The bus in Stardew Valley is a vital part of your journey to revitalize the town, connecting you to the bustling city of Pelican Town and the serene JojaMart. But what happens when the bus breaks down? Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through every step to get your trusty bus back on the road, so you can explore all that Stardew Valley has to offer.
The Bus Is Broken! Now What?
The first time you encounter the broken bus, it will be on the very first day of the game, right after the Wizard sends you to Stardew Valley. It’s a clear sign that you’re not alone in this revitalization project.
The bus is actually a critical part of the main story, and you need to repair it to advance the game’s narrative. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Talk to the Mayor
Your first step is to head to the Mayor’s office, which is located on the far right side of Pelican Town. He’s likely sitting on a chair, looking discouraged. Talk to him, and he’ll explain that the bus broke down, making it impossible to travel to Pelican Town.
Step 2: Find the Bus Parts
The Mayor will tell you that he needs some specific parts to fix the bus. You need to find:
- A spare tire: Head over to the junkyard in the southwest corner of the map. The spare tire is located in the corner of the scrap metal pile.
- A battery: You can find the battery in the very back of the junkyard, hidden behind some piles of junk.
Step 3: Return the Parts
Once you’ve collected the necessary parts, return to the Mayor and he’ll take them and begin working on the bus. He’ll let you know that he needs some time to put it all together.
Step 4: Wait for the Bus to be Repaired
The bus will take two in-game days to be fully repaired. After two days, the Mayor will notify you that the bus is ready to be used. Head back to the bus stop and you’ll find the bus functional again, ready to take you to the city!
The Bus’s Second Break Down
The bus doesn’t stay fixed forever. You’ll encounter another instance where the bus breaks down, but this time it’s a bit more involved:
Step 1: The Mysterious Note
The next time you visit the bus stop and attempt to take the bus, you’ll find a note saying the bus is out of service and the Mayor is nowhere to be found. This is a clue that you need to look for the Mayor, and it’s the beginning of a quest to repair the bus.
Step 2: Find the Mayor
Head towards the abandoned bus depot in the southwest corner of the map. You’ll find the Mayor there, and he’ll tell you he’s been injured, and he needs your help to find a doctor.
Step 3: Find a Doctor
The Mayor needs to see a doctor, but unfortunately, the only doctor available lives in Pelican Town, which means you need to figure out a way to get him to the doctor.
- Option 1: Hire a Taxi. If you’ve unlocked the Taxi Service, you can hire a taxi to take the Mayor to Pelican Town for a small fee.
Option 2: Ask Robin for Help. Robin, the carpenter, is the closest you’ll get to a doctor in Stardew Valley, so you can ask her for help. She’ll give you a cure for the Mayor, but you need to gather some ingredients first. She requires:
- 10 Parsnips: These are easy to find and grow in the early game.
- 5 Sprigs of Wild Horseradish: These can be found growing wild around the map, specifically in the forest and the mountains.
Step 4: Return to the Mayor
After you’ve collected the necessary ingredients and either taken the Mayor to the doctor or given him the cure, return to the Mayor and he’ll tell you he’s feeling better, but still needs to take a break to recover.
Step 5: Wait and See
The bus will remain out of service for a few days as the Mayor recovers. Once he’s ready, the bus will be operational again. You’ll see a message on the bus stop sign, stating the bus is back in service.
Beyond the Basic Repair
The bus repair quests are part of the main story, but there are additional ways the bus can break down and need to be repaired:
JojaMart: If you decide to side with JojaMart instead of the Community Center, the bus will continue to be a part of the story. However, JojaMart will fix the bus for you, and it will be functional without the need for you to repair it.
Community Center: If you choose the Community Center route, the bus will be used as part of the various bundles you need to complete. In this case, the bus won’t break down or need repairing.
Tips for Repairing the Bus
- Be Prepared: Keep in mind that the bus can break down at any time, so it’s a good idea to always have a few extra spare tires and batteries on hand.
- Utilize the Junkyard: The junkyard is a good source for spare parts, so it’s worth exploring it regularly.
- Save Before Talking: Always save your game before talking to the Mayor about the bus, just in case you need to reload if things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
The bus is a vital part of Stardew Valley, and getting it repaired is an essential part of the gameplay experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily get your bus back on the road and continue exploring all that Stardew Valley has to offer. Remember, it’s a journey of revitalization, and you’re not alone in making Stardew Valley great again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bus in Stardew Valley?
The bus is a dilapidated vehicle located in the southwest corner of Pelican Town. It’s a key part of the game’s story, and your goal is to repair it to unlock new areas and story content. It’s initially broken down, but with some effort, you can get it back in working order.
The bus is important because it gives you access to the Calico Desert, a new area that offers different crops, resources, and even a new town to explore.
How do I start repairing the bus?
You’ll need to progress through the game and build a good relationship with the JojaMart owner, Mr. Qi. After reaching a certain friendship level with him, he’ll offer you a quest to find the missing bus parts.
The quest involves finding five different parts, including the engine, the wheels, the seats, the steering wheel, and the fuel tank. These parts are scattered throughout the map and can be found by completing tasks or exploring certain areas.
Where can I find the bus parts?
The bus parts are hidden in various locations around the map. Some you’ll find by completing quests or reaching specific friendship levels with villagers. Others are hidden in chests or require you to clear out certain areas like the mines. You’ll need to explore the map thoroughly to find them all.
It’s not always obvious where to find the parts, so it’s helpful to talk to villagers and ask about them. They often have clues about where the parts might be located. You can also use online guides to help you locate the parts if you’re having trouble finding them.
What happens after I find all the bus parts?
Once you have collected all five bus parts, you’ll need to deliver them to Mr. Qi. He will then repair the bus for you, and you’ll have access to the Calico Desert.
The Calico Desert is a new area filled with new crops, resources, and even a new town called the Oasis. The desert also has a new shop and some unique enemies to fight.
Can I choose to not repair the bus?
Yes, you can choose not to repair the bus. However, doing so will limit your access to the Calico Desert and the new content it offers. The bus is a significant part of the game’s story, and repairing it is necessary to experience all that Stardew Valley has to offer.
The Calico Desert provides access to new resources, crops, and even a new town to explore. It’s a worthwhile investment to repair the bus and unlock this new area.
What else can I do in the Calico Desert?
The Calico Desert is a large, sandy area filled with new challenges and opportunities. You can find new crops like cacti and new resources like sand. You can also explore the Oasis, a town with its own unique set of characters and shops.
The desert also introduces new enemies, including the desert serpents and the sand monsters. These enemies can drop unique items and resources that can be used for crafting and cooking.
How do I get back to Pelican Town from the Calico Desert?
To return to Pelican Town from the Calico Desert, you need to use the bus. Simply enter the bus, and it will transport you back to the starting location in Pelican Town.
The bus serves as a convenient way to travel between the two areas. The desert is a worthwhile area to explore, and the bus provides a quick and easy way to travel back and forth between the two locations.