To obtain hardwood in Stardew Valley, players can chop down Large Stumps and Logs found in the Secret Woods or purchase it from Robin's Carpenter Shop for 100g each. Upgrading the axe to Steel or higher makes gathering hardwood more efficient by breaking Large Stumps with fewer hits.
Chopping Down Trees
One of the main ways to obtain hardwood in Stardew Valley is by chopping down trees that grow on your farm or in the Secret Woods. When you use an upgraded axe on a mature tree, there is a chance you will receive hardwood instead of regular wood. You can also find stumps scattered around the farm and the forest that can be chopped down to get hardwood. Utilizing this method consistently can help you accumulate a good amount of hardwood for various crafting and building purposes.
Secret Woods
Another reliable source of hardwood is the Secret Woods, which can be accessed by chopping a tree stump to the west of your farm. Once inside the Secret Woods, you will find hardwood stumps that respawn daily, allowing you to collect a significant amount of hardwood each day. It is advisable to visit the Secret Woods regularly to maximize your hardwood collection and ensure you always have a sufficient supply for your projects in the game.
Floor 120 of the Mines
If you progress far enough in the Mines, specifically reaching Floor 120, you will encounter Mahogany Trees that drop hardwood when chopped. Mahogany Trees are a reliable source of hardwood and can be an efficient way to stock up on this resource once you have access to them. Exploring the lower levels of the Mines and focusing on reaching Floor 120 can be a strategic approach to obtaining hardwood in larger quantities.
Traveling Cart
Occasionally, the Traveling Cart merchant will offer hardwood for sale. Keeping an eye on the Traveling Cart's inventory can provide you with an opportunity to purchase hardwood if it is available. While the Traveling Cart's offerings can vary each visit, it can be a convenient way to acquire hardwood without the need for extensive tree chopping or exploration. Checking the Traveling Cart regularly can help you supplement your hardwood reserves when needed.
Hardwood Tree Production
Once you have reached a certain point in the game and have acquired a Hardwood Sapling, you can plant it on your farm to start a hardwood tree grove. These trees will gradually grow and produce hardwood daily once they reach maturity. Establishing a hardwood tree production setup on your farm can provide you with a consistent supply of hardwood without the need to rely solely on chopping trees or visiting specific locations. Managing and expanding your hardwood tree grove can significantly boost your hardwood reserves in the long run.
Conclusion
By utilizing a combination of these methods, such as chopping trees on your farm, visiting the Secret Woods, exploring the Mines, checking the Traveling Cart, and setting up a hardwood tree production system, you can ensure a steady supply of hardwood in Stardew Valley. It's important to incorporate these strategies into your gameplay routine to efficiently gather hardwood for various crafting projects, construction upgrades, and other uses throughout the game. With consistency and strategic planning, you can maintain a healthy stockpile of hardwood to support your farming endeavors and overall progress in Stardew Valley.