Stardew Valley's Biggest Secret: How To Find The Pot Of Gold And The Rare Leprechaun Hat (1.6 Update Guide)
The Stardew Valley 1.6 Update brought a massive amount of new content, from major features like the Meadowlands Farm to subtle, delightful secrets that veteran players are still uncovering. One of the most charming—and easily missed—additions is the elusive Pot of Gold, a seasonal treasure that offers a yearly cash injection and a unique cosmetic item.
As of this current date, December 20, 2025, this guide provides the definitive, up-to-date information on exactly when and where to find this annual springtime surprise. Forget searching for a rainbow; the key to this secret lies in one specific date and one often-overlooked corner of the map.
The Cindersap Forest Secret: Exact Location and Date
The Pot of Gold is not a random event; it is a recurring, annual secret tied to a real-world holiday, making it one of the most reliable hidden features in the game. Knowing the exact conditions is crucial, as the window to claim your prize is only 24 in-game hours.
The Annual Trigger: Spring 17th
The rainbow and its accompanying treasure appear every year on Spring 17th, a clear nod to St. Patrick’s Day. Unlike some other weather-dependent events, the appearance of the Pot of Gold is guaranteed on this date, regardless of whether it is raining or sunny.
- Season: Spring
- Day: 17th
- Condition: Guaranteed event (not weather-dependent)
- Reward Type: Gold and a unique Hat
Where to Find the End of the Rainbow
The treasure is hidden in the Cindersap Forest, the large woodland area southwest of Pelican Town. Specifically, you need to head to the southern edge of the forest, near the riverbank where the Abandoned House (also known as the Hat Mouse’s shop) is located.
The precise location is the small waterfall and pool of water directly to the right of the Abandoned House. On Spring 17th, a small, shimmering Pot of Gold will be visible at the base of the waterfall, marking the 'end of the rainbow'.
What You Get: Gold and the Exclusive Leprechaun Hat
Interacting with the Pot of Gold is simple: just walk up to it and click. The rewards are twofold, providing both a financial boost and a rare cosmetic item that adds significant flair to your farmer or your horse.
The Financial Reward: Scaling Gold
The immediate reward is a sum of gold. In your first year, you will receive 200 Gold. However, the real value of this secret is its scalability. The amount of gold you receive from the Pot of Gold increases every year you play.
While the exact formula for the annual increase is a minor mystery, the fact that this is a recurring, growing source of income makes it a valuable late-game secret. It serves as a fun, annual bonus that rewards long-term players for remembering the date.
The Cosmetic Prize: The Leprechaun Hat
The most sought-after reward for many players is the Leprechaun Hat. This unique green hat is a classic St. Patrick’s Day accessory and is only obtainable from the Pot of Gold event. Once you collect it, it is added to your hat collection and can be worn by your farmer or placed on your horse’s head.
It’s a fun, small detail that showcases the 1.6 update’s commitment to adding more charm and hidden content to the game world. It’s a must-have for completionists and players who love customizing their character.
Topical Authority: Other Cindersap Forest Secrets and 1.6 Entities
The Cindersap Forest is a hub for many of Stardew Valley’s best secrets, and the Pot of Gold is just the latest addition. To truly master the area and unlock its full potential, you should be familiar with these other key entities and hidden spots.
The Abandoned House (Hat Mouse)
The Pot of Gold appears right next to the Abandoned House, which is the home of the Hat Mouse. This NPC sells all the hats you have unlocked through achievements. The Hat Mouse is an entity that becomes more important as you unlock more content, making the entire area a destination for cosmetic rewards.
The Secret Woods
The northwestern corner of Cindersap Forest is home to the Secret Woods. This area is initially blocked by a large log that requires a Copper Axe (or better) to clear. The Secret Woods is essential for foraging Hardwood, which is a critical resource for late-game crafting and farm building upgrades. It also contains four stumps that respawn daily, providing 12 Hardwood per day.
The Wizard's Tower
Just south of the farm entrance to Cindersap Forest is the Wizard's Tower. This is where you meet the Wizard, Rasmodius, who is key to unlocking magic, the Shrine of Illusions (for changing your appearance), and eventually, the Junimo Hut and other late-game structures. The tower connects to various magical aspects of the game, including the Witch's Swamp.
The Traveling Cart
On Fridays and Sundays, the Traveling Cart appears in the northern part of Cindersap Forest, near the entrance to the farm. This merchant sells a random assortment of items, including rare seeds, artifacts, and expensive goods. Checking the Traveling Cart is a crucial part of the weekly routine for any serious farmer, as it can often provide items you need to complete the Community Center bundles or unlock the Greenhouse.
Maximizing Your Spring 17th Visit
Since the Pot of Gold is a one-day-only, annual event, it’s worth making a note of it in your in-game calendar. Here are a few tips to ensure you don't miss out:
- Set a Reminder: Mark Spring 17th as a priority day. Since it’s not a major festival, it’s easy to overlook.
- Bring your Pet: If you have a horse, the Leprechaun Hat is a fun accessory for them.
- Combine Trips: Since you are already in Cindersap Forest, make a full day of it. Clear the log to enter the Secret Woods for Hardwood, and check the Traveling Cart if it’s a Friday or Sunday.
- Check the Gold: Pay attention to the amount of gold you receive each year to track how the reward scales, adding another layer of long-term progression to your farm.
The addition of the Pot of Gold and the Leprechaun Hat in the 1.6 update is a perfect example of how the developers continue to add small, delightful secrets that reward players for exploring and paying attention to the details of the world. Make sure you visit the waterfall in Cindersap Forest every Spring 17th to claim your annual hidden fortune!
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