Recently, a Stardew Valley player shared a story about a mix-up related to a game challenge that ended up consuming a lot of their time. This player isn’t alone, as others in the Stardew Valley community have also owned up to having similar incidents.
In Stardew Valley, there isn’t a traditional “game over” screen, meaning players have the freedom to complete as much or as little as they want. While some enjoy a relaxed gaming pace, others strive to achieve as much as possible in a single day. Discovering all the game’s secrets and areas can indeed be time-consuming, and misunderstandings can make this journey even more complicated.
One player, jack02204, took to Reddit to describe their experience. They received a challenge from a Secret Note, tasking them to reach the 100th floor in the Skull Cavern. Unfortunately, instead of tackling this challenge, they mistakenly went to the bottom of the Mines and obtained the Skull Key. This key unlocks both the Skull Cavern and the Junimo Kart arcade game in the Stardrop Saloon. Misinterpreting the challenge, they believed they needed to conquer Junimo Kart by reaching level 100, rather than exploring the Skull Cavern.
Anyone familiar with Junimo Kart knows it’s quite a tough mini-game. In its Progress Mode, it consists of just six levels, so reaching 100 would require players to take on Endless Mode. Jack02204 mentioned they never made it that far but dedicated a significant amount of time to Junimo Kart before figuring out the real challenge was related to the Skull Cavern. It wasn’t until they repaired the bus and ventured into Calico Desert that they realized their error.
Other players expressed their understanding and shared similar frustrations, some joking that they might have quit if that were the real challenge. Surprisingly, a few players confessed they weren’t even aware of Junimo Kart’s existence. The dual-purpose key, unlocking an arcade game and the Skull Cavern, has been a point of confusion for many. Coupled with the Secret Note, it’s easy to see why misunderstandings arise. Additionally, players mentioned the confusion of reaching the Mines’ bottommost floor and finding it empty. One person even admitted they weren’t aware the elevator could be used, meaning they started from the top every time they entered the mines.
Released on February 26, 2016, Stardew Valley was developed and published by ConcernedApe. With an E rating, it includes elements like simulated gambling and the use of alcohol and tobacco, making its wide appeal a testament to its engaging mechanics and charming aesthetic.
