I’ve been playing Disney Dreamlight Valley since launch, and let me tell you – some of these riddles and clues can really make you scratch your head! When I first encountered the clue about finding “a fish that’s always en garde,” I was completely stumped. I mean, what does that even mean? After hours of fishing, research, and trial and error, I finally cracked the code, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned so you don’t have to go through the same frustration.
What Does “En Garde” Even Mean?
Before we dive into the fishing mechanics, let’s break down this clue because understanding it is half the battle. “En garde” is actually a French term used in fencing – it’s what fencers say to each other right before they start dueling. It basically means “on your guard” or “get ready.”
So when the game asks for “a fish that’s always en garde,” it’s looking for a fish that’s always ready for a duel. And what fish comes to mind when you think about dueling and swords? You guessed it – the Swordfish! This clever little pun had me facepalming once I figured it out. The Swordfish has that long, pointed snout that looks just like a fencing sword, so it’s literally “always en garde.”
Where to Find Swordfish in Disney Dreamlight Valley?
Now that we know we’re looking for a Swordfish, let’s talk about where to actually catch one. From my experience fishing across all the biomes, I can tell you that Swordfish are pretty exclusive in where they like to hang out.
Primary Location: Dazzle Beach
The main spot where you’ll find Swordfish is Dazzle Beach. This makes sense when you think about it – Swordfish are ocean fish, and Dazzle Beach is your main ocean biome in the valley. But here’s where it gets a bit tricky: you can’t just cast your line anywhere and hope for the best.
The Ripple Color Debate
I’ve noticed some confusion out there about what color ripples Swordfish appear in, so let me clear this up based on my personal experience:
| Source | Ripple Color | My Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dreamlight Valley Wiki | Gold pools | This matches what I’ve seen most consistently |
| IGN Guides | Orange ripples | I think this might be outdated info or regional differences |
| Destructoid | Gold ripple spots | This aligns with my findings |
In my experience fishing at Dazzle Beach, Swordfish appear in gold ripple spots. These are the rarest type of fishing ripples, which explains why Swordfish can be so elusive. You’ll typically see white ripples most often, with blue ripples being less common, and gold ripples being the rarest of all.
My Step-by-Step Swordfish Fishing Strategy
After spending countless hours at Dazzle Beach trying to catch these elusive fish, I’ve developed a pretty solid strategy. Here’s exactly what I do when I need to catch a Swordfish:
Step 1: Check the Weather First
This is crucial – and it’s a tip I wish I’d known earlier! Do not fish for Swordfish when it’s raining. I learned this the hard way after wasting an entire rainy day fishing in gold ripples only to catch Fugu after Fugu. For some reason, when it’s raining at Dazzle Beach, the gold ripple spots that would normally contain Swordfish instead spawn Fugu.
So my first step is always to check the weather. If it’s raining, I either wait it out or focus on other activities until the rain stops.
Step 2: Scout for Gold Ripples
Once I’ve confirmed it’s not raining, I head over to Dazzle Beach and start scouting for those elusive gold ripples. Here’s what I look for:
- Gold ripples are larger and more sparkly than white or blue ripples
- They tend to appear in the deeper water areas, not right near the shore
- I usually find 1-2 gold ripples at a time, maximum
I make a habit of doing a complete lap around Dazzle Beach to check all fishing spots. Sometimes the gold ripples can be hiding in corners or behind rocks, so I’m thorough in my search.
Step 3: Use Miracle Fishing Bait (Game Changer!)
This is probably the most important tip I can share you. If you’re struggling to find gold ripples naturally, Miracle Fishing Bait is your best friend. I can’t stress this enough – this stuff has saved me so much time and frustration.
Here’s how it works:
- Craft Miracle Fishing Bait (or Even More Miraculous Fishing Bait if you have it)
- Apply it to your Royal Fishing Rod
- For a limited time, all white ripples will turn into gold ripples
This means you can essentially create your own Swordfish fishing spots! I always keep a stack of Miracle Fishing Bait in my inventory for when I need to catch multiple Swordfish quickly.
Step 4: Fish with Patience
Once I’ve found my gold ripple (or created one with bait), it’s time to fish. The mechanics are the same as regular fishing, but I’ve found that Swordfish tend to put up a bit more of a fight than other fish.
