40% drop chance)
- Coal Cart in the mines (levels 40+)
- Random drops from any rock (small chance)
Other Sources:
- Purchase from Clint (250g each)
- Charcoal Kiln (10 wood = 1 coal)
- Woodcutter profession (chance for coal from trees)
- Artifact spots occasionally yield coal
- Blacksmith bundle reward (25 coal)
For early game, the most efficient sources are usually Dust Sprites and the Charcoal Kiln. In later game, purchasing becomes more viable as your income increases.
Tool Upgrade Benefits
Each upgrade level provides significant improvements to your tools. Understanding these benefits helps prioritize which upgrades will have the biggest impact on your farming efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
One of the most important benefits of tool upgrades is reduced energy consumption:
Tool Level | Energy Reduction | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|
Basic | Baseline | Standard energy consumption |
Copper | ~30% reduction | Noticeable improvement in daily stamina |
Steel | ~45% reduction | Significant extension of work capacity |
Gold | ~60% reduction | Most of a day’s work without energy food |
Iridium | ~75% reduction | Minimal energy impact from tool usage |
This means that upgrading from a basic to an iridium tool can let you do roughly four times as much work with the same amount of energy - a massive efficiency boost.
For early-game players with limited energy reserves and few energy restoration options, even the first copper upgrade provides a substantial benefit. As noted in one gaming article: “Each upgrade increases the efficiency of the tool, meaning it’ll cost less energy to use.”
Area of Effect Enhancements
Perhaps the most visible benefit of tool upgrades is the increased area of effect, particularly for the watering can and hoe:
Watering Can Area of Effect:
- Basic: 1 tile
- Copper: 3 tiles in a row (hold button)
- Steel: 5 tiles in a row (hold button)
- Gold: 3×3 grid (hold button)
- Iridium: 3×6 grid (hold button)
Hoe Area of Effect:
- Basic: 1 tile
- Copper: 3 tiles in a row (hold button)
- Steel: 5 tiles in a row (hold button)
- Gold: 3×3 grid (hold button)
- Iridium: 3×6 grid (hold button)
As highlighted in the Reddit pro tips: “With upgraded tools, hold down the button to increase the area of effect. This seems obvious, but a surprising number of people miss it (e.g. watering cans not only have better capacity, but water more tiles & in different patterns if held down).”
The 1.6 update introduced an exciting new feature: the ability to move while charging your tools. This revolutionary change (discussed in detail in the Advanced Techniques section) makes the area effects even more powerful.
Pickaxe and Axe Improvements:
- Each upgrade reduces the number of hits required to break objects
- Iridium pickaxe breaks most stones in one hit
- Iridium axe reduces tree felling from 10+ hits to just 3
Tool Level Visual Indicator:
“Tool sparkle colour corresponds to the upgrade level.” This visual cue helps you quickly identify which upgrade level you’re using.
Special Features by Tool Type
Each tool gains unique benefits beyond just energy efficiency and area of effect:
Watering Can:
- Increased water capacity (from 2 uses to 8+ at iridium level)
- Water retention during upgrades (as of patch 1.6.9)
- Critical for early-game crop maintenance
Pickaxe:
- Ability to break bigger rocks (meteorites, mine obstacles)
- Mining nodes yield more resources
- Access to mine areas blocked by boulders
- “The pickaxe can undo tilled soil”
Axe:
- At steel level: Ability to break large logs (Secret Woods access)
- At gold level: Can chop down the large stumps on the farm
- Reduced tree felling time dramatically improves wood gathering
Hoe:
- Perfect for winter foraging (till large areas for winter roots)
- Essential for mass crop planting
- Efficiency becomes critical with larger farms
Trash Can:
- Increased recovery percentage from trashed items
- Basic: 0% (no recovery)
- Copper: 15% recovery
- Steel: 30% recovery
- Gold: 45% recovery
- Iridium: 60% recovery
Pan:
- Improved chances of finding valuable materials
- Larger collection area
- Energy efficiency improvements
Each upgrade transforms these tools from basic implements to powerful time and energy-saving devices that dramatically improve farm productivity.
Advanced Tool Techniques
Mastering the mechanics of tool usage can dramatically improve your efficiency. These techniques take your tool usage beyond the basics.
