How to Unlock the Pirate Cove on Ginger Island

Looking to Unlock the Pirate Cove in Stardew Valley? Here's How to Access and Explore this Unique Place.

Everything about the Pirate Cove in Stardew Valley.

player standing near boat to ginger island before repairs

Stardew Valley is a game full of surprises and hidden content that will keep you hooked for hours on end. One such hidden gem is the Pirate Cove, located on Ginger Island. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of unlocking this exciting location and share everything you need to know about it.

But before we dive into the pirate-filled waters, let’s first understand how to get to Ginger Island itself. 🏝️

How to Get to Ginger Island

Prior to visiting the Pirate Cove, you must have access to Ginger Island. This lush tropical paradise becomes available only after you complete either the Community Center or the JojaMart Warehouse. Once you’ve accomplished this milestone, Willy will send you mail informing you about a little boat in the back of his fishing shop that needs repairs.

To repair the boat, you’ll need the following materials:

  • 200x Hardwood
  • 5x Iridium Bars
  • 5x Battery Packs

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials and delivered them to Willy, he’ll work his magic and repair the boat. From there, you can travel to Ginger Island for a meager price of 1,000g. 🚣‍♀️

How to Unlock the Pirate Cove

player standing at beach resort

Now, onto the main event: unlocking the Pirate Cove! As you explore Ginger Island, you’ll come across stands where parrots can perch. These stands allow you to unlock various island upgrades using Golden Walnuts, which are obtained by completing tasks and exploring the island.

To unlock the Pirate Cove, you’ll need to complete a series of upgrades in a specific order. Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Speak to Leo

stardew valley inside Leo’s hut

Your journey begins by speaking to Leo, who resides in a hut on the right side of the main beach where Willy’s boat is located. The parrot inside Leo’s hut will require one Golden Walnut to unlock the next step.

Step 2: Unlock Island West

Next, you need to unlock the west area of the island. The entrance is on the left side of the main beach, guarded by a giant turtle. Give the nearby parrot ten Golden Walnuts, and the turtle will wake up and make way for you.

Step 3: Upgrade the Island Farmhouse

Island farmhouse

Almost there! Now, it’s time to upgrade the island farmhouse within the previously unlocked west area. This upgrade will cost you 20 Golden Walnuts.

Step 4: Unlock the Beach Resort

With the island farmhouse upgraded, return to the main beach and unlock the Beach Resort for another 20 Golden Walnuts. The Beach Resort is a tropical area where you can find several residents of Pelican Town enjoying their vacations.

Once you’ve completed all these steps, you’re finally ready to set foot in the Pirate Cove! ⚓

How to Find the Pirate Cove

arrow pointing to entrance of pirate cove area

As you explore Ginger Island’s beaches, you’ll notice that the previously obstructed area in the lower right-hand corner is now clear of debris. This is the entrance to the Pirate Cove!

Head through the opening that seems to lead into the wall, and voila! You’ve arrived at the Pirate Cove, where adventure awaits! 🏴‍☠️

What Can You Do at the Pirate Cove?

stardew valley inside pirate cove

If you visit the Pirate Cove during the day, you’ll find yourself in an indoor area devoid of any visitors. However, when night falls, the real fun begins! On even-numbered days without rain, a band of lively pirates gathers inside the cave after 8 pm. Although you can’t give them gifts, you can still interact with them and soak in the pirate atmosphere.

Here are some activities you can enjoy at the Pirate Cove:

How to Get Free Mead

When adorned with pirate-themed clothing, you’ll be rewarded with free mead at the bar. Wear any of the following clothing items to receive this delightful treat:

  • Pirate Hat 👒
  • Eye Patch 👁️‍🗨️
  • Deluxe Pirate Hat 🎩

How to Play Darts

While mingling with the pirates, you’ll have the opportunity to play darts. By winning the first three games, you’ll receive golden walnuts as rewards. Afterward, you can continue playing for fun, but without receiving any additional rewards.

Fishing in Pirate Cove

stardew valley player holding a stingray fish

Lastly, you can try your hand at fishing in the waters of the Pirate Cove. Here’s a list of fish you can expect to catch:

  • Flounder 🐟
  • Lionfish 🐠
  • Tuna 🐟
  • Pufferfish 🐡
  • Stingray 🐬
  • Super Cucumber 🥒

There’s even a rare chance to reel in a Gourmand Statue, a decoration shaped like a frog that you can place anywhere on the island or in the valley. Keep an eye out for the elusive stingray, as the Pirate Cove is the only place in the game where you can find it.

So don your pirate hat, grab your fishing rod, and set sail for the Pirate Cove. Adventure awaits you on Ginger Island!


Q&A

Q: How do I access Ginger Island?
A: To reach Ginger Island, you must complete either the Community Center or the JojaMart Warehouse. Willy will then inform you about a boat in need of repairs, which will grant you access to the island.

Q: What other activities can I enjoy on Ginger Island?
A: Ginger Island offers a wide range of activities, including exploring hidden caves, completing tasks for islanders, farming unique crops, and even raising ostriches! It’s truly a paradise for adventurous farmers.

Q: Can I bring my friends to the Pirate Cove in multiplayer mode?
A: Absolutely! In multiplayer mode, you can embark on thrilling pirate adventures with your friends. Work together to unlock the Pirate Cove and enjoy all the activities it has to offer.


Updated January 28, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace

References: – Stardew Valley’s Official WebsiteHow to Get to Ginger IslandUnlocking Ginger Island’s Pirate CoveDiscovering Pirate Cove’s SecretsGinger Island UpgradesExploring Stardew Valley


🌟 If you found this guide helpful, don’t be shy! Share it with your fellow farmers on social media and let them join in the piratey fun! 🏴‍☠️✨