The Stardew Valley 1.6 update introduced a seemingly humble new resource: Moss. This verdant growth, found clinging to trees, might appear insignificant at first glance. Still, it’s a surprisingly versatile crafting material with a range of uses that can benefit your farm, fishing, and even late-game progression. Understanding how to acquire Moss and its various applications is essential for any farmer looking to explore the new content fully.
What is Moss?
Moss is a new forageable resource introduced in Stardew Valley 1.6. It’s a plant material that grows on certain types of trees and can be harvested.
- Appearance: Trees covered in Moss will have a distinct green tint on their trunks.
- Harvesting: You can harvest Moss from a tree using any tool (axe, scythe, sword, or pickaxe) or even a bomb. You don’t need to chop down the entire tree to collect it; a single hit will usually yield 1-2 pieces of Moss. Harvesting Moss grants 1 Foraging XP per piece.
- Sell Price: Moss has a very low base sell price (5g), so it’s generally not profitable to sell raw Moss. Its value lies in its crafting applications.
How to Get Moss
Moss can be found growing naturally in various locations and is particularly abundant during a specific weather event:
- Natural Growth: Moss can randomly grow on fully grown Oak, Maple, and Pine Trees during Spring, Summer, and Fall. It does not grow in Winter (unless in the Greenhouse), and pre-existing Moss disappears in Winter.
- Moss grows more slowly on sunny summer days.
- Rainy days increase the chance of Moss growth.
- Using Vinegar on a tree will prevent Moss from growing on it.
- Green Rain Event: The most significant source of Moss is the new Green Rain weather event, which can occur randomly during Summer. During a Green Rain, almost every eligible tree in the valley will instantly be covered in Moss, and special large weeds that drop Moss will also appear. This is your prime opportunity to collect hundreds, if not thousands, of Moss in a single day.
- Green Rain Trees: Two new types of “Green Rain Trees” can also grow Moss. When covered in Moss, these trees can accelerate Moss growth on nearby common trees.
The Versatile Uses of Moss
Moss is a key ingredient in several new and updated crafting recipes, making it a valuable resource for various aspects of your farm.
1. Crafting Recipes:
Moss is used in the following crafting recipes:
- Blue Grass Starter (Recipe Source: Qi’s Walnut Room for 40 Qi Gems):
- Ingredients: 25 Fiber, 10 Moss, 1 Mystic Syrup
- Use: Grows blue grass that animals love, making them produce more.
- Challenge Bait (Recipe Source: Fishing Mastery Perk):
- Ingredients: 5 Bone Fragments, 2 Moss
- Use: Allows for a chance to catch up to 3 fish at once on a perfect catch, but reduces the catch if fish leave the fishing bar.
- Deluxe Bait (Recipe Source: Fishing Level 4):
- Ingredients: 5 Bait, 2 Moss
- Use: Causes fish to bite faster and increases the size of the fishing bar, making fishing easier.
- Deluxe Worm Bin (Recipe Source: Fishing Level 8):
- Ingredients: 1 Worm Bin, 30 Moss
- Use: An upgraded Worm Bin that produces Deluxe Bait daily.
- Moss Soup (Cooking Recipe Source: Foraging Level 3):
- Ingredients: 20 Moss
- Use: A simple cooked dish that restores 70 Energy and 31 Health.
- Mushroom Log (Recipe Source: Foraging Level 4):
- Ingredients: 10 Hardwood, 10 Moss
- Use: Produces a variety of mushrooms every 4 days, with increased production if wild trees are nearby.
- Speed-Gro (Recipe Source: Farming Level 3):
- Ingredients: 5 Moss, 1 Pine Tar (Note: This recipe was changed in 1.6; it previously used Clams instead of Moss).
- Use: Causes crops to grow slightly faster when mixed into tilled soil.
- Statue of Blessings (Recipe Source: Farming Mastery Perk):
- Ingredients: 999 Stone, 999 Fiber, 999 Sap, 333 Moss
- Use: A craftable statue that provides a random blessing each day (e.g., luck, energy, speed).
- Treasure Totem (Recipe Source: Foraging Mastery Perk):
- Ingredients: 5 Hardwood, 10 Moss, 1 Mystic Syrup
- Use: Spawns a ring of artifact spots when used on diggable terrain.
Do you want to know more about the Farming Seeds? This guide provides an in-depth look at the most profitable crops for each season in Stardew Valley. It covers essential farming secrets, such as the importance of artisan goods and sprinklers, to help players maximize their profits. The guide also highlights specific crop strategies, like saving up for the Egg Festival to buy strawberries, to ensure a successful and lucrative farm.
2. Other Uses:
- Raccoon’s Shop: The Raccoon’s wife at the Giant Stump may trade 5 Moss for 1 Broccoli Seed.
- Perfection Goal: You must ship at least one piece of Moss to contribute to the “Full Shipment” Perfection goal.
Strategic Tips for Moss Farming
- Green Rain is Key: Whenever a Green Rain event occurs, drop everything and focus on collecting as much Moss as possible. Clear all moss-covered trees and large weeds.
- Plant Trees: Grow plenty of Oak, Maple, and Pine trees on your farm or in areas like the Railroad or Quarry to increase the number of potential Moss-spawning locations.
- Don’t Chop Down Trees: You don’t need to fell trees to get Moss. A quick hit with any tool is enough, preserving your trees for future Moss harvests or tappers.
- Carry a Scythe/Sword: These tools are excellent for quickly harvesting Moss without consuming energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Moss grow on fruit trees or mushroom trees?
No, Moss only grows on fully grown Oak, Maple, Pine, and Green Rain Trees.
Does Moss grow in Winter?
Generally, no. Moss cannot grow in Winter (except inside the Greenhouse), and any existing Moss on trees will disappear at the start of Winter.
Is Moss worth selling?
No, Moss sells for only 5g, making it one of the least profitable items to sell raw. Its value is in its crafting uses.
What is the fastest way to get a lot of Moss?
The fastest way to get a large quantity of Moss is during the Green Rain weather event in the summer.
Can I prevent Moss from growing on certain trees?
Yes, using Vinegar on a tree will prevent Moss from growing on it.
Conclusion
In Stardew Valley 1.6, Moss may appear to be a minor addition, but it plays a surprisingly significant role in various crafting recipes and late-game content. By understanding its growth patterns and leveraging the Green Rain event, farmers can ensure a steady supply of this versatile resource, unlocking new tools, baits, and structures that enhance their overall gameplay experience. Don’t underestimate the power of this little green wonder!
Disclaimer: Game mechanics, item acquisition methods, and crafting recipes are based on Stardew Valley version 1.6. This information is accurate as of the last major update but is subject to change with future game patches. In-game luck and other factors influence drop rates and specific locations, which may vary. For the most up-to-date information, always verify current game data.
