How to upgrade tools in stardew valley mobile game

Stardew Valley, the beloved farming simulation role-playing game, has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Its mobile version brings the charm and depth of the original game to smartphones and tablets. One of the key aspects of progressing in Stardew Valley is upgrading your tools. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading tools in the mobile version of Stardew Valley, helping you become a more efficient farmer and explorer.

The Importance of Tool Upgrades

Before we dive into the specifics of upgrading, let’s understand why tool upgrades are crucial in Stardew Valley:

1. Increased Efficiency: Upgraded tools allow you to perform tasks faster and with less energy.
2. Access to New Areas: Some areas of the game are only accessible with upgraded tools.
3. Resource Optimization: Better tools mean you can gather more resources in less time.
4. Energy Conservation: Upgraded tools use less of your character’s energy, allowing you to do more each day.

Tools Available for Upgrade

In Stardew Valley mobile, you can upgrade the following tools:

• Axe
• Pickaxe
• Hoe
• Watering Can
• Trash Can

Note that the fishing rod upgrades are obtained differently and will not be covered in this guide.

Upgrade Levels

Each tool (except the Trash Can) can be upgraded through four levels:

1. Copper
2. Steel
3. Gold
4. Iridium

The Trash Can has only three upgrade levels: Copper, Steel, and Gold.

Requirements for Upgrading Tools

To upgrade your tools in Stardew Valley mobile, you’ll need three things:

1. The Blacksmith’s Shop: Located in the town, run by Clint.
2. Metal Bars: Corresponding to the upgrade level.
3. Gold: The in-game currency to pay for the upgrade.

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for each upgrade level:

Upgrade Level	Metal Bars Required	Gold Cost
Copper	5 Copper Bars	2,000g
Steel	5 Iron Bars	5,000g
Gold	5 Gold Bars	10,000g
Iridium	5 Iridium Bars	25,000g

How to Obtain Metal Bars

Before you can upgrade your tools, you’ll need to gather the necessary metal bars. Here’s how to obtain each type:

Copper Bars

• Mine copper ore from levels 1-39 in the mines
• Smelt 5 copper ore in a furnace to create 1 copper bar

Iron Bars

• Mine iron ore from levels 40-79 in the mines
• Smelt 5 iron ore in a furnace to create 1 iron bar

Gold Bars

• Mine gold ore from levels 80-119 in the mines
• Smelt 5 gold ore in a furnace to create 1 gold bar

Iridium Bars

• Mine iridium ore in Skull Cavern or rarely in the quarry
• Smelt 5 iridium ore in a furnace to create 1 iridium bar

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Tools

Follow these steps to upgrade your tools in Stardew Valley mobile:

1. Gather the required metal bars and gold.
2. Ensure you have the tool you want to upgrade in your inventory.
3. Go to Clint’s Blacksmith Shop in town (open from 9 AM to 4 PM, closed on Fridays).
4. Tap on Clint to initiate a conversation.
5. Choose the “Upgrade Tools” option.
6. Select the tool you wish to upgrade from the list.
7. Confirm the upgrade if you have the necessary materials and gold.
8. Wait for 2 in-game days for Clint to complete the upgrade.
9. Return to Clint’s shop after 2 days to collect your upgraded tool.

Benefits of Each Tool Upgrade

Let’s explore the benefits of upgrading each tool in Stardew Valley mobile:

Axe Upgrades

• Copper: Can chop stumps
• Steel: Can chop large logs
• Gold: Can chop large stumps
• Iridium: Can chop giant mushrooms

Pickaxe Upgrades

• Copper: Can break medium rocks
• Steel: Can break large rocks
• Gold: Can break meteorites
• Iridium: Can break iridium nodes

Hoe Upgrades

• Each upgrade increases the area tilled:
• Copper: 3 tiles
• Steel: 5 tiles
• Gold: 3×3 area
• Iridium: 6×3 area

Watering Can Upgrades

• Each upgrade increases the area watered:
• Copper: 3 tiles
• Steel: 5 tiles
• Gold: 3×3 area
• Iridium: 6×3 area

Trash Can Upgrades

• Copper: 15% of the item’s value is recovered when trashing
• Steel: 30% of the item’s value is recovered
• Gold: 45% of the item’s value is recovered

