Stardew Valley Secret Notes Guide
Secret Notes are collectible items in Stardew Valley that contain hidden messages, puzzles, and clues to secret content. Introduced in version 1.3, these 25 notes add depth to the game’s lore and provide valuable rewards for those who solve their mysteries.
How to Obtain Secret Notes
Unlocking Secret Notes
Secret Notes become available after completing the “Winter Mystery” quest:
- Reach Winter 1 of Year 1 or later
- Walk to the Bus Stop between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- A cutscene triggers with a “Shadow Guy” (Krobus)
- Follow his footprints to the playground
- Interact with the bush to receive the Magnifying Glass
Sources of Secret Notes
Once you have the Magnifying Glass, Secret Notes can be found through:
| Source | Chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hoeing Artifact Spots (Worms) | ~3.5% | Most reliable source |
| Killing Monsters | ~1.5% | Any monster can drop |
| Chopping Trees | ~0.5% | Any tree type |
| Fishing Treasure Chests | ~1% | Use Treasure Hunter tackle |
| Breaking Rocks | ~0.5% | Mines and Skull Cavern |
Note: You cannot find duplicate Secret Notes. Once collected, that note is removed from the drop pool.
All 25 Secret Notes Explained
Secret Note #1 - Abigail’s Diary
Content: A diary entry from Abigail about her adventures and her sword.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Reveals Abigail’s adventurous personality and her hidden sword practice.
Secret Note #2 - Sam and Sebastian’s Band
Content: A sketch of Sam and Sebastian’s band plans with song lyrics.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Shows Sam and Sebastian’s friendship and musical aspirations.
Secret Note #3 - Penny’s Teaching
Content: Penny’s notes for teaching Jas and Vincent.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Reveals Penny’s dedication to education and her caring nature.
Secret Note #4 - Stardrop Saloon Receipt
Content: A receipt from the Stardrop Salum showing Gus’s expenses.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Shows Gus’s business struggles and his generosity.
Secret Note #5 - Pierre’s Storage Box
Content: A note about Pierre’s “secret stash” behind the bookshelf.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Hints at Pierre’s hidden items (found in his bedroom).
Secret Note #6 - Lewis and Marnie’s Secret
Content: A note from Lewis to Marnie about their secret relationship.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Confirms the romantic relationship between Lewis and Marnie.
Secret Note #7 - Wizard’s Language
Content: A page from the Wizard’s spellbook with strange symbols.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Hints at the Wizard’s magical studies and the arcane.
Secret Note #8 - Haley’s Photography
Content: Haley’s notes about her photography hobby and subjects.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Shows Haley’s artistic side and her interests.
Secret Note #9 - Alex’s Training
Content: Alex’s workout schedule and training notes.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Reveals Alex’s dedication to fitness and his dreams.
Secret Note #10 - Rarecrow Location (SOLUTION)
Content: A drawing of a person standing at the bus stop with numbers: 1-5-4-8-6-7-2-3
Solution:
- Go to the Bus Stop
- Use your hoe on the road at the exact spot shown
- Dig in the pattern indicated by the numbers
Reward: Solid Gold Lewis Statue (Rarecrow #8)
Note: This Rarecrow is unique and cannot be obtained any other way.
Secret Note #11 - Leah’s Sculpture
Content: Leah’s notes about her sculpture ideas and artistic vision.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Shows Leah’s artistic process and inspirations.
Secret Note #12 - Harvey’s Medical Notes
Content: Harvey’s notes about the villagers’ health concerns.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Reveals Harvey’s dedication as a doctor and village health issues.
Secret Note #13 - Junimo Plush Location (SOLUTION)
Content: A drawing of a bush in the playground with a hidden item.
Solution:
- Go to the playground in Pelican Town (near the Community Center)
- Interact with the large bush north of the playground equipment
- Receive the Junimo Plush furniture item
Reward: Junimo Plush (decorative furniture)
Secret Note #14 - Elliott’s Novel
Content: Elliott’s notes for his novel, including character ideas.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Shows Elliott’s writing process and literary aspirations.
Secret Note #15 - Maru’s Inventions
Content: Maru’s notes about her inventions and experiments.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Reveals Maru’s scientific mind and creativity.
Secret Note #16 - Dwarf’s Treasure Hunt (SOLUTION)
Content: A map showing the location of a hidden treasure near the railroad.
