Stardew Valley Secret Notes: How to Find, What They Say, and Rewards they Give

With the release of Stardew Valley 1.3, players can now uncover Secret Notes, adding a new layer of mystery to the beloved farming game. These Secret Notes offer hints and reveal valuable information about the valley’s villagers and hidden elements. To help you master the Secret Notes and uncover all their secrets, we’ve created this comprehensive guide on how to find and use them effectively in Stardew Valley.

How to Get the Magnifying Glass

To start collecting Secret Notes in Stardew Valley, you first need the Magnifying Glass, a crucial item for reading these notes. Here’s how to get the Magnifying Glass:

1. Complete the “A Winter Mystery” Quest: This quest is available during the winter season and is essential for obtaining the Magnifying Glass.
2. Trigger the Quest: Leave your farm and head to the Bus Stop between 6 AM and 4 PM. This action will trigger a cutscene featuring a shadowy figure.
3. Follow the Tracks: During the cutscene, the shadowy figure will run away, leaving tracks in the snow. Follow these tracks through town to the bush next to the playground, near the Community Center.
4. Collect the Magnifying Glass: Interact with the bush to reveal and receive the Magnifying Glass.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to start finding and reading Secret Notes in Stardew Valley.

How to Find Secret Notes

With the Magnifying Glass in hand, you can begin your quest to collect and read Secret Notes. These notes are special items that randomly spawn through various activities in Stardew Valley.

The official Stardew Valley wiki details the specific activities that have a chance of dropping Secret Notes, providing exact values for each which I’ve added to the table below.

Drop Source	Drop Chance
Weeds	0.9%
Monsters	3.3%
Chopping Trees	0.5% each swing.
Fishing	8%
Artifact Spots	11%
Stone	0.75%
Resource Clumps: Boulder, Large Log, Large Stump, and Meteorite.	5%
Giant Crop	100%

As shown in the table below, there are several sources from which you can find Secret Notes. Generally, by participating in the main activities of the game, you’ll eventually discover all 27 Secret Notes available.

When you find a Secret Note, it will automatically be added to your inventory. To read it, drag the note to the top bar of your inventory and right-click on it. The note’s contents will then appear on your screen for you to review.

What’s the Do Secret Notes Do?

Secret Notes serve the primary function of providing players with hints and insights into various hidden elements within the game. These hints can be categorized into several main types:

1. Gifts Residents Love: These notes unlock details about the favorite gifts of different villagers, accessible from their relationship screens.
2. Secret Items: They reveal information about hidden or rare items scattered throughout the game world.
3. Lore: Some notes offer snippets of lore, providing backstory or additional context to events or characters.
4. Gameplay Mechanics: They may also provide tips or insights into lesser-known gameplay mechanics that players may not be aware of.

Secret Notes enrich the Stardew Valley experience by providing hints and insights into hidden elements of the game. From favorite gifts of villagers to rare items and lore, these notes offer valuable information that enhances gameplay.

Secret Note Solutions

Each of the Secret Notes that you find while playing feature either text or an image. To learn what the note is about you will need to figure it out for yourself. To help you do that I’ve listed I will walk you through the solutions to all 27 Secret Notes below.

You can re-read every note you find below by accessing the Secret Note tab on the collection screen. This is useful if you need time to think about each one you find.

Secret Note #1: Abigail’s Diary Entry

Note: “It’s a page from Abigail’s Diary – ‘Things I love: the smell of carved pumpkin, keeping an amethyst under my pillow, chocolate cake, the thrill of spicy eel, and the comfort of Mom’s blackberry cobbler (I like to eat!)‘”

Solution: Tells us what gifts to give Abigail. She like the items Chocolate Cake, Spicy Eel, Amethyst, and Blackberry Cobbler.

Secret Note #2: Sam’s Holiday Shopping List

Note: “It’s Sam’s holiday shopping list-‘Everyone’s favourites:

• Sebastian = Frozen Tear, Sashimi
• Penny = Emerald, Poppy
• Vincent = Grape, Cranberry Candy
• Mom = Crispy Bass, Pancakes
• Dad = Risotto, Roasted Hazelnuts
• Me = Cactus, Maple Bar, Pizza. “

Solution: Tells us the loved gifts for Sebastian, Penny, Vincent, Sam, Jodi, and Kent.

Secret Note #3: Leah’s Note

Note: “It’s written in Leah’s handwriting-‘My idea of a perfect dinner would be salad, goat cheese, truffle, and wine. For dessert I’d need a poppyseed muffin. Yum! If someone gave me one of these things, I’d melt.”

Solution: Tells us a number of loved gifts for Leah.

