Squid ink has been in the game for a while now, here's how to get in and what it's used for. If there's a game that just keeps on adding content and giving fans regular updates, it's definitely Stardew Valley, there's no doubt about it.
When the 1.4 update was released back in 2019, that's when Squid Ink was first introduced into the game. Although it's not worth a lot in gold (it only sells for 110g), it's got its own uses so it doesn't hurt to learn about it, namely how to get it and what it's good for.
How To Get Squid Ink
Before learning about the uses for Squid Ink, it's best to know how exactly fans can obtain it. In Stardew Valley, there are only two ways to get one's hands on Squid Ink.
The Mines
It's possible to obtain Squid Ink down in The Mines, on the northern part of the map next to the mountains. There are two monsters that have a 20% chance of dropping Squid Ink, the Squid Kid and its more dangerous variation which is a more yellow-ish tone and wears sunglasses. Squid Kid's variation will only appear if the player has activated the Shrine of Challenge. Both Squid Kids have the same chance of dropping the item once they perish.
The easiest way is to simply go through the normal Mines of the game and play through floors 80 to 120, which is when this type of enemy has a chance of spawning.
Fish Ponds
Fish ponds were introduced in 1.4 along with Squid Ink, they're a type of farm building that is available at Robin's Carpenter's Shop. Both Squids and Midnight Squids produce Squid Ink, although the latter has a chance of producing two Squid Ink instead of one. Regular Squid can be fished in the ocean in the evening during Winter and Midnight Squid can be fished during the submarine ride at the Night Market festival event.
What It's Used For
When it comes to villager gifts, Squid Ink is definitely not a fan favorite - it's a neutral gift for everyone except Elliott, who started loving receiving Squid Ink as a gift with update 1.5.
There's an article of clothing in the game that can only be crafted with the sewing machine if the player has Squid Ink in their inventory: the Midnight Dog Jacket - the only necessary ingredients are cloth and Squid Ink.
If a player decides to play through the game with the remixed bundles Community Center option on, then Squid Ink can be part of the Fish Farmer's Bundle remix. And, although it isn't worth all that much, it has to be shipped at least once in order to complete the Shipping Collection.
Lastly, there are two cooking recipes that require this ingredient: Seafoam Pudding and Squid Ink Ravioli. To unlock these recipes it's necessary to reach level nine Fishing and level nine Combat, respectively.