Solution:
- Go to the Railroad area (unlocked after Earthquake in Summer Year 1)
- Walk to the north end near the train platform
- Use your hoe on the ground at the marked location
- Receive: 1 Gold Bar, 5 Gold Ore, and a Rare Disc
Reward: Gold Bar, Gold Ore x5, Rare Disc
Secret Note #17 - Joja Cola Recipe
Content: A recipe for making Joja Cola at home.
Reward: None (recipe is a joke)
Significance: Humorous note about the artificial nature of Joja Cola.
Secret Note #18 - Ancient Doll Mystery
Content: A disturbing note about the Ancient Doll artifact.
Reward: None (lore only)
Significance: Adds creepy lore to the Ancient Doll artifact.
Secret Note #19 - Casino Location (SOLUTION)
Content: Directions to a secret club in the desert.
Solution:
- Go to the Calico Desert (unlock via Bus repair or Desert Obelisk)
- Enter the Oasis shop
- Walk to the back and interact with the curtain
- Complete Qi’s quest line to gain access to the Casino
Reward: Access to the Casino (Blackjack and Slot Machines)
Note: You need the Club Card from Qi’s quest to enter.
Secret Note #20 - Train Schedule
Content: A schedule showing when trains pass through Pelican Town.
Reward: Knowledge of train times
Train Schedule:
- Trains can pass on any day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- The schedule shows various types of trains
- Being present when a train passes can yield resources
Secret Note #21 - Townspeople’s Favorites
Content: A list of items loved by various villagers.
Reward: Gift-giving knowledge
Listed Favorites:
- Abigail: Amethyst, Blackberry Cobbler, Chocolate Cake
- Alex: Complete Breakfast, Salmon Dinner
- Elliott: Crab Cakes, Duck Feather, Lobster
- Emily: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Cloth
- Haley: Coconut, Fruit Salad, Pink Cake
- Harvey: Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal
- Leah: Goat Cheese, Poppyseed Muffin, Salad
- Maru: Battery Pack, Cauliflower, Diamond
- Penny: Diamond, Emerald, Melon
- Sam: Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar, Pizza
- Sebastian: Frozen Tear, Obsidian, Pumpkin Soup
- Shane: Beer, Hot Pepper, Pizza
Secret Note #22 - Trash Bear’s Location (SOLUTION)
Content: A drawing showing where to find the Trash Bear.
Solution:
- Go to Cindersap Forest
- Look for the Trash Bear near the pond (south of the Wizard’s Tower)
- Appears in Year 3+ if certain conditions are met
Reward: Trash Bear cleans up trash around town in exchange for items
Secret Note #23 - Mermaid Puzzle (SOLUTION)
Content: Musical notes and a drawing of Ginger Island.
Solution:
- Go to Ginger Island (unlock via Willy’s boat)
- Visit the Mermaid’s area on the beach (rainy days only)
- Place Flute Blocks on the pedestals
- Tune them to match the notes: 1-10-8-4-2
Reward: 5 Golden Walnuts, Pearl
Secret Note #24 - Island Gem Birds (SOLUTION)
Content: A map of Ginger Island showing four gem bird locations.
Solution:
- On rainy days on Ginger Island, gem-colored birds appear
- Find all four birds (North, South, East, West areas)
- Note the gem each bird drops
- Place the gems on the pedestals in the jungle shrine
Reward: 5 Golden Walnuts
Bird Locations and Gems:
- North: Amethyst or Topaz
- South: Aquamarine or Jade
- East: Emerald or Ruby
- West: Diamond
Secret Note #25 - Qi’s Challenge (SOLUTION)
Content: A cryptic message about finding Qi’s room.
