Searchable reference
Stardew Valley Secret Notes and Journal Scraps Database
Magnifying Glass unlock, Secret Note sources, gift clues, map puzzles, Cryptic Note, Ginger Island Journal Scraps, Golden Walnut hints, and Forge clue routes.
Magnifying Glass Unlock
Unlock / 1 Special Item
Trigger A Winter Mystery by entering the Bus Stop from the farm during Winter daytime, then follow the Shadow Guy trail to unlock Secret Notes.
Secret Note Sources
Collection / 27 Secret Notes
After the Magnifying Glass is unlocked, normal activities such as digging, chopping, mining, fishing, weeds, resource clumps, and combat can reveal notes.
Gift Clue Notes
Friendship / Multiple villager clue notes
Several Secret Notes reveal loved-gift clues and add learned preferences to the villager Gift Log, making friendship routes easier to plan.
Map and Location Puzzle Notes
Puzzle / Map-style notes
Map-style Secret Notes point to dig spots, hidden items, or route puzzles; solve them during town, forest, desert, beach, and rail-area loops.
Cryptic Note and Floor 100
Skull Cavern / Secret Note #10 route
Secret Note #10 starts the Cryptic Note route, sending the player to floor 100 of Skull Cavern for Mr. Qi's reward.
Secret Note Collection Cleanup
Completion / Collection tab cleanup
Late collection cleanup is easiest when note farming overlaps with fishing trash replacement, mine days, artifact spots, tree chopping, and farm clearing.
Journal Scrap Basics
Ginger Island / 11 Journal Scraps
Journal Scraps are Ginger Island note collectibles that appear in order and explain island lore, Golden Walnuts, Volcano systems, and puzzle routes.
Journal Scrap Walnut Hints
Golden Walnuts / Island puzzle clues
Several Journal Scraps point toward Golden Walnut sources, island dig spots, the Mermaid puzzle, Volcano hints, and island exploration habits.
Journal Scrap Forge and Enchanting Hints
Forge / Volcano and Forge notes
Some Journal Scraps teach the Volcano Forge, gem forging, weapon enchantments, tool enchantments, and ring combining, making them a bridge into late-game combat planning.