Welcome to Forgotten Valley, a place where every sunrise brings a new opportunity for growth, friendship, and discovery. As you settle into your new farm life, you’ll quickly learn that your success hinges on the connections you make and the resources you uncover. Among the most memorable early moments is acquiring a trusty steed, a companion that will change the way you explore your home. This guide delves into the heartwarming Chunk Of Gold Horse Story, covering how you get your four-legged friend and what to do with valuable treasures you might unearth, like the coveted chunk of gold, in Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life.
Your First True Companion: The Story of the Horse
One of the most exciting milestones in your first year on the farm is receiving your very own horse. This isn’t an animal you have to purchase or work hard to earn through a complex questline. Instead, the horse is a heartfelt gift, a symbol of your acceptance into the community of Forgotten Valley.
The story unfolds on the very first day of Summer in your first year. Your quiet morning will be interrupted by a visit from Takakura, your father’s old friend and your steadfast guide in this new life. He’ll arrive at your farmhouse with a beautiful horse in tow, explaining that he felt it was time for you to have a reliable partner to help you get around the valley. This moment is a core part of the game’s narrative, establishing a sense of progress and belonging. You even get to choose a name for your new friend, solidifying the bond from day one.
What are the Benefits of Owning a Horse?
Receiving the horse is more than just a touching moment; it’s a massive upgrade to your daily routine. The primary benefit is, of course, transportation. Forgotten Valley, while charming, is quite spread out. Walking from your farm to the Dig Site or Vesta’s farm can eat up precious time and energy.
With a horse, you can:
- Travel Instantly: Simply call your horse with a whistle, hop on, and gallop across the map in a fraction of the time it would take to walk.
- Conserve Energy: Riding your horse costs zero stamina. This is crucial, especially in the early game when your stamina bar is limited, allowing you to save your energy for farming, fishing, or mining.
- Explore Freely: The horse makes checking animal traps, foraging for wild plants, and visiting villagers for a quick chat much more efficient.
Your horse quickly becomes an indispensable part of your farm’s success, allowing you to manage your time and energy far more effectively.
Caring for Your Noble Steed
Once you have your horse, it’s important to care for it to build your friendship. While the horse in A Wonderful Life is fairly low-maintenance, showing it some attention will strengthen your bond. You can interact with your horse in a few simple ways.
First, make sure it has food. Your horse will happily graze outside in the pasture on sunny days, so you don’t need to put fodder in the barn’s feed trough unless it’s kept inside due to rain or snow. You can also give it fodder directly as a treat. Beyond feeding, you can brush your horse using the brush tool, which you can purchase from Van. Talking to and nuzzling your horse daily also increases its affection. Understanding these interactions is a key part of the experience, much like learning the details of the story of seasons awl horse mechanics deepens your connection to the game. A happy horse is a happy farmer!
The Lure of Treasure: Unearthing a Chunk of Gold
While your horse is a treasure of the heart, Forgotten Valley also holds treasures of a more literal kind. Deep within the local Dig Site, you can find artifacts, fossils, and occasionally, something that glitters. One of the most valuable items you can excavate is the chunk of gold.
This rare find isn’t part of a specific storyline or quest. Instead, it’s a testament to your patience and luck as an amateur archaeologist. Finding one feels like a major victory, a golden ticket that can significantly boost your farm’s finances. The “story” here is one of persistence—spending time in the dusty excavation pit and finally being rewarded with a gleaming nugget of pure profit.
How and Where to Find a Chunk of Gold
The only place to find a chunk of gold is at the archaeological Dig Site, the tent-covered area managed by Carter and his assistant, Flora. The site is located at the northernmost part of the valley, just past the waterfall.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to your treasure hunt:
- Visit the Dig Site: The site is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on days when the traveling salesman Van is in town.
- Talk to Carter: Let him know you’d like to excavate for the day. He’ll grant you permission and let you get to work.
- Grab Your Shovel: You don’t need to bring your own tools. Just find an empty square in the pit and press the action button to start digging.
- Dig Patiently: Each dig consumes a small amount of stamina. The items you find are completely random. You might uncover old coins, clay figurines, hip fossils, or nothing at all.
- Strike Gold: A chunk of gold is a rare find. There’s no secret trick to it; you just have to keep digging. Some days you’ll have great luck, and other days you’ll leave empty-handed. Don’t be discouraged!
Finding your first chunk of gold is a thrilling moment that adds an exciting layer of gameplay beyond the daily grind of farming and ranching.
What Is a Chunk of Gold Used For?
You’ve spent all afternoon at the Dig Site, and you’ve finally found it—a heavy, glittering chunk of gold. Now what? You might wonder if it’s used to upgrade tools, craft special items, or if it’s a gift that will win the heart of a specific villager.
The answer is much simpler: its sole purpose is to be sold.
The chunk of gold is what players call a “vendor trash” item, but in the best way possible. It has no other function in the game besides earning you a handsome profit. To sell it, simply place it in the blue shipping container located next to your farm’s dairy barn. Takakura will pick it up on his next trip to the city, and the money will be deposited directly into your account. A single chunk of gold sells for a very respectable amount, making it one of the most profitable items you can find at the Dig Site. This influx of cash can be a game-changer, allowing you to buy that new barn upgrade, purchase a prized sheep from the ledger, or finally afford the seed maker you’ve been eyeing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I miss the event to get the horse?
No, the event with Takakura giving you the horse is a scripted story event that automatically triggers on Summer 1 of Year 1. You cannot miss it as long as you play the game.
Q: Can I choose the color of my horse?
In the remake Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, you are given a horse with a brown coat. Unlike some other farming sims, there isn’t an option to choose a different color at the beginning of the game.
Q: How much does a Chunk of Gold sell for?
A chunk of gold is a high-value item. While prices can vary slightly in different versions, you can expect it to sell for a significant amount that will provide a major boost to your farm’s budget. It’s well worth the time spent digging.
Q: Are there other valuable items at the Dig Site?
Yes! Besides the chunk of gold, you can find other treasures like Gold Coins, which also sell for a good price. The rarest and most valuable find, however, is the mysterious “Tablet,” which triggers a special event when discovered.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can dig each day?
The only limits are the Dig Site’s operating hours (10 AM to 5 PM) and your character’s stamina. Be sure to pack a lunch or some foraged items to eat so you can restore your energy and maximize your digging time.
A Tale of Two Treasures
In Forgotten Valley, your journey is defined by different kinds of stories and different kinds of wealth. The chunk of gold horse story is a perfect example of this duality. On one hand, you have the heartwarming story of receiving a horse—a living, breathing companion that offers friendship and freedom, enriching your life in ways money can’t buy. On the other, you have the thrill of the hunt for a chunk of gold—a tangible reward for your hard work that provides the financial resources needed to build the farm of your dreams. Both are essential to a wonderful life, reminding you to cherish your relationships while also keeping an eye out for that lucky, glittering find.
