Solar essence is a surprisingly helpful resource in Stardew Valley, as you can use it to make money, complete the Community Center, and as a gift for a particular villager. However, while you can quickly stockpile this resource during your playthrough, finding your first few can be a challenge, especially early on.
Where to find Solar Essence in Stardew Valley
Solar essence is a monster drop from several enemies in the mines. Below is a list of every enemy that drops solar essence:
- Ghost
- Mummy
- Iridium Bat
- Metal Head
- Haunted Skull
- Squid Kid
- Hot Head
- Blue Squid (Dangerous Mines)
In particular, farming mummies and ghosts in the Skull Cavern mines is one of the best ways to get solar essence, as both have an almost guaranteed drop of one essence, with a low chance of spawning a second. However, mummies require bombs to eliminate, so make sure you bring a few before venturing into the mines.
Metal heads in the regular mines are also great sources of solar essence. Although their odds of dropping it are lower than ghosts and mummies, they’re a good way to get some early before you unlock the desert.
Alternatively, you can buy solar essence from Krobus’ shop for 80 coins each. However, this is mainly helpful if you need it for the Community Center or gifting rather than making money.
What is Solar Essence used for in Stardew Valley?
Solar essence has multiple uses in Stardew Valley, including donating to the Community Center, crafting multiple items, and gifting to the Wizard as a loved gift. If you’re looking to befriend the Wizard quickly, giving him solar essence is a great way to boost his friendship, especially on his birthday on Winter 17. Otherwise, you can use one solar essence in the Adventurer’s Bundle in the Community Center to progress through the Boiler Room.
If you’re more interested in crafting, you can use solar essence to make the following items:
- Iridium Band
- Mega Bomb
- Quality Bobber
- Hyper Speed-Gro
- Glowstone Ring
- Mini-Obelisk
- Barrel Brazier
Solar essence by itself also sells for 40 gold per item, making it a solid option to toss into your shipping bin if you need extra money and farm an abundance of it.
