The SquidFest is Stardew Valley’s premier winter fishing event, giving both new and seasoned anglers a chance to land rare squid and win exclusive rewards. This comprehensive guide covers everything about SquidFest rewards, how to claim them, expert strategies, and answers to players’ most common questions, all up-to-date for 2025.
What Is SquidFest? Event Dates & Details
- Dates: Winter 12th & 13th (in-game calendar, every year)
- Time: 6:10 AM – 2:00 AM (both days)
- Location: Northwest corner of the Beach (look for the “SquidFest” sign)
- How to Participate: Bring your fishing rod and catch as many squid as possible—the more you catch, the better your rewards.
What is SquidFest?
SquidFest is a two-day mini-fishing festival held on the beach during the winter. Unlike other festivals, time continues to pass, and shops remain open. Your goal is to catch as many squid as possible each day to earn prizes.
When is SquidFest?
- Date: Winter 12 and Winter 13
- Time: The festival runs from 6:10 AM to 2:00 AM on both days.
How to Participate
Simply go to the beach on Winter 12 or 13. A sign to the left of the festival booth will show you the daily catch targets for each prize tier. A counter in the top-left corner of the screen will track your progress. To get all the rewards, you must hit the targets on both days, as the count resets on Winter 13.
Prizes
The prizes change each day, and reaching a higher tier automatically grants you the rewards from all lower tiers.
Winter 12 Rewards
- Copper Tier (1 Squid): 20 Deluxe Bait
- Iron Tier (3 Squids): 1 Dish O’ the Sea, and a randomized reward of either 2 Mystery Boxes or 10 Winter Seeds.
- Gold Tier (5 Squids): 1 Pearl and 3 Coffee
- Iridium Tier (8 Squids): The furniture item ‘Squid Kid’ and the skill book The Art O’ Crabbing
Winter 13 Rewards
- Copper Tier (2 Squids): 1 Trap Bobber
- Iron Tier (5 Squids): 1 Dish O’ the Sea, and a randomized reward of either 3 Mystery Boxes or 15 Winter Seeds.
- Gold Tier (7 Squids): 1 Treasure Chest (worth 5,000g) and 3 Triple Shot Espressos
- Iridium Tier (10 Squids): The clothing item Squid Hat and either a second copy of The Art O’ Crabbing or a randomized reward of 3 Mystery Boxes and 1 Seafoam Pudding (if you already have the book).
Strategy for Success
- Gear Up: The better your rod and tackle, the easier it will be to catch the difficult-to-reel-in squid. An Iridium Rod is ideal.
- Bait is Key: The game automatically places special bait in the water, ensuring that squid remain active throughout the day; however, it is still beneficial to have your bait. Using Squid Bait from a Bait Maker is the most effective way to catch squid quickly.
- Food Buffs: Eat food that provides a fishing buff to make the fishing minigame easier. Seafoam Pudding or Dish O’ The Sea are excellent options.
- Practice: Squids are known for their erratic movement. If you’re new to fishing, practice on other fish before the event to get a feel for the minigame.
- Empty Your Inventory: Your pockets can fill up fast with all the rewards, squid, and other fish you catch. Make sure to have plenty of free space. A chest placed on the beach before the festival can provide extra storage without being removed.
Important Notes
- Your daily squid catch total is separate for each day.
- You don’t need to turn in the squid you catch to receive your prizes; the game tracks your count automatically. You are free to sell them, cook with them, or use them in a fish pond.
- The event is a “mini-festival,” meaning the standard rules of most festivals don’t apply. Shops and homes are open, and your animals will need to be fed.
All SquidFest Rewards & Prize Tiers
SquidFest features four prize tiers each day—Copper, Iron, Gold, and Iridium. Prizes and requirements reset each morning, so don’t forget to claim your rewards before the day ends!
| Day | Tier | Squid Needed | Reward(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 12 | Copper | 1 | 20x Deluxe Bait (guaranteed) |
| Iron | 3 | Dish O’ The Sea (guaranteed), plus either 10x Winter Seeds or 2x Mystery Boxes (random) | |
| Gold | 5 | 1x Pearl, 3x Coffee | |
| Iridium | 8 | ‘Squid Kid’ Painting (guaranteed); The Art O’ Crabbing (if not yet earned) OR 3x Mystery Box & 1x Seafoam Pudding | |
| Winter 13 | Copper | 2 | 1x Trap Bobber (guaranteed) |
| Iron | 5 | Dish O’ The Sea (guaranteed), plus either 15x Winter Seeds or 3x Mystery Boxes (random) | |
| Gold | 7 | 1x Treasure Chest, 3x Triple Shot Espresso | |
| Iridium | 10 | Squid Hat (guaranteed); The Art O’ Crabbing (if not yet earned) OR 3x Mystery Box & 1x Seafoam Pudding |
Note: The prize track counter resets between days; you must claim each day’s rewards before the end.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your SquidFest Rewards
- Use Quality Gear: Upgrade to a fiberglass or iridium rod for easier squid catches.
- Tackle Matters: Equip a trap bobber to slow squid escape; boost catch rates with Deluxe or Squid Bait.
- Stack Buffs: Eat fishing-enhancing meals like Dish O’ The Sea for better luck and energy.
- Keep Track: Monitor the top-left counter for your squid total—rewards are unlocked as you hit each threshold.
- Don’t Forget Inventory Space: Clear your backpack to avoid dropping unclaimed rewards!
- Claim on Time: Rewards must be collected the same day, or they’ll be lost for that day’s event.
- Day 2’s Big Prize: The Squid Hat and Treasure Chest are exclusive gems for dedicated fishing pros.
Other events of Stardew Valley—
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does SquidFest take place?
Winter 12th and 13th, from 6:10 AM to 2:00 AM, every year in-game.
Can I use any fishing rod?
Yes, but using fiberglass or iridium rods makes catching squid easier. Tackle and special bait can increase your chances of success in catching squid. Do the
Do rewards change each day?
Yes, both the required squid count and the prizes reset each day. Always check the festival booth for current prizes.
What if I forget to claim my rewards?
You must claim all prizes the day you earn them. Progress resets each day, and unclaimed prizes disappear.
Can my animals go unfed?
No, you need to feed your animals as usual; the game doesn’t auto-feed them during this festival.
Is SquidFest multiplayer-friendly?
Yes, all players can participate! Work together for a successful fishing spree.
Is Squid available all day?
During SquidFest, squid can be caught at any hour—not just at night, unlike their usual schedule.
Get ready to cast your line, reel in those elusive squid, and walk away with the best loot of the winter season. Whether you’re chasing the Squid Hat or stocking up on useful tackles, SquidFest has something for every angler in Stardew Valley. SquidFest offers an exciting chance to catch rare squid and earn exclusive rewards that enhance your Stardew Valley experience.
With the right gear and strategy, you’ll unlock valuable prizes like the Squid Hat and rare tackle items. Remember to claim your rewards each day and enjoy the festive fishing fun with friends or solo. Immerse yourself in the experience, catch those squid, and fully enjoy Stardew’s most exciting winter event!
