Skill levels and tool energy
Relevant skill levels reduce energy costs for associated tools, while upgrading axes, pickaxes, and hoes improves task efficiency without changing their per-use cost.
How it works
The Skills and Tools passages define proficiency as energy required to use a tool. Skill increases reduce energy requirements for associated tools. The sources distinguish this from tool upgrades: Axe, Pickaxe, and Hoe upgrades do not change the amount per use, but greater power or area can reduce total energy for the same task.
When it helps
When managing energy, distinguish skill proficiency from tool tier. A wider Hoe area or stronger Axe or Pickaxe can mean fewer uses, while the associated skill reduces energy per use.
The tradeoff
An upgraded tool does not directly lower each use’s energy cost for these tools; its benefit comes from completing the same task in fewer uses.
Your next step
Check the relevant skill and tool tier together when estimating energy for repeated tilling, chopping, or mining.
Read the supporting references
A focused reference to tool upgrades, skill progression, Farming professions, and Mastery in Stardew Valley. The supplied Skills history lists changes through version 1.6.9; Tools includes version notes for specific changes, but does not establish the version of all mechanics described here. Guidance explains the referenced mechanics; it is not a tested damage ranking. Check the stated edition and source version before applying a patch-specific detail.