The Smithing event in Grow a Garden has been around for a bit, but this time it slipped in a surprise that caught players off guard. Hidden inside the gear crafting station is a misty white item that looks like it was carved straight out of fog. That item is the Forger Pet Mutation Shard, and it explains why everyone suddenly camps near the gear crafter.
This shard gives your pet a crafting-focused mutation that cuts down crafting time. In an event built almost entirely around forging, upgrading, and waiting on timers, even small time savings matter. Over hours or days, they add up fast.
If you want to squeeze every ounce of value out of the Smithing event, this guide explains what the shard does, how to craft it, and whether it deserves a permanent spot on your pets.
What Is the Forger Pet Mutation Shard?
The Forger Pet Mutation Shard unlocks the Forger mutation when applied to a pet. This mutation gives your pet a passive crafting ability instead of a farming or plant-related bonus.
Here’s how it works:
- The pet occasionally walks up to an active crafting station
- It reduces the remaining crafting time by 44.74 seconds
- The effect triggers automatically while crafting is in progress
The mutation does not activate constantly, but it triggers often enough to make a noticeable difference. If you craft items that take 10, 20, or even 30 minutes, those time cuts save you real waiting time.
Important note: This mutation only affects crafting. It does not boost plant growth, fruit mutations, or farming output. If you want plant-based bonuses, you’ll need a different shard.
How to Get the Forger Mutation Shard
You cannot loot this shard from enemies or buy it outright. The Forger Pet Mutation Shard is only available during the Smithing event, and you must craft it yourself at the gear crafting station.
Think of it as a limited-time recipe, not a permanent unlock. To craft it, you need four specific items.
Crafting Requirements for the Forger Shard
Gem Egg
You can obtain a Gem Egg in two ways:
- Craft it at the pet crafting station
- Buy it from the Pet Egg shop
If you already have crafting materials, crafting the egg usually costs less. If you’re short on time, buying it gets the job done faster.
Legendary Coal
Legendary Coal ties directly into the Smithing event. You earn it by turning in legendary fruits, pets, or gear during the event.
The system rewards risk. Give up rare items, and the game hands you high-tier crafting fuel in return.
Cleansing Pet Shard
This one is straightforward. Visit the gear shop and buy it directly. The price stays reasonable, especially compared to the long-term value of the Forger shard.
15 Million Sheckles
This requirement hits newer players the hardest. Fifteen million Sheckles is not pocket change.
The fastest way to earn it is selling high-rarity fruits. If you have been farming consistently, you might already be closer than you think. Clearing storage often reveals hidden value.
How to Craft the Forger Pet Mutation Shard
Once all materials sit in your inventory, crafting is simple.
- Go to the gear crafting station
- Press E to interact
- Scroll to find the Forger Pet Mutation Shard
- Select it and press Craft
- Press F to auto-load all ingredients
- Pay the Sheckles fee
The crafting process takes one hour. You don’t need to stay nearby. When the timer ends, return to the station and collect the shard.
Is the Forger Mutation Worth It?
If you plan to play the Smithing event for more than a few days, the answer is yes.
As the event progresses, crafting timers grow longer and recipes demand more materials. Saving nearly 45 seconds per activation adds up quickly, especially when crafting:
- Gear
- Event cosmetics
- Plants
- Pets
Late-event recipes can take a long time. Without a time-reduction perk, you either wait or juggle multiple stations just to keep pace.
That said, the shard has a clear limitation. Once the Smithing event ends, its value drops. It does not improve farming efficiency or plant mutations, so many players remove it afterward.
Think of the Forger mutation as a specialist tool, not an all-purpose upgrade.
Quick FAQ
Q. Where do I get the Forger Pet Mutation Shard?
A. You can only craft it at the gear crafting station during the Smithing event.
Q. What does the Forger mutation do?
A. It allows a pet to periodically reduce the remaining time on an active crafting station.
Final Thoughts
The Forger Pet Mutation Shard is one of the smartest time-saving tools introduced in the Smithing event. It rewards players who commit to crafting and understand the value of shaving seconds off long timers.
If you’re serious about progressing during the event, it’s worth crafting at least once. Just don’t expect it to carry your farm when the anvils cool down. Efficient tools win events. This shard is one of them.
