Tool upgrades are an essential part of Stardew Valley as they allow you to streamline tasks like farming and mining. As you progress, you’ll find that the initial tools just don’t cut it anymore. Upgrading your tools can make a world of difference, improving efficiency and reducing the energy required for various tasks. In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about Stardew Valley tool upgrades.

Where to Go for Stardew Valley Tool Upgrades

To upgrade your tools, head over to Clint’s Blacksmith shop, located in the southeast corner of Pelican Town, across the river from the main town area. Clint’s shop is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, except during festivals.

Stardew Valley tool upgrades are straightforward but do require some planning. When you drop off the tool you want to upgrade, you have to wait two days to get it back. I would like to note that you can only upgrade one tool at a time. Just be sure to prioritize upgrading tools that you think will be most beneficial for your play style first.

Types of Tools That Can Be Upgraded

There are six different tools that can be upgraded, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Stardew Valley tool upgrades. 

Hoe

Upgrading the hoe improves its ability to till the soil more efficiently. A copper hoe tills a small area, while higher-tier upgrades expand this area, reducing the number of swings needed.

Pickaxe

The pickaxe becomes crucial for breaking rocks and mining ores. With each upgrade, it takes fewer swings to break rocks and access valuable ores. A steel pickaxe, for example, can break larger rocks that a copper pickaxe cannot.

Axe

The axe is vital for chopping wood and clearing obstacles. Upgrading it allows you to cut down larger trees and break stumps more efficiently. A gold axe can cut hardwood logs and stumps while a copper axe. You may want to upgrade the axe earlier than other tools because it can help you advance in the game, hint hint. 

Watering Can

Arguably one of the most important Stardew Valley tool upgrades is the watering can upgrade. A copper watering can waters up to three tiles at once, and this capability increases with each upgrade, saving you time and energy.

Pan

After the Version 1.6 update, the copper pan also received an upgrade. This tool helps you find valuable ores while panning in rivers. Higher upgrades increase your chances of finding rare items.

Trash Can

Upgrading the trash can is a game-changer for inventory management. Higher upgrades allow you to recover a percentage of the sale price of discarded items. For example, an iridium trash can lets you recover up to 60% of the item’s sell price.

Upgrading Costs and Requirements

Here’s a quick overview of the materials and gold required for Stardew Valley tool upgrades:

• Copper: Five Copper Bars, 2,000g (1,000g for Trash Can)
• Steel: Five Iron Bars, 5,000g (2,500g for Trash Can)
• Gold: Five Gold Bars, 10,000g (5,000g for Trash Can)
• Iridium: Five Iridium Bars, 25,000g (12,500g for Trash Can)

Tips for Efficient Upgrading

When it comes to upgrading efficiently, the best thing to do is to upgrade around your farming schedule. For example, players have found it best to upgrade their watering can during the winter because they don’t have any crops to water.

Additionally, while a certain tool is being upgraded, strategize the activities you participate in. For example, if you’re upgrading your pickaxe, prioritize fishing to make money or complete quests that don’t require the upgraded tool. One of my best tips is to get as many resources as you can in advance, in the early game when I first make it into the mines, I mine every single piece of copper ore I see.

Wrapping Up

Stardew Valley tool upgrades are a key part of improving your gameplay. By following the tips and understanding the costs, you can efficiently enhance your tools and enjoy a smoother farming experience. For more insights and tips, explore additional Stardew Valley guides and continue optimizing your farming adventure.

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