Review
Stardew Valley has an incredible number of hidden details for players willing to spend the time finding them. Easter eggs are commonplace in this intricate indie game, with surprising benefits to players who are more inclined to grind the game for long hours or are up for a challenge. Such is the case with this rare line of dialogue. While it’s certainly not the only rare line of dialogue players can achieve in Stardew Valley, achieving it is quite the feat.
This particular quest involves one of Stardew Valley’s most mysterious NPCs, Mr. Qi and descending through the first 25 floors of Skull Cavern. Although it is one of the earliest challenges players receive when they first interact with this character, some players may simply think that these first floors are all that need to be completed. However, Stardew Valley players more in the know are aware that this quest can go even further.
Stardew Valley's Skull Cavern and Mr. Qi
Skull Cavern is located in the northwest area of Stardew Valley’s Desert. The cavern is initially locked, meaning players will need the Skull Key in order to gain access to this mine. The levels in Skull Cavern feel practically endless, which happens to be true. There is no practical limit to the number of floors in the mine, which players advance through by finding a ladder on each floor, either by mining rocks or defeating enemies. Additionally, there is no elevator in the Skull Cavern, unlike the Mines. Players can also jump from shafts, though players will take fall damage.
Mr. Qi will encourage players to explore Skull Cavern. After entering Skull Cavern for the first time, players will receive a letter from Mr. Qi the next day. This letter officially begins the “Qi’s Challenge” quest, which is completed by reaching the Cavern’s 25th floor. Players are awarded 10,000g after completing the quest by mail. However, if the player reaches the 25th floor of the Skull Cavern during their first visit, the quest will be automatically fulfilled the next day. “Qi’s Hungry Challenge” is yet another quest that involves both Skull Cavern and Mr. Qi. However, the quest is repeatable by Special Order. Players must reach the 100th floor of the Skull Cavern during a specific time limit.
Only Honorable Stardew Valley Players Receive this Line of Dialogue
This second quest is the gateway towards this rare dialogue line. Players who reach the 100th floor without using letters will receive special congratulations from Mr. Qi. This relates to the original dialogue in the cut scene, in which Mr. Qi mentions the many stairs players must climb in order to complete the quest. Mr. Qi deems this method clever, but not honorable.
But players who manage to hit all 100 floors of Skull Cavern without using staircases will receive a different line of dialogue from Mr. Qi:
“Impressive… very impressive. You passed my test with flying colors, kid. I’m very pleased that you challenged yourself and came down the honorable way, instead of skipping all the levels by crafting staircases. That shows you’re the real deal, kid. You’ve got principles. You understand the importance of challenging yourself, and holding yourself to the highest standard, even if no one is watching. That’s why you’re special, kid… see? You lead by example. I like that.”
It should be noted that some players have received this alternative line of dialogue despite taking one or two staircases during the Skull Cavern challenge. Nevertheless, this rare dialogue from Mr. Qi will only be handed out to Stardew Valley players dedicated to some good old-fashioned grinding.
