how to use incubator stardew

2 min read 17-01-2025

Stardew Valley's incubator is a late-game addition that significantly boosts your farming capabilities. It allows you to hatch dinosaur eggs and even create mayonnaise from various animal products! This guide details everything you need to know about effectively utilizing the incubator to maximize its benefits.

Obtaining the Incubator

Before you can start hatching, you need to obtain the incubator itself. This happens relatively late in the game:

Complete the Community Center's "The Vault" bundle (or its equivalent in the JojaMart route). This unlocks access to the desert area.
Visit the Oasis. The incubator is purchased from the Oasis merchant, Sandy, for 10,000g.

Preparing for Incubation

Successfully using the incubator requires preparation. Here's what you need to know:

Gathering Dinosaur Eggs

Dinosaur eggs are the primary purpose of the incubator. There are several ways to get them:

Desert Treasure Chests: These chests, found randomly scattered throughout the Calico Desert, have a chance to contain dinosaur eggs.
Fishing in the Oasis: Fishing in the oasis ponds holds a small possibility of reeling in a dinosaur egg.
Monster Drops: Some desert monsters have a rare chance to drop dinosaur eggs.

Choosing Your Eggs

Once you have several dinosaur eggs, you'll want to examine them to understand their potential. Each egg contains a different type of dinosaur. The egg's description will tell you what dinosaur it will hatch into.

Incubation Process

The incubation process is straightforward:

Place the Egg: Simply place the dinosaur egg inside the incubator.
Wait: The incubation time varies depending on the dinosaur. You'll receive a notification when the egg hatches.
Care for Your Dinosaur: Once hatched, you'll need to care for your dinosaur, ensuring it has enough food and space.

Beyond Dinosaurs: Mayonnaise Machine

The incubator isn't just for dinosaurs! It also functions as a mayonnaise machine once you've added the appropriate upgrade. This allows you to create various types of mayonnaise from animal products:

Upgrade: You need to purchase the Mayonnaise Machine upgrade from Sandy in the Oasis. This is separate from the basic incubator.
Mayonnaise Ingredients: Use various animal products (like eggs, milk, or goat milk) to create different mayonnaise types. Each type sells for a different price, so experimentation can increase profit.

Tips for Maximizing Incubator Use

Prioritize Desert Exploration: The more you explore the Calico Desert, the higher your chances of finding dinosaur eggs.
Regularly Check the Incubator: Don't forget to check on the incubator regularly to ensure that eggs have hatched and to replenish ingredients for mayonnaise production.
Combine with Other Farming Activities: Integrate incubator use with your other farming strategies to boost efficiency and profits. For example, grow crops that feed your dinosaurs for greater resource management.
Sell or Keep? Consider the market value of the dinosaurs you hatch versus the potential for their future egg production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to hatch a dinosaur egg?

A: Incubation time varies depending on the type of dinosaur egg. Check the egg's description for details.

Q: What happens if I don't take care of my dinosaur?

A: Neglecting your dinosaur will lead to it becoming unhappy and potentially impacting its egg production.

Q: Can I hatch multiple eggs at once?

A: Yes, the incubator can hold multiple eggs concurrently.

Q: What are the best mayonnaise types to produce?

A: The most profitable mayonnaise types will depend on current market demand and the availability of animal products. Experiment to find what sells best!

This comprehensive guide should help you master the incubator in Stardew Valley, unlocking a new level of farming potential and profit. Remember to explore, experiment, and have fun!