Stardew Valley: How to Get & Use Rusty Key

Stardew Valley is a farm life simulator where you fight enemies, make friends, and grow your village. Alongside numerous activities, the evergreen town of Pelican Town holds many secrets, including one hidden beneath the surface – the sewers. To access this hidden area, you must obtain a key called a Rusty Key. However, in order to get your hands on it, you’ll need to work your way around and become the biggest contributor to the Pelican Town Museum. This guide explains everything you need to know about it.

How to Get the Rusty Key in Stardew Valley

The Rusty Key is a valuable reward you’ll receive for your loyalty to the Pelican Town Museum. By donating items, you’ll become a major contributor to the museum’s success. Making you eligible to obtain the Rusty Key. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Visit and Donate To The Museum

The Museum is located in the southeastern corner of Pelican Town. It will be open from 8 am to 6 pm. You’ll need to bring in about 60 Artifacts to acquire this key. These items can be almost anything from your adventures throughout the game.

You don’t need to donate all 60 items at once. Simply find items as you explore and donate them whenever your inventory is full. You can always return another day to continue contributing to the Pelican Town Museum.

Once you’ve reached the required amount, a cutscene will play the morning after you’ve donated your last item. Gunther will visit your farmhouse, express his gratitude for your contributions, and present you with the Rusty Key. Finally, you’ll be free to use it!

How To Use The Rusty Key

With the Rusty Key in your inventory, you’ll be able to access the locked sewers, which are always open once unlocked. There are two sewer grate locations. Here’s everything you need to know about them:

South of Pelican Town

This grate is located directly south of the town and near the beach. Once you find the entrance, use the Rusty Key to unlock them. Fight new mutants, fish in the sewer, and look around for exquisite items.

Krobus is the only Occupant of the Sewers.

Cindersap Forest

There is another hidden Sewer Grate located in the Cindersap Forest. To find it, head south of Marnie’s Ranch and cross the bridges. Keep moving south until you reach the grate. Use your trusty Rusty Key to open it, and you’ll gain access to the damp and mysterious world of the sewers. Inside, you’ll find the Statue of Uncertainty and the Mutant Carp, the highest-rarity fish in the game.