There are a number of randomized and lucky events that happen in Stardew Valley. That's part of the reason the game is so fun and has players always returning to Pelican Town. One of these events brings life to the game; a train that passes through the Valley on it's way to a distant destination.

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But this train isn't just for show. If you make it to the train before it's gone, you have a chance to find fun surprises it can drop and leave behind. This guide will go over everything you need to know so that when a train does show up, you're ready for it.

Where Does The Train Pass Through?

Mods used in image: UI Info Suite 2 by Annosz and Stardew Valley Expanded by FlashShifter

The first thing to know about the train is where the heck it is. After all, what good does it do to know the train has arrived if you don't know where to go?

In the Mountains, there is a rock wall behind Robin's Home and Shop. At first, this wall is complete, solid rock that you can't pass through. During Summer in your first year, you will hear an earthquake during the night. This will open up that wall, unblocking the path to the Spa.

When you first visit the Spa, you'll notice the train tracks that are behind it. But it's not just the tracks, there is the train station as well, making it clear where you have to race to when a train passes through.

What Does It Mean When A Train Is Passing Through?

Mod used in image: UI Info Suite 2 by Annosz

As you're walking around the Valley and going about your usual business, you will hear the whistle of the train that is accompanied by a pop-up notification in the bottom left of your screen that reads: "A train is passing through Stardew Valley." This means a train is coming to the train station.

When the notice pops up, the train isn't already passing through or at the station, giving you some time to get to it without missing it completely. There will be time to run or ride, if you've unlocked the horse, up to the mountains. However, if you want to catch it, you want to start heading up to the tracks right away.

Another way to ensure you make it in time is to use a Mountain Warp Totem. Or by carrying a Farm Warp Totem.

Why Do You Want To Catch The Train?

Mods used in image: UI Info Suite 2 by Annosz and Stardew Valley Expanded by FlashShifter

There are different types of trains and cars that pass through the Valley. Some of these don't do much. They take the shape of enclosed or passenger cars. Trains that have these cars won't do anything but look nice as they pass by.

However, train cars that are open will have a chance to drop a variety of items from resources to clothing. Some of the items include:

  • Coal
  • Wood
  • Cooper Ore
  • Iron Ore
  • Gold Ore
  • Geodes
  • Mystery Boxes
  • Leprechaun Shoes

These items and resources will drop from the train onto the ground near the tracks and as soon as you run close enough to them you will pick them up, just like loot dropped from a monster.

Leprechaun Shoes can only be found when dropped by a train. They can't be purchased or tailored either.

Just like the schedule of the train can't be predicted or triggered, you can't change or predict what kind of items are dropped. That means you won't know if the current train will be a passenger train that drops nothing or a cargo train that drops something until you head up to the mountains and lay your eyes on it.

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When Does The Train Show Up?

Mods used in image: UI Info Suite 2 by Annosz and Stardew Valley Expanded by FlashShifter

There is no set time or schedule for the trains that pass through Stardew Valley. It's a random event that can't be triggered or forced. For some players, they see trains often, while others go full years without one passing through.

That is to say, don't spend your days waiting by the tracks. There's no guarantee one will show up. You'll instead need to wait until you're notified that it's arrived.

Is It Worth Catching The Train?

Mods used in image: UI Info Suite 2 by Annosz and Stardew Valley Expanded by FlashShifter

The train passing through is a fun event, and it can feel rewarding and special when a train drops extra resources that can help you build your farming empire. If you enjoy these whimsical surprises in Stardew Valley, it's always worth it.

If you view it from the perspective of whether the odds are worth sacrificing the time to run up to the mountains versus what you could have accomplished otherwise in the day, then it comes down to how far along you are on your Stardew journey.

When you are first starting out, you have to work hard to gather a lot of resources to craft the machines you need and have Robin construct the buildings to further your progress. So having these random chances of free resources that don't take away from your energy level is worth it.

If you are further along in your game, in the mid to late game, then no, you don't have to rush up to watch the train pass through. You may have time to do it depending on what you're currently focusing on, but unless you're hoping to get the Leprechaun Shoes, there's nothing that can drop that you can't get another, more reliable way.

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