What Exactly Is the Golden Scythe?
The golden scythe is a one-of-a-kind tool in Stardew Valley. You can't buy it from Clint, and you can't craft it. The only way to get it is to walk into the Quarry Mine and grab it off the altar at the bottom.
Once you pick it up, it replaces your regular scythe for good. It's not a separate inventory item, so you don't need to worry about switching back. The old scythe is simply gone.
Here's why it's better than the starter scythe:
- Bigger swing radius. You'll clear tall grass, weeds, and certain crops in fewer swings.
- Better hay collection. When you cut grass, the golden scythe drops hay at a much higher rate than the normal scythe.
- Higher damage. If you get caught in a fight, the golden scythe hits harder than the basic scythe.
If you're the kind of farmer who spends a lot of time chopping grass or harvesting wheat, this tool is a lifesaver.
Quarry Mine Location: Where to Find the Golden Scythe
Before we get to the full step-by-step breakdown, you need to know where to go. The golden scythe is NOT in the regular Mines. It's also not in the Skull Cavern. It's in the Quarry Mine, a small cave that sits inside the Quarry area.
Finding the Quarry Mine is simple once the Quarry is open:
- Walk east from Robin's house to the mountain path.
- Enter the Quarry area through the gap in the rocks.
- Look for the cave entrance on the northwest side of the Quarry, tucked up against the cliff.
If you've never unlocked the Quarry, you'll see a huge pile of boulders blocking the path. You'll need to deal with those first.
How to Unlock the Quarry
There are two ways to unlock the Quarry:
- Community Center route: Complete all the Crafts Room bundles. That means the Spring Foraging, Summer Foraging, Fall Foraging, Winter Foraging, and Exotic Foraging bundles. These are pretty easy to finish, especially if you're already hoarding forage items.
- Joja route: If you picked the Joja membership path, you can purchase the Quarry from the Joja Community Development Form for 25,000g.
Either way, once the Quarry is unlocked, the boulders are cleared and the mine entrance will be waiting for you.
How to Get the Golden Scythe in Stardew Valley: Step-by-Step
Alright, time for the actual steps. Follow these and you'll have the golden scythe in no time.
Step 1: Unlock the Quarry (If You Haven't Already)
This step is mandatory. If the Quarry is still closed, you can't even reach the Quarry Mine. So take care of the Community Center bundles or Joja payment first.
There's no quest to start and no cutscene to trigger. You can do this in Year 1 or Year 10—the golden scythe will always be waiting at the end.
Step 2: Bring the Right Supplies
The Quarry Mine isn't the hardest area in the game, but it's not totally empty either. There are a few monsters wandering around inside. You don't need crazy equipment, but here's what I recommend:
- A basic sword or any weapon you like for fighting.
- A couple of food items to heal up if you take hits.
- A pickaxe just in case you need to break rocks on the path.
To be honest, the Quarry Mine is pretty chill. I've gone in there with the starter sword and some field snacks. It's way easier than the lower floors of the regular Mines.
New player warning: don't go in with no food. If you pass out in the cave, you'll lose money and maybe items, and that's a terrible way to end a quick run.
Step 3: Find the Quarry Mine Entrance
Once you're inside the Quarry, head to the northwest corner. You'll spot a cave entrance with a wooden frame along the cliff. That's the Quarry Mine. Walk right in.
Step 4: Make Your Way to the Bottom
The Quarry Mine has several small levels. The layout is pretty straightforward, so you won't get lost. You'll find ladders and holes to drop down as you clear each little floor.
There are a few enemies inside. Keep your weapon ready if things get close, but you don't have to fight everything. Your main goal is just to get to the bottom.
The whole mine takes only a few minutes to go through once you know what you're doing. Seriously, this isn't a long dungeon. It just confuses players because they don't know it exists in the first place.
Step 5: Claim the Golden Scythe
At the bottom of the Quarry Mine, you'll walk into a room with a stone altar in the middle. And on that altar? A shiny golden scythe.
Walk up to it and interact with it. That's it. The golden scythe automatically swaps into your toolbar, and your regular scythe is gone forever.
The first time I grabbed it, I felt like a real reaper. It's such a small hidden area, but the reward makes the trip 100% worth it.
Another new player warning: don't panic when your old scythe disappears. That's supposed to happen. The golden scythe is now your permanent scythe.
How to Get the Golden Scythe in Stardew Valley: Common Mistakes to Avoid
A lot of players fail to get the golden scythe because they're looking in the wrong places. Here are the biggest mistakes, so you don't make them.
Mistake 1: Searching the Regular Mines
This is by far the most common mistake. The regular Mines have plenty of loot, but the golden scythe is NOT one of them.
If you're grinding through floors 80+ looking for it, stop. The golden scythe only exists in the Quarry Mine.
Mistake 2: Rushing Before the Quarry Is Unlocked
Some players rush to the Quarry area at the start of the game, see the boulders, and think they just need a stronger pickaxe. That's not how it works.
Those boulders are not breakable. You MUST unlock the Quarry through the Crafts Room or Joja first.
Mistake 3: Expecting It to Be a Separate Item
The golden scythe isn't something you can put in a chest, trade, or sell. It's a tool slot item.
Once you take it, your normal scythe is gone, and the golden scythe stays in your toolbar. Some players panic later, thinking they lost the golden scythe, but it's always there.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to Bring Healing Items
The Quarry Mine has enemies. If you walk in with no food and low health, you might pass out inside the cave.
Passing out costs you money and possibly items, and that's a terrible way to end a run for such a cool reward. Throw a few snacks in your pocket before you enter.
Mistake 5: Not Checking Your Toolbar After
There's no big fanfare when you grab the golden scythe, so some players don't even realize they already have it.
Check your toolbar for the golden icon. Then swing it once on some grass, and you'll know immediately.
Is the Golden Scythe Worth It? Rewards and Benefits
Yes, the golden scythe is absolutely worth the trip. Here's what you get out of it:
- Way faster grass clearing. The larger radius means you mow down a big patch of grass in just a couple of swings. If you have a big farm with lots of grass starters, this is a huge time saver.
- More hay for winter. Collecting hay from grass is a major winter prep task. The golden scythe's better hay drop rate means you'll fill your silos much faster. That alone is worth going for.
- It's the best scythe in the game. There is no other scythe upgrade beyond the golden scythe. No crafting recipe, no blacksmith upgrade, no secret third scythe. This is the final, permanent version.
As a tool, the golden scythe is the clear endgame choice for all your grass and crop harvesting. Whether you're in Year 1 or Year 10, this is a must-have.
Golden Scythe FAQ
Do you need the Golden Scythe for any bundle or achievement?
No. The golden scythe is not required for any Community Center bundle, achievement, or story quest. It's an optional tool upgrade. That said, it's so useful that most players still go get it sooner or later.
Can you lose the Golden Scythe?
No. The golden scythe stays in your toolbar permanently after you pick it up. You can't sell it, drop it, or throw it away. There's no way to misplace it.
What crops can you harvest with the Golden Scythe?
The golden scythe works exactly like the regular scythe for harvesting. Use it on crops that need a scythe, like wheat, amaranth, and fiber. You can also use it to cut grass, weeds, and mixed seeds on your farm.
Is the Quarry Mine dangerous?
A little bit. It has a handful of enemies, but nothing like the later floors of the Mines or the Skull Cavern. Bring a basic weapon and a few healing items, and you'll be completely fine.