Charged Tool Mechanics
The charged attack mechanic is one of the most powerful yet overlooked features of upgraded tools:
How Charging Works:
- Hold down the tool button rather than clicking
- Watch for the tool to begin glowing and vibrating
- The tool will progress through different charge levels
- Release the button when the desired charge level is reached
- The tool will perform its enhanced area effect action
For tools like the watering can and hoe, charging allows you to affect multiple tiles at once. The charge pattern depends on the upgrade level:
- Copper: 3 tiles in a line
- Steel: 5 tiles in a line
- Gold: 3×3 square
- Iridium: 3×6 rectangle
Power Charge Tips:
- You can cancel a charge by right-clicking or switching items
- The energy cost is based on the total area affected, not the charging time
- For watering can and hoe, you must hold in the direction you want the pattern to apply
- Charged pickaxe and axe attacks don’t increase area but do slightly increase effectiveness
A common misconception is that charging tools costs more energy - it doesn’t. It’s actually more energy-efficient to use charged attacks when appropriate.
Movement While Charging (New in 1.6)
The 1.6 update introduced a game-changing feature: the ability to move while charging your tools. This has revolutionized farming efficiency.
As one excited player noted on Reddit: “WHY HAVEN’T I SEEN ANYONE TALK ABOUT THIS??.. I need to play NOW!!”
How Movement While Charging Works:
- Begin charging your tool by holding the use button
- While continuing to hold the button, use movement controls to reposition
- You can “strafe” in any direction while maintaining the charge
- Release the button when positioned correctly to execute the action
This feature works with the watering can and hoe, allowing for much more precise placement of area effects and significantly faster farm operations.
Strategic Applications:
- Perfect alignment of watering patterns with sprinklers
- Rapid tilling of precise field layouts
- Quick adjustments if you realize you’re about to water/till already processed tiles
- Seamless continuous farming without stopping to reposition
As one Reddit user explained: “Once the can or hoe starts charging, you can move the left stick to strafe. Then just release the tool button like normal when you’re in position. You can’t change which direction you’re facing, but can move up/down and side to side.”
This feature alone has made manual watering and tilling vastly more enjoyable and efficient.
Tool Placement Strategies
Beyond basic usage, strategic tool placement can dramatically improve farm efficiency:
Scarecrow and Sprinkler Protection:
“Place scarecrows, sprinklers or lights on flooring/paths to prevent the hoe from digging them up.” This simple trick prevents accidentally removing crucial farm infrastructure during tilling.
Precision Tool Usage:
- Use tool highlighting to ensure proper alignment
- Position yourself diagonally to reach otherwise inaccessible tiles
- Use the right-click inspection before using tools in sensitive areas
Tool Switching Efficiency:
- Organize your inventory to group related tools
- Use number keys (1-12) for instant tool switching
- Consider context-appropriate tool loadouts for different farm activities
For players using controllers: “When buying animals or buildings with a controller, you can now use the D-pad to move the cursor.” This makes precise placement much easier.
Tool Enchantments and Special Items
Beyond the standard upgrade path, Stardew Valley offers additional ways to enhance your tools through special enchantments and unique items.
Forge and Enchantment System
The Forge on Ginger Island allows you to enchant your tools with special properties that go beyond the standard upgrade benefits:
How to Access the Forge:
- Complete the Community Center or Joja Community Development Form
- Repair Willy’s boat (requires various hardwood, iron bars, and iridium bars)
- Travel to Ginger Island
- Explore the volcano dungeon to find the Forge
Enchantment Process:
- Bring a prismatic shard (enchantment currency)
- Bring 20 cinder shards (found in the volcano dungeon)
- Select a tool to enchant
- Receive a random enchantment specific to that tool type
Tool-Specific Enchantments:
Watering Can Enchantments:
- Reaching: Increases area of effect by one level
- Swift: Increases tool use speed
- Bottomless: Small chance not to consume water
Hoe Enchantments:
- Reaching: Increases area of effect by one level
- Swift: Increases tool use speed
- Archaeologist: Double chance of finding artifacts
Pickaxe Enchantments:
- Reaching: Increases area of effect
- Swift: Increases tool use speed
- Powerful: Increases the chance of precious stones
- Archaeologist: Double chance of finding artifacts
Axe Enchantments:
- Swift: Increases tool use speed
- Powerful: Increases wood yield
- Shaving: Small chance not to consume tree health
Fishing Rod Enchantments:
- Auto-Hook: Automatically hooks fish when they bite
- Efficient: Lowers tackle decay by half
- Master: Increases minimum fish size
- Preserving: 50% chance not to consume bait
As one player noted about the Reaching enchantment: “You can also enchant it to increase the area of effect by one level. It’s the reaching enchantment and can be applied to both the watering can and the hoe. If you have the tool fully upgraded to iridium, the enchantment will be up to a 5x5 grid. Perfect for iridium sprinklers!”
