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  1. Games
  2. Simulation Games
  3. Stardew Valley

How to find mystery boxes in Stardew Valley

Guides
By Grace Dean
Last updated 3 September 2025

Discover the secrets hidden inside Stardew Valley’s mystery boxes

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Stardew Valley mystery boxes
(Image credit: ConcernedApe)
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Recent updates

We updated this guide as Stardew Valley is included in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for September 2025.

Stardew Valley mystery boxes can be particularly elusive, but if you manage to track them down then a selection of treasures will be yours. Unfortunately you can't even begin looking for them until a random event occurs and you see them fall from the skies, so you'll need patience as you wait for these packages to be delivered. Even then, the locations and contents of these mystery boxes are as random as their arrival, so there's only so much we can tell you.

This geode brings a real sense of mystery to the game, and while the concept is a fun one, finding the boxes isn’t easy. Although, unlike the Stardew Valley Bookseller who only appears at certain times, these boxes are just plain rare.

If you’re trying to figure out where to get them and how to open them when you do, you’re in the right place. Once you’re done searching, you might want to turn your hand to the Stardew Valley mastery system, or attempt to find all the Stardew Valley Golden Walnuts. It's most certainly a game that'll keep you searching, but let us make that a bit easier for you below.

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How to find mystery boxes in Stardew Valley 

How to find Stardew Valley mystery boxes

(Image credit: ConcernedApe)

Before you can find mystery boxes in Stardew Valley, you’ll need to encounter a random cutscene event that plays when you go to sleep. For example, it took us 26 sleeps to happen upon it the first time. In the cutscene, players will see Mr Qi flying a plane across the screen and dropping mystery boxes from the sky.

Following this cutscene, the words ‘Mystery Boxes can now be found…’ will appear on the screen. Now, you can get to searching for them.

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Stardew Valley mystery box artifact spot

(Image credit: ConcernedApe)

As random as the cutscene, finding mystery boxes in Stardew Valley also happens completely at random. Really, all you need to do is carry on with your day-to-day business in Stardew Valley and hope for the best. Finding mystery boxes happens when you’re completing your regular tasks like mining, fishing, or digging up artifact spots. Artifact spots, that look like three worms wiggling around in the ground, can be dug up with a hoe and will always give you an item in return. Sometimes, this item can be a mystery box.

There’s also a chance of uncovering golden mystery boxes that provide even more valuable rewards upon opening. For now, this option is only available after you’ve mastered the foraging skill and received the totem. 

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Either way, to acquire a mystery box you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled and put in your usual work across the valley. They’ll appear at random, but finding out what mystery lurks inside is an exciting new feature from the Stardew Valley 1.6 update.

How to open mystery boxes in Stardew Valley 

How to open Stardew Valley mystery boxes

(Image credit: ConcernedApe)

So, you’ve acquired one of the mystery boxes and no doubt you’re eager to figure out what’s inside. To open a mystery box in Stardew Valley, you’ll need to visit Clint the Blacksmith situated to the east of Pelican Town, across the river. The Blacksmith shop is open every day, apart from Friday, from 9am to 4pm. 

First, you must approach Clint and interact with him, selecting the ‘process geodes’ dialogue option. He’ll then prompt you to place the mystery box on his anvil from your inventory and ask for 25g in exchange for opening it, no matter if it's normal or golden. A small price to pay to see what might be inside. 

While you might have a geode crusher on your farm, it’s no use to you here. It’s a great alternative for opening up your standard geodes in Stardew Valley, but when it comes to mystery boxes it’s completely defunct. Visit Clint and he’ll do the hard work for you.

There's plenty more phenomena to explore with Stardew Valley green rain, Stardew Valley sea jelly, and Stardew Valley trinkets. 

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

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Grace Dean
Grace Dean
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Freelance Writer

Grace is a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites including GamesRadar, PocketTactics, Space.com, Metro, Loadout, and The Digital Fix. She's written about everything from games to TV shows, and was once Head of Short Form at ITN.

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