Best Tools To Upgrade In Stardew Valley

Every seasoned Stardew Valley player knows the difference a single tool upgrade can make. The leap from a basic watering can to an Iridium masterpiece isn’t just about saving a few precious in-game minutes—it’s about redefining what’s possible on the farm. These upgrades are so game-changing that most players make them a top priority for a smoother, more prosperous farm life.

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In Stardew Valley, tools aren’t just accessories—they’re the lifeblood of the daily grind and the secret behind every thriving agricultural empire. Whether it’s clearing tangled forests with an Iridium Axe or blitzing through Skull Cavern with a top-tier Pickaxe, each upgrade isn’t just an improvement. It’s a game-changer. For anyone aiming to become a Stardew legend, knowing which upgrades to prioritize—and why—is essential. So, here are the best tools to upgrade in Stardew Valley, ranked from the surprisingly useful to the absolute must-have.

7 Copper Pan

For Finding Unexpected Treasures

The Copper Pan often starts as a curious trinket, gifted by Willy after the Glittering Boulder by the Mines is cleared. The Stardew Valley 1.6 update breathed new life into this tool, transforming it from a static item into one with a full upgrade path. The pan allows players to scoop up ores, gems, and special treasures from the shimmering spots in the water.

While it won’t water crops or break boulders, the revamped upgrade path means each new tier increases the loot, special item chance, and even the odds of a bonus panning spot appearing. Add enchantments like "Archaeologist" for a 4x chance at Artifact Troves or "Generous" to maximize non-ore items, and this once-neglected tool can offer surprising windfalls, particularly on lucky days.

6 Trash Can

Making Inventory Management Pay Off

The Trash Can turns discards into cashback. There’s nothing worse than having a full inventory during a Skull Cavern run, especially when players are forced to toss something valuable just to make room for a shiny new haul. Upgrading the Trash Can turns regret into a reward: starting with the Copper Trash Can, each upgrade lets players reclaim a chunk of the trashed item’s gold value.

The upgrade path is straightforward: Copper (15% value back), Steel (30%), Gold (45%), and the coveted Iridium Trash Can (a whopping 60% back). The best part? The Trash Can remains usable even during upgrades—a rare perk among tools. The trash can saves serious gold over time and lets players maximize the value of every expedition, making each deep run into the mines or caverns a little less punishing.

5 Hoe

The Groundbreaker For Farms And Fortunes

The Hoe is a foundational tool, handed to players on day one, and its importance extends far beyond just tilling soil for those initial parsnips. Each upgrade expands its area of effect, turning the spring tilling marathon from a tedious grind into a quick, satisfying sweep. The basic Hoe tills one tile; a Copper Hoe covers three tiles in a line; Steel reaches five tiles.

The Gold Hoe is a significant leap, tilling a 3x3 area (9 tiles), and the Iridium Hoe covers a 3x6 rectangle (18 tiles). This saves incredible amounts of in-game time and, crucially, energy. While upgrades don't reduce the per-swing energy cost, tilling 18 tiles for the same energy as 1 tile is a massive efficiency gain. Enchantments like "Generous" can double dug-up items, and "Reaching" expands the tilled area to an immense 5x5 (25 tiles).

4 Fishing Rod

A Rod That Reels In More Than Just Fish

Fishing is a significant source of early-game income in Stardew Valley. The journey begins with the Training Rod, which offers an easier experience but only catches the basic fish. The jump from the Training Pole to the Fiberglass and the new Advanced Iridium Rod is massive. Each tier unlocks key features: bait for faster bites, tackle for easier catches, and, at the top tier, the power to equip two pieces of tackle at once.

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Tackle items like the Trap Bobber (fish escape more slowly) or Cork Bobber (larger fishing bar) can dramatically ease the catching of difficult fish, while others like the Treasure Hunter increase the chance of finding treasure chests. Investing in better rods and mastering tackle use transforms fishing from a simple mini-game into a highly profitable endeavour.

3 Axe

Key To Clearing Land And Unlocking Secrets

Upgrading the Axe isn’t just about chopping trees faster—it’s about unlocking game-changing resources and new areas. The jump to Copper means Hardwood from stumps; Steel unlocks the Secret Woods and lets players clear farm logs that block progress. Gold and Iridium tiers turn land clearing into a breeze and make big construction projects, like barns and sheds, much easier.

The Axe’s impact reaches every corner of the game, from crafting casks for high-value wine to snagging the Stable for that game-changing horse. Enchantments like "Efficient" (no energy drain) amplify the Axe's power, making Hardwood collections for late-game crafting (like mass-producing casks) far more feasible. For players on the Forest Farm, the daily Hardwood supply is doubled, making Axe upgrades even more valuable.

2 Pickaxe

The Miner's Best Friend And Cavern Key

No tool upgrade feels as satisfying or as vital as the Pickaxe. It’s the only way to break through the toughest rocks, gather essential ores for all other tool upgrades, and plow through the mines and Skull Cavern at top speed. Upgrading the Pickaxe at the Blacksmith doesn't just mean faster rock breaking; it means unlocking new tiers of resources and entire sections of the game.

Each new tier slashes the number of hits per rock and grants access to harder materials—Steel breaks boulders, Gold cracks meteorites, and Iridium one-shots almost everything in late-game dungeons. Enchantments like "Efficient" (no energy cost) or "Powerful" (extra breaking power) make an Iridium Pickaxe an unstoppable force.

1 Watering Can

The Most Essential Tool For Your Agricultural Empire

No upgrade changes farm life quite like the Watering Can. For anyone growing crops—meaning almost everyone—the can is the difference between a one-person micro-farm and a sprawling agricultural enterprise. Each tier increases water capacity and expands the watering range, with the Iridium version covering a whopping 18 tiles at once.

This isn’t just a time-saver—it’s the upgrade that unlocks the freedom to plant (and profit from) massive fields, or squeeze in a few extra tasks every day. Strategically timing upgrades around rainy days or using Rain Totems is key, as the can is unavailable for two days. The Water Can upgrade should be the top priority for any Stardew Valley farmer serious about making bank.

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Stardew Valley

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Released

February 26, 2016

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

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ConcernedApe

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Proprietary

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer

Cross-Platform Play

Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC

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