Secret Note #4: Maru’s Note

Note: “It’s a note of Maru’s-Parts still needed for my greatest invention yet!:

• Gold Bar
• Iridium Bar
• Battery Pack
• Diamond
• Strawberries“

Solution: Tells us a number of loved gifts for Maru.

Secret Note #5: Penny’s Note

Note: “It’s Penny’s handwriting-I want to get everyone something they love!:

• Mom: Parsnip, Glazed Yams, NO BEER!
• Jas: Fairy Rose, Plum Pudding
• Vincent: Pink Cake
• Mr. Mullner: Leek, Fried Mushroom
• Granny Mullner: Beet, Tulip“

Solution: Tells us a number of loved gifts for Penny, Pam, Jas, Vincent, George, and Evelyn.

Secret Note #6: Stardrop Saloon Special Orders

Note: “Stardrop Saloon Special Orders:

• Mayor Lewis: Autumn’s Bounty (Double order of high-fiber bread on the side)
• Marnie: Pumpkin Pie (extra whipped cream)
• Demetrius: Bean Hotpot (Make it spicy)
• Caroline: Fish Taco (she wants triple the sauce! Better throw in a few extra napkins…)“

Solution: Tells us a number of loved gifts for Mayor Lewis, Marnie, Demetrius, and Caroline.

Secret Note #7: A Page From Someone’s Diary

Note: “It’s a page from someone’s diary…

• There are only a few ‘older’ bachelors in town, and none of them are perfect! Harvey is really anxious and weak, but I know he would make a loyal and devoted husband. He likes coffee and pickles.
• Elliott is a bit foppish and melodramatic, but he does have a nice chin. He likes crab cakes and pomegranates.
• Shane is messy and anti-social. But I think his gruff exterior is a defense mechanism, insulating his softness from the world. He likes, Beer, Pizza, and Pepper Poppers.“

Solution: Tells us a number of of loved gifts for Harvey, Elliot, and Shane.

Secret Note #8: From Haley and Emily’s Parents

Note: “To Haley and Emily. Hope you two are doing well! We’ve sent you your favorite gifts: Pink Cake and Sunflowers for Haley, Gemstones and Wool for Emily! – Love Mom and Dad“

Solution: Tells us a couple of loved gifts for Haley and Emily.

Secret Note #9: Alex’s Strength Training Diet

Note: “Alex’s Strength Training Diet:

• Complete Breakfast
• Salmon Dinner

(I’ve learned to love this food… I can feel the protein!)“

Solution: Tells us a couple of loved gifts for Alex.

Secret Note #10: Skull Cavern Note

Note: “Someone is waiting for you on level 100 in the Skull Cavern…“

Solution: Unlocks the Cryptic Note mission. This quest tasks you with reaching level 100 in the Skull Cavern in Calico Desert. When you reach level 100 you meet Mister Qi. Qi gives you Iridium Snake Milk, this causes you to gain an additional 25 points to your HP.

Secret Note #11: Old Photo

Note: N/A – Old Photo

Solution: Shows a photograph of Marnie and Jas at Marnie’s Ranch in the Forest.

Secret Note #12: Linus Garbage Tips

Note: “I’ve found some good things by looking the the garbage cans, on lucky days. Sometimes you’ll find the ‘dish of the day’ behind the saloon…usually fresh! For dessert, I’ll check the Mullner’s can for cookies. For treasures, check the cans by the blacksmith and museum.“

Solution: Garbage cans in town can be searched for items. Linus talks about different things he has found while dumpster diving in this note.

Secret Note #13: Season End Meeting

Note: “12 o’ clock noon SHARP. Last day of the season. Check the bush above the playground“

Solution: Head to the bush above the playground at 12:00pm on the last day of the season. Interact with the bush and you will get a Junimo Plush as a reward.

Secret Note #14: Location of Hidden Statue

Note: “I hid something behind the community center.“

Solution: Directions to a hidden item behind the community center. The item can be found on the eastside of the community center beside the fence. You will need to walk directly into the back of the community center and click around wildly to grab it. Item you receive is the Stone Junimo garden art.

Secret Note #15: Mermaid Show Shell Code

Note: “Mermaid Show: 1-5-4-2-3“

Solution: Use this sequence on the shells at the Mermaid Show in the Night Market. Completing the puzzle earns you a Pearl.

Secret Note #16: Treasure Location Map

Note: N/A – Treasure Map

Solution: A treasure map highlighting a dig spot behind the hot springs. Head here and dig up the spot to receive a Treasure Chest (sells for 5000g).

Secret Note #17: Treasure Map Location 2

Note: N/A – Treasure Map

Solution: A treasure map highlighting a dig spot on the east banks of the river beside the community center. Head here and dig up the spot to receive a Strange Doll (Green) artifact.

