The Mystery of the Ruined House in Stardew Valley: A Comprehensive Guide
The “Ruined House,” also known as the Abandoned House on the in-game map, is a significant, though initially dilapidated, structure located in the southern part of Cindersap Forest in Stardew Valley. It’s not just a static piece of scenery; this house plays a crucial role in the game, transforming from an empty shell into a unique shop run by a very special character – the Hat Mouse. While it may seem insignificant at first glance, this unassuming building holds a key to unlocking cosmetic customization options and adds a layer of charm to the game. This guide dives deep into the secrets of the Ruined House, answering all your questions and more.
The Ruined House: More Than Just a Shell
The Ruined House isn’t just a leftover structure; it’s a location that transforms once you’ve made some progress in the game. It begins as a broken-down building, blending into the background of the forest. However, upon earning your first in-game achievement, something magical happens. The house is taken over by a mouse who decides to set up shop there. This isn’t just any ordinary shop; it’s where you can buy unique hats to personalize your character.
The Hat Shop: A Fashionable Destination
Once the Hat Mouse moves in, the Ruined House becomes a fashionable destination for the player. Each hat costs 1,000g, making them an accessible luxury for those who’ve begun to make some money. These hats are purely cosmetic, meaning they don’t impact your stats or abilities, but they add a fun way to express your personality in the game. The selection of hats available in the shop expands as you progress through the game and unlock more achievements.
Accessing the Shop
To access the Hat Mouse’s shop, you need to have earned at least one achievement within the game. You’ll receive a piece of mail once the shop is open, with a note suggesting you “bring coins.” The Ruined House is south of the Wizard’s Tower in Cindersap Forest. It’s easily accessible, making it a convenient place to visit once you’ve started earning some gold.
The Greenhouse Confusion
It’s important not to confuse the Ruined House with the Greenhouse in Stardew Valley. The Greenhouse is another destroyed building, but located on your farm and is unlocked by completing bundles in the Community Center or the Joja Warehouse. The Ruined House is not related to the restoration of the Greenhouse. The two are entirely separate structures and serve entirely different purposes. The Greenhouse, when restored, allows for year-round farming while the Ruined House provides access to cosmetic hats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ruined House
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Ruined House, designed to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Stardew Valley:
1. How Do I Unlock the Ruined House?
The Ruined House is unlocked by earning your first in-game achievement. Once you achieve something, a mail will arrive, indicating the Hat Mouse has opened shop in the abandoned building and that you should come “with coins”.
2. Where Exactly is the Ruined House Located?
The Ruined House is located in Cindersap Forest, south of the Wizard’s Tower. It’s not far from your farm and easily reachable.
3. What Does the Hat Mouse Sell?
The Hat Mouse sells a variety of stylish hats, all for 1,000g each. These hats are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay mechanics.
4. Does the Hat Selection Expand?
Yes, the selection of hats available at the Hat Mouse’s shop expands as you unlock more achievements throughout the game.
5. Can I Remove the Ruined House?
No, you cannot remove the Ruined House. It’s a permanent fixture on the map and serves as the Hat Mouse’s shop.
6. Is the Ruined House the Same as the Greenhouse?
No, the Ruined House is not the same as the Greenhouse. The Greenhouse is a different ruined building located on your farm and is restored through different means.
7. How Much Do the Hats Cost?
All hats sold by the Hat Mouse cost 1,000g each.
8. What are Some of the Hats Available?
Some available hats include:
- Good Ol’ Cap: Unlocks with the “Greenhorn” achievement (earning 15,000 gold).
- Lucky Bow: Unlocks with the “Cowpoke” achievement (earning 50,000 gold).
- Cool Cap: Unlocks with the “Homesteader” achievement (earning 250,000 gold).
9. Does the Ruined House Serve Any Other Purpose?
Besides being a hat shop, the Ruined House has no other functional purpose. It’s a decorative shop and a nice place to visit to customize your look.
10. Is There an End to the Hat Shop Collection?
Yes, the hat shop collection is limited to the achievements that are in the game and no further hats are unlockable beyond a certain point.
11. What Should I Do If I’m Not Seeing New Hats?
If you’re not seeing new hats, try focusing on accomplishing new in-game achievements. Check the achievements menu to see which ones you need to accomplish to unlock more hats.
12. Do the Hats Provide Any Stat Bonuses?
No, the hats are purely cosmetic and do not provide any stat bonuses or gameplay advantages.
13. Can I Customize the Hat Mouse’s Shop?
No, you cannot customize the Hat Mouse’s shop. It remains in its original state. The Hat Mouse will stay where they are.
14. Can I Move the Ruined House?
No, the Ruined House cannot be moved from its original location in Cindersap Forest.
15. Is There a Way to Get Hats Besides the Hat Mouse?
While you can unlock a few hats via a few other means, such as fishing or by completing specific quests, the main and primary way of getting most of the game’s hats is to buy them at the Hat Mouse shop after accomplishing certain in-game achievements.
Conclusion
The Ruined House in Stardew Valley is more than just a dilapidated building; it’s a gateway to unique customization options and adds to the charm of the game. The Hat Mouse and his shop provide a fun, ongoing goal for players to aim for as they progress and unlock achievements. Now, armed with this comprehensive guide, you can fully appreciate the role and purpose of this unassuming yet vital part of the Stardew Valley experience. Happy farming, and happy hat collecting!