Stardew Valley players that aren't particularly drawn to the farming side of the game have always been able to delve into the game's caves and skull caverns - the game's 1.5 update also saw a new dungeon added for players to battle through, among many other additions.
While it may seem odd for such a lighthearted game to feature so many deadly monsters, there are several rewards available for slaying certain numbers of the monsters in the game - this guide will help players find and slay the beasts that Marlon's monster guild has bounties on. When they're all completed, this will also unlock the Protector of the Valley trophy / achievement.
What Are The Monster Eradication Goals?
First introduced very early in the game, it's easy to forget that the adventurer's guild exists - let alone that it features a weapon shop and several bounties on the heads of various monsters. Open from 2PM until 10PM every day, found directly right of the mines entrance and near the unlockable quarry, the guild features monster eradication goals that can be found on the board next to Marlon. They are as follows:
Target | Number of kills needed | Reward |
|---|---|---|
Slimes of any color | 1000 | Slime Charmer Ring |
Void Spirits | 150 | Savage Ring |
Bats of any type | 200 | Vampire Ring |
Skeletons | 50 | Skeleton mask |
Cave Insects | 125 | Insect Head |
Duggies | 30 | Hard Hat |
Dust Sprites | 500 | Burglar's Ring |
Rock Crabs | 60 | Crabshell Ring |
Mummies | 100 | Arcane Hat |
Pepper Rex | 50 | Knight's Helmet |
Serpents | 250 | Napalm Ring |
Magma Sprites | 150 | Marlon's Phone Number |
Some players have reported the Protector of the Valley trophy / achievement not unlocking when the last goal they completed was for killing 150 Magma Sprites - while magma sprites are likely the last monster that players will find, they are encouraged to complete its goal as soon as possible to make sure the trophy / achievement unlocks.
Where Can The Monsters Be Found?
When players have suitably equipped themselves, they'll simply need to find the monsters and make short work of them. Some are available on certain levels of the mines, while others can only be found in the Calico Desert's skull caverns, and others still are only available in the volcano dungeon on Ginger Island.
The Mines Monsters
- Slimes of various colors can be found on all floors of the mines.
- Void Spirits are easiest to find on floors 101-119.
- Bats can be found on all floors.
- Skeletons are easiest to find on floors 71-79.
- Cave Insects are easiest to find on floors 1-39.
- Duggies are easiest to find in dirt patches on floors 11-15.
- Dust sprites are easiest to find on floors 55-65.
- Rock Crabs can be found on all floors.
Skull Cavern Monsters
- Mummies must be properly finished off with bombs.
- Pepper Rex can only be found on Prehistoric-themed levels.
- Serpents will appear frequently.
- Rock Crabs can appear underneath Iridium Ore.
- Bats will appear as their tougher Lava and Iridium bat variations.
- Slimes appear as their tougher Purple variations.
Volcano Dungeon Monsters
- Magma Sprites of various colors can be found on most levels.
- Duggies can appear as their tougher Magma Duggie variations in dirt patches.
- Slimes appear as their tougher Tiger Slime variations.
When an eradication goal has been completed, a notification will appear in-game - players should then visit the adventurer's guild and speak to Gil for their reward - Gil sits on the far right side of the guild, next to the fireplace. When the final goal has been completed, the Protector Of The Valley trophy / achievement will unlock.
Stardew Valley is available on Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.