Archaeology Skill for 1.6
🟡 Updated this year⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.1% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #110 of 382 Gameplay Mechanics mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Go level up a new skill as you dig up Artifact spots!
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[]Gain EXP from Artifact spots, clay spots, digging something up in the mines, cracking geodes, donating to the muesem, or from panning
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]As you level up, gain access to (currently) two displays. You can put artifacts on these displays through the Preservation Chamber machine (learned at level 1). Artifacts on display sell for a lot more than those that aren't! These display times selling price is affected by the new "Treasure Appraisal Guide" from 1. 6![]At level 2 you unlock the grinding. Similar to the bonemill, you can turn rusty metal artifacts into ore. Or pure gold ones into ore. There are a few things you can shove into the grinder, so experiment!
[]At level 4 you unlock the soil sifter. Put in clay or stone and get artifacts back based on the machine's location.
[]At level 8, you unlock the water sifter. Place in the water like a crab pot and you can get ore from it!
[]Choose professions that increase gold gained from selling artifacts, speed boost when digging up artifacts, or even be able to pan for artifacts!
[]Two new food items that buff Archaeology!
[]Cross-Mod Gift Tastes for every item in the mod (Note, most NPCs hate these things!)
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[]Level 5: Pioneer - More artifact spots have a chance to spawn each day.
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]Level 10: Antiquarian - When you dig up an artifact spot, chance for a bonus item.[]Level 10: Curator - When you sell an artifact that is on display, it is worth more (stacks with the 1. 6 book that triples artifact price)
[]Level 5: Drowser - Panning spots will spawn more frequently.
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[]Level 10: Dredger - Gain additional items when panning, including artifacts.
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]Level 10: 49er - When you get an item from panning or from digging an artifact spot, you get a speed boost. Duration of the speed boost is based off your level.-
[]Alternative skill page icon: Changes the skill page icon from a shovel to a brush on a rock. Requires a restart to reload the skill
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]Bigger Panning Arrow: Changes the tracking arrow for the Dowser profession to be larger.[]EXP gained from Digging: Change how much EXP you get from digging up an item! Default: 10
[]EXP gained from Digging in the mines: Change how much EXP you get while in the mines! Default: 5
[]EXP gained from the water shifter: Default: 5
[]EXP gained from Panning: 10
[]EXP gained from Donating: 50
[]All Professions: All custom skill professions should be compatible with All professions.
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[]Alternative skill page icon: Changes the skill page icon from a shovel to a brush on a rock. Requires a restart to reload the skill
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[]Level 10: Dredger - Gain additional items when panning, including artifacts.
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[]Level 5: Pioneer - More artifact spots have a chance to spawn each day.
Archaeology Skill for 1.6 is a gameplay overhaul that adds a new skill centered on digging and panning, fully updated for Stardew Valley 1.6. With over 1,500 endorsements and 139k downloads, it's a popular choice for players seeking deeper progression.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust: 1,575 endorsements and 139k downloads show it's a well-loved mod.
- Updated for 1.6, so it's ready for the latest Stardew Valley patch.
- Adds a fresh skill to the game, giving you more to do with digging and panning.
⚠️ Cons
- Only one author maintaining it, so updates might be slow if issues pop up.
For Stardew Valley players who want to expand their farming routine with a new skill tree. If you enjoy the mining and foraging aspects, this adds a similar layer for digging and panning. Skip if you prefer vanilla gameplay or want a mod with detailed documentation.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure you have SMAPI installed, as most 1.6 mods require it.
- Check the mod's page for any required content packs or dependencies before installing.
- If you're using other skill mods, verify load order to avoid conflicts.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Stardew Valley Mods
- Author
- MoonSlime
- Version
- 2.18.2
- Downloads
- 139,239
- Endorsements
- 1,575
- Category
- Gameplay Mechanics
- Created
- 4/10/2024
- Updated
- 11/26/2025
🧩 Commonly Used Together
Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.
🔧 How to Install Stardew Valley Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Stardew Valley →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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