Golden Scythe and Other Special Tools
Beyond the standard upgrade path, several special tools can be obtained through gameplay:
Golden Scythe:
- Location: The Quarry Mine (accessible after repairing the bridge)
- Benefits: Wider cutting arc, 50% more hay from grass, higher critical hit chance
- Cannot be lost as of the 1.6 update
Infinity Tools:
- Obtained through: Galaxy Soul + Iridium Tool recipe at the Forge
- Requirements: Reached 100% Perfection
- Benefits: Never lose energy when using, increased effectiveness
- Cannot be lost as of the 1.6 update
Iridium Scythe (New in 1.6):
- Source: Unknown (possibly linked to the new Book of Power system)
- Benefits: Presumed to combine Golden Scythe benefits with additional improvements
Copper Pan Upgrades:
- As of 1.6, the pan can now be upgraded like other tools
- Increases effectiveness and find rates when panning
Special Fishing Rods:
- Training Rod: Easier fishing for beginners
- Fiberglass Rod: Allows bait usage
- Iridium Rod: Allows both bait and tackle
- Advanced Iridium Rod (1.6.9): Can be purchased after unlocking the standard Iridium Rod
The 1.6 update note “You can no longer lose the Golden Scythe, Infinity weapons, or tools” is particularly welcome for players who invested significant time obtaining these special items.
Infinity Tools
The pinnacle of tool progression in Stardew Valley, Infinity Tools represent the ultimate farm equipment:
Requirements to Obtain:
- Reach 100% Perfection (complete all major achievements)
- Obtain Galaxy Souls (rare drops from Qi’s special mine challenges)
- Bring an Iridium-level tool to the Forge
- Apply the Galaxy Soul to create the Infinity version
Infinity Tool Benefits:
- Zero energy consumption (use them indefinitely)
- Maximum possible effectiveness
- Unique purple aesthetic
- Cannot be lost (as of 1.6 update)
Available Infinity Tools:
- Infinity Blade
- Infinity Gavel
- Infinity Needle
- Infinity Hammer
- Infinity Dagger
While extremely challenging to obtain, Infinity Tools represent the ultimate goal for completionist players and those looking to maximize farm efficiency in the late game.
Time Management During Upgrades
Since tool upgrades temporarily remove a tool from your inventory, proper planning is essential to minimize disruption to your farm routine.
Planning Around the Two-Day Upgrade Period
Understanding exactly how the upgrade timeline works is crucial:
Upgrade Timeline:
- Day 1: Visit Clint, hand in your tool and materials before 4 PM
- Day 2: Full day without your tool
- Day 3: Tool is ready for pickup when Clint opens at 9 AM
As one player explained: “2 days counting the day you give him the tool. So basically if it’s gonna be raining tomorrow you can totally get it upgraded and not miss watering your crops.”
Scheduling Tips:
- Plan non-tool-dependent activities for Day 2
- Consider upgrade multiple tools in sequence to batch “tool-less” days
- Avoid upgrading during critical seasonal transitions (e.g., last days of a season)
- Remember Clint doesn’t work on festival days, which extends the upgrade time
- With 1.6, you can still access Clint’s shop for other services while he’s upgrading
The recent 1.6.3 update made this process less disruptive: “Blacksmith services are now available while a tool is being upgraded.” This means you can still use Clint’s geode-breaking and shopping services even while he’s upgrading your tools.
