Stardew Valley, despite approaching its 10th anniversary, continues to captivate cozy gamers and farming simulation enthusiasts. Thanks to dedicated updates from creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the game remains a vibrant world with countless hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Recently, a player’s simple question on Reddit sparked a discussion that revealed a little-known secret about tracking prize ticket quests via the Help Wanted Board.
In the charming world of Stardew Valley, players undertake various quests to aid their fellow villagers. These quests are posted on two boards: the bulletin board outside Pierre’s shop and the Community Board near the beach path. Completing quests yields rewards ranging from money to boosting relationships with villagers. The substantial 1.6 Update further enhanced quests by introducing prize tickets.
These prize tickets, earnable through festivals and quests, can be redeemed at a new machine in Mayor Lewis’ house for valuable prizes like seeds and tools such as the Fish Smoker. However, this feature isn’t explicitly explained in-game, leaving many players unaware of an easy way to predict when the next prize ticket quest will appear.
Stardew Valley prize machine
Decoding the Stars on the Help Wanted Board
The 1.6 Update introduced a star tracker beside each quest description on the Help Wanted Board. These stars, ranging from one to three, were initially misinterpreted by many as a difficulty rating. However, their true purpose is far more valuable for prize ticket hunters.
The True Meaning of the Stars
The stars on the Help Wanted Board are not a measure of difficulty or rarity but rather a prize ticket tracker. When the number of stars reaches three, the subsequent quest on the board will offer a prize ticket as a reward. This knowledge is crucial for players seeking to maximize their prize ticket earnings.
A Helpful Tip for Prize Ticket Seekers
Despite the 1.6 Update being available for some time, especially on PC, many players remain unaware of the stars’ significance. Some players even admitted to skipping quests without prize tickets, unknowingly hindering their progress. It’s essential to actively complete Help Wanted quests to trigger the appearance of prize ticket reward quests.
Community Board Quests vs. Help Wanted Quests
The star tracker is exclusive to the Help Wanted Board and does not appear on the Community Board outside the Mayor’s house. This is because Community Board quests, generally more challenging, consistently offer prize tickets as rewards. The Help Wanted Board, with its simpler quests, requires players to progress through several tasks before earning a prize ticket redeemable at Mayor Lewis’ house.
Still Uncovering Hidden Features
While this information has surfaced before, the recent Reddit discussion highlights that many players are still discovering this hidden feature. Considering the 1.6 Update only reached consoles in November 2024, it’s understandable that players are still unearthing the nuances of ConcernedApe’s extensive addition to Stardew Valley.
Maximize Your Stardew Valley Experience
By understanding the true meaning of the stars on the Help Wanted Board, players can optimize their quest strategy and efficiently collect prize tickets. This seemingly small detail adds another layer of depth to Stardew Valley’s already rich gameplay.