Solution:
- Collect 100 Golden Walnuts on Ginger Island
- Enter Qi’s Walnut Room (north of the Volcano)
- Access special challenges and the Perfection Tracker
Reward: Access to Qi’s Walnut Room, Qi Gems, special challenges
Secret Note Rewards Summary
| Note | Type | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| #1-9 | Lore | Story insights |
| #10 | Puzzle | Solid Gold Lewis Statue (Rarecrow) |
| #11-12 | Lore | Story insights |
| #13 | Puzzle | Junimo Plush |
| #14-15 | Lore | Story insights |
| #16 | Puzzle | Gold Bar, Gold Ore, Rare Disc |
| #17-18 | Lore/Humor | Entertainment |
| #19 | Puzzle | Casino access knowledge |
| #20 | Information | Train schedule |
| #21 | Information | Gift preferences |
| #22 | Puzzle | Trash Bear location |
| #23 | Puzzle | 5 Golden Walnuts, Pearl |
| #24 | Puzzle | 5 Golden Walnuts |
| #25 | Puzzle | Qi’s Walnut Room access |
Tips for Collecting Secret Notes
Efficient Farming Methods
-
Artifact Spot Method (Best)
- Check all artifact spots (worm tiles) daily
- Focus on high-spawn areas: Town, Beach, Railroad
- Use the hoe on every spot you see
-
Monster Farming
- Farm low-level mines (5-29) for easy kills
- Use the Burglar’s Ring for better drop rates
- Kill everything while doing other activities
-
Tree Chopping
- Chop trees regularly for wood
- Secret Notes can drop from any tree type
- Plant tree farms for efficient chopping
-
Fishing Method
- Use Treasure Hunter tackle
- Eat Dish O’ The Sea for treasure chance
- Fish in high-traffic areas
Daily Routine for Secret Notes
Morning:
- Check farm for artifact spots
- Check Pelican Town for artifact spots
Afternoon:
- Visit Beach and Railroad for artifact spots
- Chop any mature trees
Evening:
- Mine for monsters and rocks
- Fish with treasure tackle
Secret Notes and Game Completion
Perfection
Secret Notes are not required for Perfection, but they:
- Provide Golden Walnuts (Notes #23, #24)
- Unlock the Casino (Note #19)
- Give access to Qi’s Walnut Room (Note #25)
- Provide unique items (Rarecrow, Junimo Plush)
Achievements
While no achievement specifically requires Secret Notes, they help with:
- “A Complete Collection” (Museum items from rewards)
- “Treasure Trove” (Museum donations)
- “Mystery of the Stardrops” (indirectly through rewards)
Common Questions
Can I miss any Secret Notes?
No, once unlocked, Secret Notes can be found at any time. There are no time-limited notes.
Do I need to keep Secret Notes?
No, after reading them, the information is added to your collection tab. You can safely discard them.
Can I find Secret Notes in Winter?
Yes, though artifact spots are less common in Winter, they still appear.
What if I can’t find a specific note?
Keep trying! The drop is random. Focus on artifact spots for the best chance.
Do Secret Notes respawn?
No, once you find a note, you cannot find it again. There are exactly 25 unique notes.
Secret Note Checklist
Track your collection:
- Secret Note #1 - Abigail’s Diary
- Secret Note #2 - Sam and Sebastian’s Band
- Secret Note #3 - Penny’s Teaching
- Secret Note #4 - Stardrop Saloon Receipt
- Secret Note #5 - Pierre’s Storage Box
- Secret Note #6 - Lewis and Marnie’s Secret
- Secret Note #7 - Wizard’s Language
- Secret Note #8 - Haley’s Photography
- Secret Note #9 - Alex’s Training
- Secret Note #10 - Rarecrow Location [SOLVE FOR REWARD]
- Secret Note #11 - Leah’s Sculpture
- Secret Note #12 - Harvey’s Medical Notes
- Secret Note #13 - Junimo Plush Location [SOLVE FOR REWARD]
- Secret Note #14 - Elliott’s Novel
- Secret Note #15 - Maru’s Inventions
- Secret Note #16 - Dwarf’s Treasure [SOLVE FOR REWARD]
- Secret Note #17 - Joja Cola Recipe
- Secret Note #18 - Ancient Doll Mystery
- Secret Note #19 - Casino Location [SOLVE FOR ACCESS]
- Secret Note #20 - Train Schedule
- Secret Note #21 - Townspeople’s Favorites
- Secret Note #22 - Trash Bear’s Location
- Secret Note #23 - Mermaid Puzzle [SOLVE FOR REWARD]
- Secret Note #24 - Island Gem Birds [SOLVE FOR REWARD]
- Secret Note #25 - Qi’s Challenge [SOLVE FOR ACCESS]
Conclusion
Secret Notes add a layer of mystery and discovery to Stardew Valley. While many provide interesting lore about your favorite villagers, others hide valuable rewards and access to secret content. The key is obtaining the Magnifying Glass as soon as Winter arrives, then consistently checking artifact spots and engaging in activities that can yield notes.
Remember, patience is key - with 25 notes to collect and random drop chances, it may take time to complete your collection. But the rewards, from the Rarecrow to the Golden Walnuts, make the hunt worthwhile.
Happy note hunting!