Upgrading the Watering Can Without Missing Crops
The watering can presents a special challenge since missing even one day of watering can kill crops. Here’s the optimal strategy:
Rainy Day Method:
- Check the TV weather forecast daily
- When rain is predicted for the following day, water your crops normally
- After watering, take your can to Clint for upgrading
- The next day, rain will water your crops while your can is being upgraded
- On the third day, pick up your upgraded can and resume watering
As one player succinctly explained: “Wait for a day where it rains the next day. Lets say it rains on summer 10. Water your crops on summer 9, give the can to clint, summer 10 it rains, summer 11 you get your can back.”
Alternative Methods:
- Use basic sprinklers to cover critical crops during upgrades
- Time upgrades during crop transitions (after harvest, before replanting)
- In winter, upgrade freely as there are no crops to water
- Consider keeping a spare basic watering can for emergencies
Multi-Tool Upgrade Scheduling
When upgrading multiple tools, strategic scheduling can minimize disruption:
Consecutive Upgrade Strategy:
- Plan a 3-5 day period for tool upgrades
- Start with less critical tools (trash can, hoe when not planting)
- Upgrade the watering can during predicted rain
- Use “tool-less” days for relationship building, fishing, or mining
- Pick up each tool as it becomes available
Recommended Upgrade Batches:
- Early Game: Pickaxe → Axe → Watering Can
- Mid Game: Hoe → Trash Can → Further tool tier upgrades
- Late Game: Final tier upgrades → Specialty tools
Remember that Clint doesn’t work on festival days, so check your calendar before planning upgrade sequences that might overlap with community events.
As of the 1.6 update, a useful mod option has become more popular: “This mod makes retrieving upgraded farm tools less tedious. With this mod, Clint (the blacksmith) will simply send you a mail with the upgraded tool included as soon as the upgrade is finished.”
1.6 Update Tool Changes
The 1.6 update brought significant improvements and new features related to tools. Understanding these changes helps you take advantage of all the latest enhancements.
New Tool Features
The 1.6 update introduced several exciting new tool features:
Movement While Charging:
- Can now move while charging the watering can and hoe
- Allows precise positioning without canceling the charge
- Dramatically improves farming efficiency
As one amazed player commented: “What I actually mean is the exciting new capability to walk around while using it!” This feature has been enthusiastically received by the community.
Tool Protection:
- “You can no longer lose the Golden Scythe, Infinity weapons, or tools.”
- Prevents accidental loss of rare and valuable tools
- Particularly important for the challenging-to-obtain special items
Upgraded Pan:
- The copper pan can now be upgraded through the normal tool progression
- Each upgrade tier improves panning efficiency and results
- Makes the previously underutilized pan more valuable
Tool Sparkles:
“Tool sparkle colour corresponds to the upgrade level.” This visual indicator makes it easier to identify tool levels at a glance.
Advanced Iridium Rod:
“You can now buy another advanced iridium rod from Willy’s shop after unlocking it.” This provides more flexibility for fishing enthusiasts.
Tool Interaction Changes
Several quality-of-life improvements have changed how tools interact with the environment and NPCs:
Chest Interactions:
- “NPCs now shove chests out of their way instead of destroying them.”
- Prevents the heartbreaking loss of stored items
- Makes farm decoration and storage placement less risky
Big Chest Improvements:
“Also you can easily replace a chest with a Big Chest and it will move all the items in there for you!”
Tool Upgrades While Using Services:
“Blacksmith services are now available while a tool is being upgraded.” This means you can still use Clint’s other services while waiting for a tool upgrade.
Watering Can Refill:
“Clint now refills your watering can when upgrading it.” A small but helpful change that ensures your upgraded can is ready to use.
Building Movement:
“The farmhouse and pet bowl can now be moved through Robin’s menu.” This provides more flexibility in farm layout design.
Quality of Life Improvements
The 1.6 update brought numerous quality-of-life improvements related to tools and farm management:
Weather-Aware Building:
“Robin no longer constructs buildings during green rain in year 1.” This prevents disruptions to building plans during special weather.
Watering Can Refill:
“Clint now refills your watering can when upgrading it.” A small but helpful addition.
Book of Power System:
“19 unique Books Of Power, which grant special perks.” While the details are still emerging, these books appear to offer tool-related enhancements.
Mastery System:
“Added a ‘mastery’ system, accessed via a new area, which grants powerful perks and items…” This new system provides additional ways to enhance your farming capabilities.
