Stardew Valley Mastery system and Mastery Points explained

GamesSimulationStardew ValleyStardew Valley Mastery system and Mastery Points explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesSimulationStardew ValleyStardew Valley Mastery system and Mastery Points explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: ConcernedApe) Jump to:Mastery caveMastery pointsSpending Mastery pointsAdditional rewards Jump to:Mastery caveMastery pointsSpending Mastery pointsAdditional rewards Stardew Valley Mastery requires players achieve a level 10 in the five core Stardew Valley skills; Farming, Mining, Foraging, Fishing, and Combat. Simply put, if you haven’t done this then the Mastery system isn’t something you’ll be… mastering any time soon. The Mastery system adds a brand new incentive to achieving this goal, so if you’re keen to become a master and this extra layer of rewards, here’s what you need to know.InStardew Valley, the 1.6 update also provided an abundance of new content and features. FromStardew Valley mystery boxesharbouring precious rewards to theStardew Valley Booksellerand his various wares, to the growing amounts ofStardew Valley mosson every tree duringStardew Valley green rain, there’s a lot for players to explore. But for now, let’s take a look at how best to tackle the Mastery system and waht you’ll get for doing it.What is the Stardew Valley Mastery system?The Mastery system rewards players with additional tools and perks for achieving level 10, aka the max level, in all five core Stardew Valley skills. You’ll be rewarded with something a little extra for all your hard work in grinding out these levels as the Mastery system unlocks a new tier of benefits for doing so. Before you can begin using the Mastery system for all it has to offer, you must first find the Mastery Cave.Where to find the Stardew Valley Mastery Cave(Image credit: ConcernedApe)The Mastery Cave is a special new area located in the Cindersap Forest. A secret door with a sign on the front is situated just below Leah’s Cottage, nestled into the hillside. If you try to interact with this door before you’ve achieved max level across the five skills, you’ll be met with a message, “Only a master of the five ways may enter” alongside a number representing where you are on this journey, e.g. 1 / 5 or 2 / 5.(Image credit: ConcernedApe)Inside the cave, there are five mastery totems that players earn upon max levelling each skill. Each totem grants special items or benefits, but they can only be claimed once you achieve your Mastery level and subsequently gain Mastery Points to spend.The Mastery system is not unlocked here though. You can start earning Mastery Points before you’ve opened this room and even before you’ve mastered all five of the skills, you just won’t be able to spend them on rewards until you’ve reached the top. This secret room is the key to unlocking the ability to spend your hard-earned Mastery Points.How to earn Stardew Valley Mastery Points(Image credit: ConcernedApe)Once you’ve reached level ten in the five skills, you’ll unveil a Mastery level bar that requires XP to earn Mastery Points. Using your skills and reading skill books will allow you to earn XP to level up your Mastery bar. In turn, when you earn enough XP in the bar, you’ll earn Mastery Points that you’ll be able to spend on rewards.Previously in Stardew Valley, once you’d reached max level you no longer needed to grind out your skills, unless you were trying to earn gold or needed resources. Now, you can use the Mastery system to unlock a whole new level to the game that reaches beyond that max ceiling.Each Mastery level that unlocks Mastery Points comes with a hefty XP price though. The first requires 10,000 XP and it only gets more demanding from there on out.How to spend Stardew Valley Mastery Points(Image credit: ConcernedApe)As previously mentioned, you’ll need to access the Mastery Cave to spend your points. One Mastery level equals one Mastery reward. Head to the cave and choose your rewards carefully from a mystic seed that grows into a special tree when planted, an iridium scythe for harvesting any crops, and the statue of the dwarf king that allows you to choose from two mining-related powers each day.You should choose your reward based on the skill you use the most or need to use. So, for example, if you’re keen to make some precious gold in the waters of Pelican Town, you might pick the advanced iridium rod that doubles your catch with two bobbers attached at once. There’s plenty to choose from though, so pick wisely.Additional rewards from the Stardew Valley Mastery system(Image credit: ConcernedApe)Alongside the Mastery system in the 1.6 update was the introduction ofStardew Valley mystery boxes. These mystery boxes are found at random after you’ve also randomly triggered a cutscene upon sleep. The cutscene above shows Mr Qi dropping mystery boxes from the sky and across Pelican Town.When you’ve reached Mastery and you’re on the way to earning Mastery Points, another perk is the ability to find golden mystery boxes. These boxes contain even more superior items to the original mystery boxes, including books that may otherwise cost you a pretty penny from theStardew Valley Bookseller. For example, Bait and Bobber may cost you 5,000 gold when the Bookseller is in town, but you can also find it in a golden mystery box.To continue exploring Stardew Valley content, check out our guides toStardew Valley Sea Jelly,Stardew Valley green rain, andStardew Valley trinkets.© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission Stardew Valley Mastery requires players achieve a level 10 in the five core Stardew Valley skills; Farming, Mining, Foraging, Fishing, and Combat. Simply put, if you haven’t done this then the Mastery system isn’t something you’ll be… mastering any time soon. The Mastery system adds a brand new incentive to achieving this goal, so if you’re keen to become a master and this extra layer of rewards, here’s what you need to know. InStardew Valley, the 1.6 update also provided an abundance of new content and features. FromStardew Valley mystery boxesharbouring precious rewards to theStardew Valley Booksellerand his various wares, to the growing amounts ofStardew Valley mosson every tree duringStardew Valley green rain, there’s a lot for players to explore. But for now, let’s take a look at how best to tackle the Mastery system and waht you’ll get for doing it. What is the Stardew Valley Mastery system? The Mastery system rewards players with additional tools and perks for achieving level 10, aka the max level, in all five core Stardew Valley skills. You’ll be rewarded with something a little extra for all your hard work in grinding out these levels as the Mastery system unlocks a new tier of benefits for doing so. Before you can begin using the Mastery system for all it has to offer, you must first find the Mastery Cave. Where to find the Stardew Valley Mastery Cave (Image credit: ConcernedApe) The Mastery Cave is a special new area located in the Cindersap Forest. A secret door with a sign on the front is situated just below Leah’s Cottage, nestled into the hillside. If you try to interact with this door before you’ve achieved max level across the five skills, you’ll be met with a message, “Only a master of the five ways may enter” alongside a number representing where you are on this journey, e.g. 1 / 5 or 2 / 5. (Image credit: ConcernedApe) Inside the cave, there are five mastery totems that players earn upon max levelling each skill. Each totem grants special items or benefits, but they can only be claimed once you achieve your Mastery level and subsequently gain Mastery Points to spend. The Mastery system is not unlocked here though. You can start earning Mastery Points before you’ve opened this room and even before you’ve mastered all five of the skills, you just won’t be able to spend them on rewards until you’ve reached the top. This secret room is the key to unlocking the ability to spend your hard-earned Mastery Points. How to earn Stardew Valley Mastery Points (Image credit: ConcernedApe) Once you’ve reached level ten in the five skills, you’ll unveil a Mastery level bar that requires XP to earn Mastery Points. Using your skills and reading skill books will allow you to earn XP to level up your Mastery bar. In turn, when you earn enough XP in the bar, you’ll earn Mastery Points that you’ll be able to spend on rewards. Previously in Stardew Valley, once you’d reached max level you no longer needed to grind out your skills, unless you were trying to earn gold or needed resources. Now, you can use the Mastery system to unlock a whole new level to the game that reaches beyond that max ceiling. Each Mastery level that unlocks Mastery Points comes with a hefty XP price though. The first requires 10,000 XP and it only gets more demanding from there on out. How to spend Stardew Valley Mastery Points (Image credit: ConcernedApe) As previously mentioned, you’ll need to access the Mastery Cave to spend your points. One Mastery level equals one Mastery reward. Head to the cave and choose your rewards carefully from a mystic seed that grows into a special tree when planted, an iridium scythe for harvesting any crops, and the statue of the dwarf king that allows you to choose from two mining-related powers each day. You should choose your reward based on the skill you use the most or need to use. So, for example, if you’re keen to make some precious gold in the waters of Pelican Town, you might pick the advanced iridium rod that doubles your catch with two bobbers attached at once. There’s plenty to choose from though, so pick wisely. Additional rewards from the Stardew Valley Mastery system (Image credit: ConcernedApe) Alongside the Mastery system in the 1.6 update was the introduction ofStardew Valley mystery boxes. These mystery boxes are found at random after you’ve also randomly triggered a cutscene upon sleep. The cutscene above shows Mr Qi dropping mystery boxes from the sky and across Pelican Town. When you’ve reached Mastery and you’re on the way to earning Mastery Points, another perk is the ability to find golden mystery boxes. These boxes contain even more superior items to the original mystery boxes, including books that may otherwise cost you a pretty penny from theStardew Valley Bookseller. For example, Bait and Bobber may cost you 5,000 gold when the Bookseller is in town, but you can also find it in a golden mystery box. To continue exploring Stardew Valley content, check out our guides toStardew Valley Sea Jelly,Stardew Valley green rain, andStardew Valley trinkets. © GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more CATEGORIESXbox Series XXbox OnePS5PS4PC GamingNintendo SwitchiPhoneAndroidPlatformsXboxPlayStationNintendoMobile Gaming CATEGORIES More about simulationOne of the most enchanting games like Stardew Valley I played in 2024 just got a big new update, placing the medieval life sim RPG back on my radarThe Sims creator’s first game in over 10 years is an AI life sim that uses your real memories: “The more I can make a game about you, the more you’ll like it” More about simulation One of the most enchanting games like Stardew Valley I played in 2024 just got a big new update, placing the medieval life sim RPG back on my radarThe Sims creator’s first game in over 10 years is an AI life sim that uses your real memories: “The more I can make a game about you, the more you’ll like it” One of the most enchanting games like Stardew Valley I played in 2024 just got a big new update, placing the medieval life sim RPG back on my radar One of the most enchanting games like Stardew Valley I played in 2024 just got a big new update, placing the medieval life sim RPG back on my radar The Sims creator’s first game in over 10 years is an AI life sim that uses your real memories: “The more I can make a game about you, the more you’ll like it” The Sims creator’s first game in over 10 years is an AI life sim that uses your real memories: “The more I can make a game about you, the more you’ll like it” Latest See more latest► Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones Most Popular How to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzle How to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe code Where to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2 FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and Salah What is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get it Everything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansion Best Path of Exile 2 Ranger Build Where to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and key Everything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends Warbond Where to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana Jones How to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”