The Elusive Nature of Iridium Ore
Iridium ore in Stardew Valley is akin to the philosopher’s stone, a treasure that most players find difficult to obtain. The coveted ore can be acquired in various ways such as reaching Year 2 and gaining Grandpa’s shrine reward, or diving deep into the Skull Cavern. The latter becomes easier if you trade jade for staircases from the desert trader on Sundays. Another method takes you to the volcano on Ginger Island, which also offers iridium nodes.
| Fish Count | Item | Chance | Quantity Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Iridium Ore | 5% | 1 to 3 |
| 9 | Amethyst | 5% | 1 to 3 |
| 1 | Roe | 100% | N/A |
For those averse to mining, super cucumber fish ponds can come to the rescue, albeit inconsistently. The chance of obtaining iridium ore increases with the number of super cucumbers in your pond. However, this method is a gamble as it’s both rare and unpredictable.
The Multifaceted Super Cucumber
The Super Cucumber is not your average fish in Stardew Valley. You can catch it in a multitude of locations and seasons, with opportunities ranging from Summer and Fall evenings at the Beach Farm to the Night Market’s deep-sea submarine ride. Though not used in any bundles, it finds various uses including selling for 300g at the Stardrop Saloon or gifting it to Linus.
| Time of Day | Season | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 18:00–02:00 | Spring | Ginger Island south |
| Ginger Island west (ocean) | ||
| Ginger Island southeast | ||
| Ginger Island southeast cave | ||
| ————- | ——— | ————————————– |
| 18:00–02:00 | Summer | Beach |
| Ginger Island south | ||
| Ginger Island west (ocean) | ||
| Ginger Island southeast | ||
| Ginger Island southeast cove | ||
| ————- | ——— | ————————————– |
| 18:00–02:00 | Fall | Beach |
| Ginger Island south | ||
| Ginger Island west (ocean) | ||
| Ginger Island southeast | ||
| Ginger Island southeast cove | ||
| ————- | ——— | ————————————– |
| 18:00–02:00 | Winter | Ginger Island south |
| Ginger Island west (ocean) | ||
| Ginger Island southeast | ||
| Ginger Island southeast cave |
Additionally, Super Cucumbers hold their own in the fashion world. They can be used in the spool of the Sewing Machine with Cloth to create a dyeable Tube Top. When it comes to dye, it gives off a shade of purple that can either be achieved through a Sewing Machine or the purple dye pot at Emily’s and Haley’s house.
The Myths and Realities of Super Cucumber Ponds
There’s a prevailing uncertainty regarding the capability of super cucumber ponds to produce iridium ore. According to the Stardew Valley Wiki, there’s a 5% chance of a filled pond with nine or more super cucumbers producing iridium ore. Yet, player experiences suggest otherwise, leading to various theories and mod discrepancies.
One issue seems to be a bug from the 1.4 update that affects the output data of the fish ponds. Players have even reached out to mod creators for clarification and found that the bug interferes with the data being used by the fish in the pond. Thus, it’s advisable to take the wiki information with a grain of salt until a future update rectifies the issue.
Fish Pond Decisions: Lava Eel, Sturgeon, or Super Cucumber?
Players have two primary options when it comes to optimizing fish ponds for profits: Lava Eels and Sturgeons. While Sturgeon can produce valuable caviar, Lava Eels offer roe and magma geodes, making them a decent moneymaker. This brings us to the ultimate question: Should you stick with Super Cucumbers?
Players who have reached a population of 10/10 with super cucumbers are considering making a switch due to the lack of iridium ore. Before taking that step, remember that Lava Eels and Sturgeons have their own pros and cons as well, and it all boils down to your specific gameplay strategy.
In Summary
While iridium ore remains elusive, opportunities to obtain it are varied. Super Cucumbers offer a diverse set of uses, from dyeing Tube Tops to potentially providing iridium ore, although the latter is subject to inconsistencies and bugs. As for optimizing your fish ponds, the decision between Lava Eels, Sturgeons, and Super Cucumbers hinges on your gameplay objectives and risk tolerance.
Armed with this knowledge, may your Stardew Valley experience be as bountiful as the crops you grow and the fish you rear!