Save File Protection:
“When a save is broken or corrupted, the game now auto-recovers it from a backup if possible.” This helps protect your farm progress.
Improved Tool Translations:
“Overhauled tool translations: Unified their names/descriptions… Each tool upgrade now has its own translation (like “Gold Axe”), instead of generic ones.” This makes the game more accessible for international players.
These improvements collectively make tool management more intuitive and forgiving, especially for new players.
Modding Tool Upgrades
For players looking to customize their tool upgrade experience, several mods offer enhanced functionality and convenience.
Tool Delivery Service Mods
One of the most popular quality-of-life mods addresses the inconvenience of picking up upgraded tools:
Tool-Upgrade Delivery Service:
- Automatically sends upgraded tools via mail
- Eliminates the need to visit Clint for pickup
- Tools arrive in the morning mail when completed
- Option to still collect in person if preferred
As described in the mod documentation: “This mod makes retrieving upgraded farm tools less tedious. With this mod, Clint (the blacksmith) will simply send you a mail with the upgraded tool included as soon as the upgrade is finished.”
Installation:
- Install the latest version of SMAPI
- Download the mod from Nexus Mods
- Unzip it into your Stardew Valley/Mods folder
- Run the game using SMAPI
This mod is compatible with both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it useful for all types of farms.
Instant Upgrade Mods
For players who want to eliminate the waiting period entirely:
Instant Tool Upgrades:
- Removes the two-day waiting period
- Tools are upgraded immediately
- Maintains material and gold costs
- Particularly helpful for time-sensitive upgrades
CJB Cheats Menu:
“CJB cheats menu has an instant build option, potentially there’s options to ‘unlock’ the upgraded tools.”
This more comprehensive mod includes many quality-of-life features beyond just tool upgrades, giving players fine-grained control over various game mechanics.
Other Helpful Tool Mods
Several other mods enhance the tool experience in Stardew Valley:
Instant Buildings:
- Complements tool upgrade mods by making Robin’s construction instant
- Helps with comprehensive farm planning
- “I came across two mods on Nexus Mods: one is named Instant Tool Upgrades, and the other is Instant Buildings from Farm.”
Better Tool Hit Location:
- Improves the precision of tool targeting
- Particularly helpful for controller players
- Reduces accidental crop damage or resource waste
Automatic Tool Switcher:
- Automatically selects the appropriate tool based on what you’re targeting
- Reduces inventory management
- Streamlines farming workflows
Tool Highlighting Enhancer:
- Makes the tool action area more visible
- Helpful for precisely positioning charged tool actions
- Works well with the new movement-while-charging feature
For players concerned about mod compatibility with the latest updates, good news from the community: “The Stardew Valley Expanded mod has stated that they will be patch 1.6 compatible within a day of launch.”
Remember that mods may affect achievements on some platforms, so consider this if you’re working toward completionist goals.
Tool Mastery for Perfection
As you progress toward farm perfection, mastering your tools becomes increasingly important. The latest updates have added new dimensions to tool mastery.
Completing the Tool Collection
A complete set of fully upgraded tools represents a significant achievement and investment:
Full Iridium Tool Set:
- Iridium Pickaxe
- Iridium Axe
- Iridium Hoe
- Iridium Watering Can
- Iridium Trash Can
- Iridium Pan (new in 1.6)
Special Tools:
- Golden Scythe
- Advanced Iridium Rod
- Infinity weapons (for those pursuing 100% perfection)
The complete set represents an investment of approximately:
- 125 each of copper, iron, gold, and iridium ore
- 100 coal
- 210,000g
- Countless mining trips and resource gathering
For completionists, the 1.6 update added several new tools and upgrades to collect, extending the tool mastery journey.
Mastery System Benefits
The new mastery system introduced in 1.6 adds another dimension to tool proficiency:
Books of Power:
- 19 unique books that grant special perks
- Some books likely enhance tool capabilities
- Part of the broader mastery system
Mastery Perks:
“Added a ‘mastery’ system, accessed via a new area, which grants powerful perks and items…” While details are still emerging, this system appears to offer new ways to enhance your farming capabilities beyond traditional tool upgrades.