Strategies for Efficient Tool Upgrading

To make the most of your tool upgrades in Stardew Valley mobile, consider these strategies:

1. Prioritize the Right Tools: Focus on upgrading tools that will have the most immediate impact on your gameplay. For most players, this order works well:

• Watering Can (if not using sprinklers extensively)
• Pickaxe (for mining and clearing land)
• Axe (for clearing wooded areas)
• Hoe (for mass tilling)

1. Time Your Upgrades: Plan your upgrades during seasons or days when you won’t need the tool as much. For example, upgrade your watering can when rain is forecast for the next day.
2. Balance Resource Gathering: Don’t focus solely on one type of ore. As you progress through the mines, gather a mix of ores to prepare for future upgrades.
3. Use Rainy Days Wisely: Rainy days are perfect for mining as you don’t need to water crops. Use these days to gather ore for your next upgrade.
4. Utilize the Quarry: Once you’ve repaired the bridge to the quarry, check it regularly for rare ores and gems.
5. Consider Geode Cracking: Geodes can sometimes yield rare ores and minerals. Crack them at Clint’s shop to potentially get materials for upgrades.
6. Plan for Iridium: Iridium is the rarest ore. Start planning for iridium upgrades early by exploring Skull Cavern as soon as you can access it.

Impact on Gameplay

Upgrading your tools in Stardew Valley mobile can significantly change your gameplay experience:

• Time Management: With upgraded tools, you’ll spend less time on basic tasks, leaving more time for exploration, socializing, or tackling larger projects.
• Energy Efficiency: Better tools use less energy, allowing you to accomplish more each day before needing to rest or eat.
• New Possibilities: Some upgrades, like the steel axe, open up new areas of the map, expanding your gameplay options.
• Profit Increase: More efficient tools mean you can manage larger farms or mine more resources, potentially increasing your daily profits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When upgrading tools in Stardew Valley mobile, be careful to avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Upgrading at the Wrong Time: Don’t upgrade your watering can at the start of a season when you need to plant crops.
2. Neglecting Other Aspects: While tool upgrades are important, don’t focus on them at the expense of other crucial gameplay elements like relationship building or skill development.
3. Overextending Financially: Ensure you have enough gold left over for seeds and other necessary expenses after upgrading.
4. Ignoring Sprinklers: For some players, investing in sprinklers might be more beneficial than repeatedly upgrading the watering can.
5. Rushing Iridium: Don’t fixate on getting iridium upgrades too early. The lower-level upgrades can be just as crucial for progression.

Conclusion

Upgrading tools in Stardew Valley mobile is a crucial aspect of progressing in the game. By understanding the upgrade process, requirements, and benefits, you can make informed decisions about when and how to improve your tools. Remember to balance your tool upgrades with other aspects of the game to ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable farming experience.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading tools in Stardew Valley mobile:

Q: Can I upgrade more than one tool at a time?
A: No, Clint can only work on one tool at a time.

Q: What happens if I need a tool while it’s being upgraded?
A: You won’t be able to use the tool for the two days it’s being upgraded. Plan accordingly!

Q: Are tool upgrades the same in the mobile version as in other versions of Stardew Valley?
A: Yes, the upgrade process and benefits are the same across all versions of the game.

Q: Can I cancel a tool upgrade once I’ve started it?
A: No, once you’ve initiated an upgrade, you can’t cancel it.

Q: Do I need to upgrade my tools in a specific order?
A: No, you can upgrade your tools in any order you prefer based on your gameplay style and needs.

Q: Can I find upgraded tools instead of crafting them?
A: No, all tool upgrades must be done through Clint at the Blacksmith’s Shop.

Q: Does upgrading tools increase their selling price?
A: Tools cannot be sold in Stardew Valley, so upgrades don’t affect their value in that way.

Q: Can I upgrade tools in winter when I’m not farming?
A: Yes, winter can be a great time to focus on tool upgrades, especially for the hoe and watering can.

Remember, tool upgrades are a significant investment in Stardew Valley mobile, but they pay off in increased efficiency and new gameplay opportunities. Happy farming!