Have you ever wondered about the mysterious traveling merchant stardew valley players often mention? She appears with her pig-drawn cart, offering a unique and random selection of goods. Consequently, visiting her can be a game-changer. She might hold the key to finishing your Community Center bundles much earlier than expected. This guide covers everything you need to know about her.
Who is the Stardew Valley Traveling Merchant?
The Traveling Merchant is a special vendor who is not a resident of Pelican Town. She runs a shop called the Traveling Cart, which is pulled by a large pig wearing a fez. Unlike other shopkeepers, her inventory is extremely varied and changes with every visit. Therefore, you never know what treasures you might find.
Where and When to Find the Traveling Merchant Stardew
Finding the merchant is quite simple once you know her schedule. She reliably appears in the Cindersap Forest on two specific days of the week.
You can find her in the following locations:
- Fridays & Sundays: She sets up her cart in the Cindersap Forest. You can find it in the pathway north of the large pond, just south of the Farm entrance. She is available from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Night Market: In addition, she appears at the Night Market every day it is held (Winter 15-17). Her boat will be docked at the beach, and she is open for business all day.
Checking her stock should become a regular part of your Friday and Sunday routine. It’s a small time investment with potentially huge rewards.
What Does the Traveling Merchant Sell?
The merchant’s stock is her main appeal. While some items are common, she often sells rare goods that are difficult to obtain otherwise. Her prices can be high, but the convenience is often worth the cost. Here are some items to look out for.
Must-Buy Rare Items
- Rare Seed: This is a key item. You can buy it in Spring and Summer to grow a Sweet Gem Berry, which is very valuable.
- Coffee Bean: She is one of the easiest sources for your first Coffee Bean. This lets you start your own coffee empire for a major speed and profit boost.
- Ancient Seed: Sometimes, she sells the Ancient Seed artifact. You can donate the first one to Gunther to get the plantable version and a crafting recipe.
Community Center Savers
The merchant is famous for helping players complete the Community Center in Year 1. For instance, she is the only guaranteed source for a Red Cabbage seed before Year 2.
She can also sell:
- Rare Fish: Fish that are out of season or difficult to catch.
- Animal Products: Items like Large Milk, Goat Cheese, or Truffles before you have the animals to produce them.
- Foraged Goods: Hard-to-find foraged items for seasonal bundles.
Is the Traveling Merchant Worth It?
Absolutely. While her prices are often inflated, the value she provides is undeniable. The ability to buy an item you need for a bundle, instead of waiting for a new season or upgrading a tool, saves an incredible amount of time. Therefore, the traveling merchant stardew valley offers is a resource you should never ignore.
However, a word of caution is necessary. Always have a general idea of an item’s worth before buying. She sometimes sells common items for far more than Pierre would. For rare and bundle-specific items, though, she is an invaluable asset to any farmer.