New Neighbors Quest:
“Added a big tree, with a quest line which ultimately gives you some new neighbors.” This new content may provide additional tool-related benefits or challenges.
These new systems add depth to the late-game experience, providing continued progression even after achieving iridium-level tools.
Long-term Tool Planning
For players planning long-term farm development, tool progression should be integrated into your overall strategy:
Year 1 Goals:
- Copper tools by mid-Spring
- Steel pickaxe and axe by early Summer
- Access to Secret Woods (steel axe) before Summer 14
- Gold watering can before Fall crops
- Prepare for Skull Cavern (iridium source) by Winter
Year 2 Goals:
- Complete iridium tool set
- Obtain Golden Scythe
- Begin enchantment process for primary tools
- Focus on mining and combat for Galaxy Sword
Endgame Goals:
- Optimized enchantments on all tools
- Infinity tools for those pursuing 100% completion
- Master the new 1.6 mastery system
- Complete all tool-related achievements
Remember that tool progression directly impacts almost every aspect of farm efficiency. As one player noted: “Nothing major has changed about the core gameplay, just more content sprinkled around.” This means that the fundamental importance of tool upgrades remains consistent even as the game evolves.
Quick Upgrade Checklist
For players who just want the essential information, here’s a streamlined checklist for tool upgrades:
-
Gather materials for your desired upgrade level:
- 5 bars of the appropriate metal (copper, iron, gold, or iridium)
- Each bar requires 5 ore + 1 coal to smelt
- Required gold: 2,000g (copper), 5,000g (steel), 10,000g (gold), or 25,000g (iridium)
-
Visit Clint the Blacksmith:
- Located east of town
- Open 9 AM - 4 PM (closed Fridays and festival days)
- Select “Upgrade Tools” from his menu
-
Choose your tool and confirm the upgrade
-
Plan for the two-day upgrade period:
- Day 1: You give Clint the tool (still usable until you hand it over)
- Day 2: Full day without the tool
- Day 3: Tool available for pickup when Clint opens at 9 AM
-
For watering cans specifically:
- Check weather forecast on TV
- Upgrade only when rain is predicted for the following day
- Water crops, give can to Clint, let rain water crops, pick up upgraded can
-
For maximum efficiency:
- Prioritize watering can and pickaxe early
- Obtain steel axe to access Secret Woods
- Schedule multiple upgrades during convenient periods
- Use winter to upgrade tools when farm demands are lower
Now you’re fully equipped to transform your basic farming implements into powerful tools that will dramatically improve your farming efficiency!
Stardew Valley Tool Upgrade Patch History
Date | Version | Change Note | Impact on Tool Upgrades |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 2024 | 1.6 | “You can no longer lose the Golden Scythe, Infinity weapons, or tools.” | Prevents accidental loss of valuable tools |
Feb 2024 | 1.6 | Added ability to move while charging tools | Drastically improves watering and tilling efficiency |
Feb 2024 | 1.6 | “NPCs now shove chests out of their way instead of destroying them.” | Makes tool storage safer near villager paths |
March 2024 | 1.6.3 | “Blacksmith services are now available while a tool is being upgraded.” | Can still use Clint’s other services during upgrades |
Nov 2024 | 1.6.9 | “Clint now refills your watering can when upgrading it.” | Quality of life improvement for watering can upgrades |
Nov 2024 | 1.6.9 | “You can now buy another advanced iridium rod from Willy’s shop after unlocking it.” | More flexibility for fishing enthusiasts |
Dec 2024 | 1.6.15 | Performance optimizations | Smoother tool usage experience |
Dec 2024 | 1.6.15 | Fixed bug where some achievements not unlocked retroactively | Ensures proper credit for tool-related achievements |
Original | 1.0 | Basic tool upgrade system implemented | Established the core progression system |
August 2017 | 1.2 | Added the Golden Scythe special tool | Added special tool variant |
January 2020 | 1.4 | Added tool enchantments at the forge | New way to enhance tools beyond standard upgrades |
December 2020 | 1.5 | Added Infinity tools for 100% completion | Ultimate tool tier for perfectionists |
Action Steps Recap
Prioritize watering can and pickaxe upgrades, gather materials systematically through efficient mining, and always schedule watering can upgrades during forecasted rain to maintain crop growth.