Clay is a simple resource in Stardew Valley but at times, it can be hard to obtain. This material cannot be purchased from any vendor and is used in a variety of important recipes. You will need clay for recipes such as retaining soil and the bone mill. Additionally, the silo building will require ten clay.
Related: Stardew Valley: How To Farm Ore
In this guide, we are going to go over the best ways to get this resource. First, let's take a look at the best way to farm clay, and then afterward, we will look at two more passive ways to obtain clay. Remember, these will be the best ways to obtain it, but there are a few other less plentiful methods. For example, either Vincent or Jas can gift you one clay during the Feast of the Winter Star.
Dirt Areas In The Mines
Using your hoe on any dirt area will have a chance to yield some clay. You can do this in any location with a dirt floor, however, you will have a better chance to find clay in the mines.
In the image above, you can see a player standing in a dirt patch in the mines. These areas have a different color and texture than the normal floor. Using your hoe here will result in items such as cave carrots and clay. You can also place bombs here, which will essentially 'hoe' the dirt and uncover any clay.
For maximum efficiency, try to stay near the top levels of the Mines. Here, you will be able to focus on mining without strong enemies attacking you. While you till up this dirt, you will also have a chance to find relics that can be donated to the museum.
Artifact Spots
Artifact spots are areas with three worm-like sticks poking out. These dirt patches will have a 100 percent chance to yield an item.
The item in the spot can be an actual artifact, or it can be a resource. These artifact spots have a chance to drop between one to three pieces of clay.
These spots are more common in the winter, so be sure to check around the valley during this season to get any clay that could be buried.
Cracking Open Geodes
Lastly, you can get clay from cracking open geodes. This can be done by Clint at the Blacksmith's shop, or with the personal geode crusher. To obtain the personal geode crusher, you will need to complete the Cave Patrol special order, which can be found at the special orders board in front of Mayor Lewis' house.
There are four types of geodes, which you can find listed below.
- Normal Geode
- Frozen Geode
- Magma Geode
- Omni Geode
All geodes will have a small chance to contain just one clay. This isn't the quickest way to obtain clay, but it's a great passive method if you spend a lot of time collecting geodes.
Overall, the quickest way to farm clay is by tilling up dirt in the mines. Head to the mines with your hoe and a few bombs and start searching!