Secret Note #18: Treasure Map Location 3

Note: N/A – Treasure Map

Solution: A treasure map highlighting a dig spot in the Calico Desert. Head to the desert and make your way to the bench in the lower southeast corner. Dig up the spot to receive a Strange Doll artifact (item I received).

Secret Note #19: Follow the Directions

Note: N/A – Follow Directions

Solution: Follow the directions on the Secret Note starting from Jodi’s house and you will eventually arrive at the back of the Mayor’s house. Click around the circled area (pictured) to get the Solid Gold Lewis Statue. If you want you can display it in the Town Square to make 750g, or keep it on your farm.

Secret Note #20: Follow the Directions 2

Note: N/A – Follow Directions

Soltion: Starting in the Town Square, follow the directions on Secret Note #20. Eventually you will end up at the Truck beside Joja Mart or the Theater. Approach the driver’s side door and interact with it. The Joja Truck Driver will ask for Rabbit’s Foot. Give it to them and you will receive the Special Charm which increases your base luck.

Secret Note #21: Follow the Directions 3

Note: N/A – Follow Directions

Solution: Shake the bush indicated in the note (beside the bridge leading south to the Beach) at exactly 12:40 AM to reveal Marnie and Mayor inside. This adds a little bit extra to the story of them having a romance together.

Secret Note #22: The Mysterious Mister Qi Questline

Note:

“Greetings, <Farmer>…

Have you found my ‘secret’ in the dark tunnel?

I look forward to meeting you!

-Qi“

Solution: Gives a hint for the The Mysterious Mister Qi questline. During the quest you must place a Battery Pack inside of a box in The Tunnel.

Secret Note #23: Maple Syrup Request

Note: “If you can read dis… come to secret wuds. Please bring may-pal surrup.”

Solution: Once you’ve acquired Maple Syrup, make your way to the Secret Woods to meet Bear. The bear will give you Bear’s Knowledge wallet item which increase the sale price Blackberries and Salmonberries sell for by 3x (thanks Ben!).

Secret Note #24: M. Jasper’s Book

Note: “It’s a page from M. Jasper’s book:…the creatures, known by some as “Forest Spirits” or “Junimos”, are said to appear in abandoned buildings after they’ve “gone to seed”.As a general rule… when humans leave, and nature begins to reclaim her territory, the Junimos will undoubtedly appear.Folk wisdom holds that the Junimos display some kind of resonant affinity with gemstones that are placed inside their little huts…Also, it’s said that raisins are their favorite food, but they are too shy to take them directly from the hand.Of course, all these claims come from dubious, unverified sources… As far as I know, even the mere existence of these creatures has never been proven!“

Solution: Tells you about placing things inside the Junimo Huts change your Junimos. Gems placed inside change the color of them. Raisins placed inside give them a chance to harvest 2x crops.

Secret Note #25: Note from Abigail

Note: “I ‘borrowed’ a necklace from Mom, but lost it somewhere near the bath house.. She’s going to freak out if she notices it’s missing.“

Solution: Clue to help you find the lost necklace. To find the necklace fish outside in the water outside the Bathhouse during any season but winter to get the Ornate Necklace. Give the necklace to either Caroline (+50 Friendship) or Abigail (+100 Friendship) to return it.

Secret Note #26: Ancient Farming Secret

Note: “Ancient Farming Secrets, line 37: There’s no better helper than a raisin-fed Junimo…“

Solution: This note along with Note #24 hint towards placing Raisins in Junimo Huts. Doing this gives Junimos a chance to harvest 2x Crops while they are collecting them.

Secret Note #27: Grandfather’s Note About Mastery Cave

Note:

“My dear grandchild,
By the time you find this note, I expect you’ll have been living in the valley for quite some time. I hope things are going well!
I’m honored that you’re continuing the family tradition of farming, and through that noble endeavor, bringing greater life and abundance to all of Stardew Valley… a place very dear to my heart.
Keep up the good work!

-Grandpa

P.S. …I’ve hidden a very special secret for you somewhere in the valley. You might think of it as a compendium of my greatest discoveries. Someday, when you’re ready, you’ll find it.“

Solution: Hints at the new Mastery Cave that was added in Update 1.6. The entrance to this cave is in Cindersnap Forest. It can only be accessed once you’ve reached Mastery in all Skills. Inside the cave is Mastery unlocks.

That’s all you need to know about the Secret Notes collectibles in Stardew Valley. These notes are well worth finding and completing where applicable. One interesting thing to note is that ConcernedApe added more notes to the game with the release of Ginger Island. These notes are called Journal Scraps.

Thoughts on this Stardew Valley Secret Notes guide? Let me hear them in The Pit below.