How Many Golden Walnuts Are There? A Comprehensive Guide
The exact number of Golden Walnuts scattered throughout the Stardew Valley world is 130. These valuable collectibles are crucial for advancing in the game and unlocking new content.
Understanding Golden Walnuts: A Treasure Hunt in Stardew Valley
Golden Walnuts are special collectibles in the Stardew Valley video game, introduced with the 1.5 update that added Ginger Island. Unlike regular walnuts, these shimmering treasures are hidden throughout the island and are essential for progressing through the island’s various challenges and unlocking new areas and content. They serve as the primary currency for interacting with various aspects of Ginger Island, including building the Island Farmhouse, unlocking the Volcano Dungeon, and completing Qi’s Challenges.
The Significance of Golden Walnuts
Acquiring Golden Walnuts is pivotal for several reasons:
- Unlocking Content: They are required to unlock important structures and locations on Ginger Island, such as the Island Farmhouse and the Volcano Dungeon.
- Progressing Quests: Some quests, particularly those involving Professor Snail, require specific numbers of Golden Walnuts.
- Acquiring Rewards: Trading Golden Walnuts to the Parrot Express (Birdie) allows you to purchase various valuable items and permanent upgrades.
- Completing Ginger Island: Collecting all Golden Walnuts is a major accomplishment and a key step toward fully experiencing Ginger Island’s offerings.
Methods for Finding Golden Walnuts
Finding all 130 Golden Walnuts requires diligent exploration and puzzle-solving. Here are some of the methods players use:
- Exploration: Thoroughly exploring every nook and cranny of Ginger Island is essential. Many walnuts are hidden in plain sight but are often overlooked.
- Digging: Using your hoe in specific locations can unearth hidden walnuts. Look for telltale signs like loose soil or suspicious patches.
- Fishing: Fishing in certain areas, such as the Pirate Cove and the Volcano Dungeon, can yield Golden Walnuts.
- Combat: Defeating monsters within the Volcano Dungeon and other island locations can reward you with Golden Walnuts.
- Puzzles: Solving puzzles, such as the mermaid puzzle at Pirate’s Cove and the Simon Says game in Qi’s Walnut Room, awards Golden Walnuts.
- Completing Quests: Some quests, especially those given by Professor Snail, provide Golden Walnuts as rewards upon completion.
- Planting Crops: Certain crops planted on Ginger Island will award Golden Walnuts at harvest.
Tracking Your Progress
Keeping track of the Golden Walnuts you’ve collected is crucial to avoid confusion. The Parrot Express provides hints that will guide you to any remaining Golden Walnuts you haven’t yet collected, and it will even fly to the nearest spot you are missing one.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Players often make these mistakes when searching for Golden Walnuts:
- Rushing: Failing to thoroughly explore each area. Take your time and examine every corner.
- Ignoring Hints: Not paying attention to the Parrot Express’s clues. These hints are invaluable.
- Forgetting Puzzles: Overlooking the various puzzles scattered around the island.
- Neglecting Combat: Not engaging with enemies in the Volcano Dungeon and other areas.
- Skipping Fishing: Not fishing in the designated areas known to yield Golden Walnuts.
Tips:
- Use the Parrot Express to get hints on remaining walnuts.
- Consult online guides and maps for detailed locations of all walnuts.
- Explore every nook and cranny, especially in the Volcano Dungeon.
- Don’t forget to solve the mermaid puzzle and other hidden puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Parrot Express and how does it help me find Golden Walnuts?
The Parrot Express, located on Ginger Island, is a parrot that provides hints about the remaining Golden Walnuts. For a small fee of golden walnuts, the parrot will fly to the general area of a missing walnut or offer a clue about how to obtain it.
Where is the Island Farmhouse and why is it important?
The Island Farmhouse is located on Ginger Island and is essential for long-term stays. It allows players to sleep, store items, and build a functional farm away from the main valley farm. It can be unlocked by spending 20 Golden Walnuts at the Island Trader.
What is the Volcano Dungeon and how can I access it?
The Volcano Dungeon is a challenging dungeon on Ginger Island. Access to the Volcano Dungeon is unlocked by spending 10 Golden Walnuts at the bridge and navigating the dungeon requires careful planning and combat skills.
What are Qi’s Challenges and where do I find them?
Qi’s Challenges are special tasks given by Mr. Qi after reaching a certain point in the game. They are located in Qi’s Walnut Room which is accessed by collecting 100 Golden Walnuts. Completing these challenges rewards players with Qi Gems, which can be exchanged for valuable items.
Where can I find Professor Snail and how does he relate to Golden Walnuts?
Professor Snail is located in a tent on Ginger Island, buried under rocks. He requires the player to find and return fossils that have been encased in rocks. He will reward the player with Golden Walnuts when the player helps him excavate his tent.
Are there any Golden Walnuts hidden in the ocean?
Yes, some Golden Walnuts can be found by fishing in specific locations around Ginger Island, such as the Pirate Cove and near the Volcano Dungeon entrance.
How many Golden Walnuts are required to fully upgrade the Island Farmhouse?
While the initial purchase of the Island Farmhouse requires 20 Golden Walnuts, further upgrades are purchased with regular currency (gold).
What happens when I collect all 130 Golden Walnuts?
Upon collecting all 130 Golden Walnuts, the Parrot Express will commend you, and you will unlock the ability to purchase statues from the Island Trader for decoration.
Is it possible to miss any Golden Walnuts permanently?
No, all Golden Walnuts are permanently accessible. There are no missable walnuts; players can always return to any location and obtain them.
Are there any specific tools or skills that make finding Golden Walnuts easier?
While no specific tools are required, upgrading your tools (especially your pickaxe and hoe) can make exploring and digging easier. Combat skills are also beneficial for navigating the Volcano Dungeon.
Can I find Golden Walnuts on my main Stardew Valley farm?
No, Golden Walnuts are exclusive to Ginger Island. You will not find any on your main farm in Stardew Valley.
What is the mermaid puzzle and how do I solve it to get Golden Walnuts?
The mermaid puzzle is located at the Pirate Cove on Ginger Island. To solve it, you must play the correct notes on the flute blocks to match the mermaid’s song. Solving the puzzle rewards you with five Golden Walnuts. You must place the flute blocks in the order of the mermaid’s song in the correct locations based on the location of the tide pools.
By understanding the importance, locations, and methods of acquiring Golden Walnuts, players can effectively navigate Ginger Island and unlock all of its hidden treasures and content.