The Calico Desert lies in the far northwest of Pelican Town and remains inaccessible until players repair the Bus Stop. This can be achieved in two ways: by completing all the Vault Bundles at the Community Center, which collectively cost 43,500 gold, or by opting for the Joja Community Development Form, which costs 40,000 gold. Once this is done, Pam becomes the designated bus driver and will offer transport to the desert for a 500g fee.
Key Areas Within the Desert
This dry and expansive region houses several distinct points of interest, each offering something different for players to explore or interact with:
- Casino – Located behind the Oasis, this hidden establishment offers games of chance.
- Desert Trader – A unique vendor with rotating items.
- Oasis – A shop where rare and seasonal goods can be found.
- Sand Dragon – A mysterious landmark tied to specific quests.
- Skull Cavern – A challenging dungeon offering rare resources and enemies.
- Three Pillars – A notable set of stone monuments.
- Warp Statue – A statue that becomes important in endgame travel options.
Limited Foraging Opportunities
Compared to other regions in Stardew Valley, the Calico Desert doesn’t offer much in terms of foraging. Only two items can be gathered here — the Coconut and the Cactus Fruit — and there’s a 50% probability of finding either.
Fishing in the Desert
Although fishing is available in this area, the selection of fish is rather limited. Still, the types you can catch here include:
- Sandfish – Available all day from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Scorpion Fish – Found during the same time frame as the Sandfish.
- Green Algae – Can be hooked from 6 AM until 2 AM.
Unearthing Desert Artifacts
Artifacts are present in the desert, though they are somewhat rare. Digging in the sand may uncover the following items:
- Palm Fossil – Found with a 7% chance.
- Golden Relic – Appears with a 6% chance.
- Golden Mask – The rarest of the three, with a 3% chance of discovery.
Other diggable items include Clay, Lost Books, and Stones. If the player has acquired the Magnifying Glass, they might also come across a Secret Note hidden in the sand.