The Earthquake Event in Stardew Valley is initially puzzling. It occurs unexpectedly, and at first glance, it appears to have no apparent impact on gameplay or the story. However, a closer inspection reveals significant changes in the game after the unsettling Earthquake. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the entire experience and outlines the alterations that take place in the town following this phenomenon.

Split image of a character finding a Crystal Fruit while foraging and a character holding a Crystal Fruit in Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley: How to Get Crystal Fruit

Here is where you can find Crystal Fruit in Stardew Valley, and how to use it to increase profits.

What Is the Earthquake Event?

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The Earthquake is a scripted Random Event scheduled to occur on the third night of the initial Summer. Following the event, you receive a notification informing you about the earthquake that transpired the previous night. However, upon inspecting both the farm and the town, everything appears to be in perfect condition. The sole alteration post-event is the inclusion of a new section to the map, situated in the northern area.

What Happens After the Earthquake?

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After the Earthquake, the map expands. The subsequent morning, make your way to the Mountains region and explore the path located behind the Carpenter's Shop to unveil the new area. The massive rock obstructing the stairs previously will have disappeared, granting access to an entirely fresh section of the map.

What Does the Earthquake Event Unlock?

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The summertime Earthquake clears the Railroad’s path, unlocking a new region. Within this unexplored area, you’ll discover the Train Station, The Spa, The Witch’s Swamp, and The Summit. The Station is a reward collection point for random Train loot. Additionally, The Spa functions as an Energy Restoration spot, replenishing your Stamina.

The other two areas—The Witch’s Swamp and The Summit —remain inaccessible after the Event. To unlock them, you must complete Wizard’s quests and achieve the Perfection status (100% the game).

What Can You Find in the Railroad After the Earthquake

Image of the witch's lair being opened up in Stardew Valley

The most profitable loot in the Railroad area is derived from the passing Trains. Every day, passengers drop resources and valuable items near the Station, providing you with a 24-hour window to collect them. Additionally, there are other forgeable items and drops scattered throughout this region, including Daffodil, Blackberry, and Crocus. (Refer to the table below for details.)

Trains are likely to pass through the town every day between 9 AM and 6 PM. However, their arrival is governed by RNG (Random Number Generation), making it unpredictable to anticipate when they will pass by.

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Stardew Valley
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Released
February 26, 2016
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Number of Players
1-4
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical or Horizontal
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation
How Long To Beat
53 Hours
File Size Xbox Series
1 GB (November 2023)
Metascore
89
Local Co-Op Support
1-4 Players