Fishing in Stardew Valley is one of the most rewarding side activities, offering players valuable resources, ingredients for bundles, and an opportunity to earn gold. Among the variety of fish you can catch, Tuna is one of the most versatile and useful.
Though not as rare as the pufferfish or as valuable as the lava eel, the Tuna holds importance in Community Center bundles, cooking recipes, and quests. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Tuna in Stardew Valley, including its locations, seasons, prices, uses, and the best strategies to catch it.
What Is Tuna in Stardew Valley?
The Tuna is a saltwater fish found in the ocean. It’s moderately easy to catch, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced players. Unlike some rarer fish, Tuna can be caught in multiple seasons, giving you more opportunities to stock up.
- Season: Summer and Winter
- Location: Ocean (south of Pelican Town, or Ginger Island ocean)
- Weather: Any (both sunny and rainy days)
- Time: 6 AM–7PM
- Difficulty: Moderate
How to Catch Tuna
Catching Tuna is more about timing and location than fishing skill. While it doesn’t have the erratic patterns of difficult fish like the pufferfish, beginners may still struggle if they don’t know when and where to fish.
Time & Season
- Summer and winter only.
- Available from 6 AM to 7 PM.
- Unlike some fish, weather does not matter—you can catch Tuna in both sun and rain.
Location
- Ocean south of Pelican Town (Beach).
- Ginger Island Ocean (available year-round once unlocked).
Fishing Tips
- Upgrade Your Rod: Use at least the fiberglass rod to equip bait for better bite rates.
- Boost Fishing Skill: Eat food like Dish o’ The Sea (+3 Fishing) to make catching smoother.
- Fish Early in the Day: While available all day until 7 PM, fishing earlier avoids conflicts with other time-sensitive activities.
Alternative Ways to Get Tuna
If you can’t catch one directly, there are other ways to obtain tuna:
Traveling Cart
- Sometimes sells Tuna for 600–1,000 g.
- Found Fridays and Sundays in Cindersap Forest.
Magic Bait
- Lets you catch Tuna regardless of season, time, or weather.
- Useful if you missed your window in summer or winter.
Uses of Tuna in Stardew Valley
The Tuna is much more than just another fish—it’s used in bundles, recipes, and crafting.
1. Community Center Bundle
Tuna is required for the Ocean Fish Bundle in the Fish Tank. Completing this bundle contributes toward restoring the Community Center, which is a major milestone in the game.
2. Quests
- Randomly requested on the Help Wanted Board outside Pierre’s shop.
- Rewards include gold and friendship points.
3. Tailoring & Dyeing
- Can be used in the sewing machine to create a shirt.
- Functions as a blue dye for dye pots.
4. Cooking Recipes
Tuna is featured in several cooking recipes, making it highly versatile:
Fish Taco
- Ingredients: Tuna, Tortilla, Red Cabbage, and Mayonnaise.
- Loved by villagers like Gus.
Maki Roll
- Ingredients: Fish, seaweed, and rice.
Sashimi
- Ingredients: Any Fish.
5. Gifting
Tuna is generally a neutral gift. Most villagers don’t love or hate it. If you’re aiming to raise friendship quickly, use it in cooking recipes like fish tacos instead of giving the raw fish.
6. Selling Price
- Base Price: 100g
- Silver Quality: 125g
- Gold Quality: 150g
- Iridium Quality: 200g
While not the highest-value fish, Tuna is profitable when caught in bulk.
Why Tuna Matters in Stardew Valley
The Tuna may not be rare, but it’s vital for several reasons:
- Bundle Completion: Required for the Ocean Fish Bundle.
- Recipes: Essential in the fish taco, one of the most popular and valuable dishes.
- Accessibility: Easier to catch than rarer ocean fish, making it a reliable resource.
- Year-Round Option with Ginger Island: Once Ginger Island is unlocked, Tuna becomes permanently available.
Best Strategies to Farm Tuna
- Fish During Summer and Winter: Focus heavily on Tuna during these seasons to stockpile enough for bundles and recipes.
- Use Magic Bait if Needed: Great for players who miss the seasonal window.
- Upgrade Rods Quickly: The fiberglass or iridium rod allows bait and tackle, improving your catch rate.
- Save for Recipes: Always keep a few Tuna stored for fish tacos.
- Check the Traveling Cart: If fishing is tough, buy Tuna instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I catch Tuna in Stardew Valley?
Tuna can be caught in the ocean south of Pelican Town or at Ginger Island.
What seasons can you catch tuna?
Tuna is available in summer and winter from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Does weather affect Tuna availability?
No, Tuna can be caught in both sunny and rainy weather.
What is Tuna used for?
Tuna is used in the Ocean Fish Bundle, cooking recipes like fish tacos, tailoring, dyeing, and quests.
How much does Tuna sell for?
- Base: 100g
- Silver: 125g
- Gold: 150g
- Iridium: 200g
Can Tuna be caught in spring or fall?
Not naturally. However, with Magic Bait, Tuna can be caught in any season.
Conclusion
The Tuna in Stardew Valley is one of the most practical and versatile ocean fish. Available during summer and winter, Tuna plays a crucial role in the Ocean Fish Bundle, crafting recipes like fish tacos, and even in tailoring. While its selling price is moderate, its true value lies in cooking and quest rewards.
For efficient farming, focus on catching Tuna during its active seasons, or use magic bait to bypass restrictions. Keep extra Tuna stored for recipes and bundles, and check the traveling cart if you’re in a pinch. Whether you’re aiming for Community Center completion, preparing recipes, or simply looking to profit, the Tuna is a fish you’ll want to prioritize in your fishing adventures.
