Farmer's Almanac — 1.6 Edition
Stardew Valley 1.6: The Complete Update Almanac
Version 1.6 is the largest content update Stardew Valley has ever received. Whether you're returning to Pelican Town or starting a fresh farm, this almanac covers everything new—from the Mastery Cave to the Desert Festival and beyond.
Guide Content — Stardew Valley
1.6 Farm Layout Guide: Optimal crop placement, building arrangements, and sprinkler coverage maps.
Source: Official Game Wiki / Strategy Guide | © Game Publisher
Community Center Checklist: All bundle requirements, seasonal availability, and completion rewards.
Source: Official Game Wiki / Strategy Guide | © Game Publisher
Villager Gift Guide: Every NPC's loved, liked, and hated gifts for maximum friendship gains.
Source: Official Game Wiki / Strategy Guide | © Game Publisher
I. New Farm Types
Two new farm maps join the roster, each with unique terrain and gameplay advantages:
Forest Farm
A sprawling wooded property with forageable items, unique hardwood stumps that respawn, and special logs that can be cleared for rare items. Perfect for players who want easy access to foraging experience and hardwood without leaving home.
Riverland Farm
A chain of small islands connected by bridges. Fishing is accessible from your doorstep, and some islands feature special layouts that unlock new gameplay opportunities. Ideal for fishing-focused playthroughs.
II. The Mastery System
After maxing all five skills (Farming, Mining, Fishing, Combat, Foraging), the Mastery Cave appears on your farm. Inside, five statues grant ultimate abilities:
| Mastery | Reward | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Mini-Forge | Reforge rings anywhere; new forgeable weapon |
| Foraging | Golden Mystery Boxes | Plant special trees; spawn rare loot boxes |
| Farming | Iridium Scythe | Harvest 3x3 area; Blessing of the Moon statue |
| Fishing | Challenge Bait | Chance to catch 3 fish at once; Master Fisher outfit |
| Mining | Dwarvish Forge | Smelt 5 ores simultaneously; Statue of the Dwarven King |
III. The Bookseller
A traveling merchant appears twice per season near the JojaMart (or Movie Theater). Books provide permanent bonuses—they're not consumable, they're upgrades.
- The Book of Stars: Grants massive experience in all skills at once.
- The Art o' Crabbing: Crab pots gain 25% chance for double items.
- Additional volumes for each skill tree—check every visit.
IV. New Festivals & Events
| Event | Season | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Festival | Spring (3 days) | Themed Skull Cavern run, fishing contests, vendor booths |
| Trout Derby | Summer | Catch Rainbow Trout for tickets and exclusive rewards |
| Squidfest | Winter | Catch squid for tickets and exclusive rewards |
| Green Rain | Random | World event spawning unique forageables and weeds |
V. New Machines & Quality of Life
- Dehydrator: Turn 5 fruits into dried fruit or 5 mushrooms into dried mushrooms.
- Fish Smoker: Doubles the value of any fish processed through it.
- Pet Hats: Yes, you can now place hats on your dog or cat.
- Second Pet: After maxing friendship with your first pet, adopt another.
- Winter Outfits: Every villager now has unique winter clothing.
VI. 1.6 Quick-Start Checklist
- Choose Forest Farm (foraging) or Riverland Farm (fishing)
- Repair the bus to access the Desert Festival
- Max out one skill ASAP to unlock the Mastery Cave
- Check the Bookseller twice per season
- Craft a Dehydrator and Fish Smoker for profit
- Visit the Giant Stump in Cindersap Forest after a storm
Happy farming, and may Yoba bless your harvest!