What Level is Best for Mining in Stardew Valley?
The “best” level for mining in Stardew Valley isn’t a single, static number. It varies depending on what resources you’re after and your current progression in the game. However, if we’re talking about optimizing ore acquisition across the game’s mining locations, certain ranges stand out as more beneficial than others. Here’s a breakdown of where to focus your efforts:
For the early game and Iron Ore, you’ll find that levels 40-79 of the regular Mines offer the most reliable spawns of Iron Nodes. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time progressing through this area. Once you’ve transitioned into the mid-game, levels 80-119 of the regular Mines become the prime location for harvesting Gold Ore. This is where you’ll find the most Gold Nodes, and where you will spend time to upgrade your tools, buildings and craft powerful items.
The Skull Cavern however, has a completely different method of gameplay to the regular mines. It is a dangerous, procedurally-generated dungeon. Instead of focusing on a specific level for resources, you’ll be concerned with descending as quickly as possible to get to more dangerous and rewarding floors. Skull Cavern can offer any of the standard ores at any time, but the amount of resources you get for a level is far greater. This area can be a good source of mid to late game ore.
Finally, it is important to mention that the Quarry will also have a chance to spawn ore nodes. This location is inconsistent and you cannot rely on it for your ore acquisition, but it will be a good place to check in regularly for some extra materials.
The mines also provide a lot of mining experience, making it a good place to increase your mining levels which will offer you passive perks and bonuses in the game.
Mining Strategy Breakdown
Early Game: Iron Ore Focus (Levels 40-79)
In the initial phases of the game, acquiring Iron Ore is crucial for upgrading your tools and crafting essential equipment. Focus your energy on consistently delving into levels 40 to 79 of the Mines. Look for those distinct iron nodes to maximize your iron ore. It is also important to note that destroying rocks will also give you experience, so it is important to get into the mine as soon as possible when you begin your game.
Mid-Game: Gold Ore Focus (Levels 80-119)
As you progress, your focus will shift to Gold Ore. The best place to mine for this is within levels 80 to 119 of the Mines. Repeat this section of the mines until you have collected sufficient gold. This is also the best way to make a large amount of gold in the mines early on.
Late Game: Skull Cavern & Iridium
Once you have acquired the Skull Key, you’ll want to venture into the Skull Cavern, located in the Calico Desert. Here, you don’t focus on a specific level, but rather descend as quickly and as far as possible. The lower you go, the greater the chance of finding Iridium Ore and other precious gems, along with more valuable general loot. The Skull Cavern is best visited once your character is sufficiently powerful and can deal with the enemies there.
Mining Skill and Level 5 & 10 Perks
Your Mining Skill directly influences your mining efficiency and the rewards you receive. Each level adds a +1 to Pickaxe proficiency. At level 5, you will get the option to pick between Miner (one extra ore per vein) and Geologist (chance to find gems when breaking a rock). For early game mining and tool upgrades, Miner is superior. In late game mining, when you are not in need of much ore, Geologist becomes a more valuable choice because you will make more gold from gems that you collect. At level 10, the perks you unlock are based on the level 5 choice, but all of these are beneficial. The most important is Prospector (chance to find double ore veins) which will drastically increase the amount of resources you can gather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I start mining in Stardew Valley?
The Mines become accessible on the 5th day of Spring (Year 1). You will receive a letter prompting you to go there. Head north of the Carpenter’s Shop, in the Mountains area, to find the entrance.
2. What is the best early-game mining strategy?
Focus on descending the first 40 levels to acquire Copper Ore, then spend time between levels 40 and 79 to accumulate Iron Ore. This will help you upgrade your tools for more efficient mining. It is important to go into the mines every single day to maximize your gains in the early game.
3. How do I get to the Skull Cavern?
You’ll need to reach level 120 of the regular Mines first, where you will find a Skull Key. This key will unlock the entrance to the Skull Cavern in the Calico Desert.
4. What does the Miner profession do?
The Miner profession at Mining Level 5 provides one extra ore per vein. This makes collecting ore much faster. This is the better choice early on.
5. What does the Geologist profession do?
The Geologist profession at Mining Level 5 grants a higher chance to find gems when breaking rocks. This is better in the late game for profit.
6. What is the Skull Key used for?
The Skull Key unlocks the Skull Cavern in the Calico Desert. It is found in a treasure chest at level 120 of the regular mines.
7. Is the Skull Cavern infinite?
The Skull Cavern is procedurally generated and has no limit to the number of floors. You can keep descending as long as you are able.
8. What is the reward at level 100 in the Skull Cavern?
If you have read Secret Note #10 and reach level 100 of the Skull Cavern with 10 or fewer staircases used, Mr. Qi will commend you. If you use more than 10 staircases, he will still acknowledge you but indicate that you were not honorable. A treasure chest appears on floor 100 no matter what.
9. What is found at level 120 in the regular mines?
The last floor of the regular Mines, level 120, has a treasure chest containing the Skull Key. There are no enemies here, and the area resembles a lava-earth level with a purple hue, similar to levels 80-109.
10. What are ore veins?
Ore veins are deposits that typically yield multiple pieces of ore when mined. They are different from regular rocks and are your primary target for mining. An iron vein will give 1-3 iron, for instance. A gold vein will give 1-3 gold.
11. How do I get more ore?
The Miner profession provides one extra ore per vein. The Prospector profession at level 10 provides a chance to find double ore veins. Focus on finding ore veins in the appropriate mineshaft areas.
12. Do ore veins respawn?
Yes, ore veins generally respawn after about a month (in-game) if the area is marked as “cleared”. Otherwise, it replenishes in 10 days. Ebony veins respawn more often.
13. Is mining profitable in Stardew Valley?
Mining can be very profitable, especially once you reach the Skull Cavern and find precious gems and rare ores. The early game however, can be trickier.
14. How does mining level affect my character?
Each level of Mining Skill adds +1 to Pickaxe proficiency, leading to faster and more efficient mining. It also unlocks profession perks at level 5 and 10.
15. What is the most profitable thing to sell in Stardew Valley?
Iridium Quality Sweet Gem Berries are the most profitable item to sell in the game. However, mining can still be a very good source of income, especially if you’re lucky with gems and rare ores in the Skull Cavern.