Here’s my fishing technique:
- Cast my line directly into the gold ripple
- Wait for the fish to bite (the bobber will go under)
- When it does, I hold down the action button
- I watch the circle that appears and try to keep my cursor inside it as it moves around
- The Swordfish will try to escape more vigorously, so I need to be extra precise
Alternative Ways to Get Swordfish
Sometimes fishing just isn’t working out, or maybe you’re in a hurry and need a Swordfish quickly. Don’t worry – I’ve discovered a couple of alternative methods that can save you time.
Moana’s Boat
I was thrilled when I discovered that Moana’s Boat can sometimes have Swordfish available! Here’s how this works:
- Moana’s Boat is her special stall that appears in your valley
- The stock changes regularly, so you need to check back often
- When Swordfish are available, you can purchase them directly instead of fishing
This is especially useful if you’re working on time-sensitive quests or events and don’t have time to wait for the perfect fishing conditions. I always make a point to check Moana’s Boat first when I need a Swordfish for a quest.
Your Personal Storage
If you’re like me and have been playing for a while, you might already have Swordfish stored away. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent hours fishing for something, only to realize I already had it in my storage!
Before you head out to Dazzle Beach, do yourself a favor and check:
- Your personal storage chests
- Any storage in your house
- The storage at Scrooge McDuck’s store
You might already have the Swordfish you need!
Why You Might Need Swordfish (Quests and Events)?
I’ve encountered several situations where I needed Swordfish, and understanding these contexts can help you plan ahead. Here are the main reasons you might find yourself hunting for this particular fish:
The Haunted Floating Festival
This is probably the most common reason players need a Swordfish right now. During the Haunted Floating Festival event, there’s a puzzle called the “Potion Brewer’s House” that requires specific ingredients, including “a fish that always en garde.”
The full potion recipe requires:
- Haunted White Rose x1
- Catfish x1
- Haunted Skeleton Fish x2
- Swordfish x1 (that’s our en garde fish!)
When I was working through this event, I have to admit I got stuck on this puzzle for a while because I couldn’t figure out what the “en garde” fish was. Once I realized it was a Swordfish, the rest was straightforward.
Lovely Monsters Star Path
Earlier this year, during the Lovely Monsters Star Path, there was a duty that required you to “be ‘en garde’ when you catch this fish.” This was actually a bit more demanding than the Haunted Floating Festival version because you needed to catch 5 Swordfish instead of just 1.
The reward for completing this duty was 20 Scream Canister Tokens, which you could exchange for Star Path rewards. I remember this being quite challenging because gold ripples are so rare, but with the Miracle Fishing Bait strategy I mentioned earlier, I managed to complete it without too much trouble.
Regular Quest: The Heart of a Lioness
This is a regular story quest that requires you to deliver a Swordfish to Moana. It’s part of her friendship questline, and while it’s not as time-sensitive as the events, it’s still important to know where to find Swordfish when you need them.
Crafting and Cooking
Beyond quests and events, Swordfish have some practical uses in the game:
Lemon Garlic Swordfish Recipe This is a 3-star recipe that requires:
- Swordfish x1
- Garlic x1
- Lemon x1
It restores a whopping 3,713 energy and sells for 1,096 coins, making it quite valuable.
Fishing Training Manual If you’re into crafting, you can create a Fishing Training Manual using:
- Swordfish x2
- Bream x5
- Herring x10
- Dreamlight x5,000
This manual is great for improving your fishing skills over time.
Swordfish Stats and Value
I always like to know the numbers behind the items I’m collecting, so here’s a quick breakdown of what Swordfish are worth in the game:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Sell Price | 700 Coins |
| Energy Restoration | +1,500 Energy |
| Gift Reward Value | 150 Friendship Points |
| Size in Inventory | 4×2 spaces |
Compared to other fish, Swordfish are pretty valuable. They’re not the most expensive fish in the game (that honor goes to some of the rare Eternity Isle fish), but they’re definitely worth the effort to catch, especially if you’re looking to make some quick coins or need energy restoration.
Common Problems and Solutions
Based on my experience and what I’ve seen other players struggle with, here are some common issues you might encounter when trying to catch Swordfish, along with my tried-and-true solutions:
Problem: “I can’t find any gold ripples at Dazzle Beach!”
This is probably the most common complaint I hear. Gold ripples are naturally rare, so it’s completely normal to go fishing sessions without seeing any.
My Solution: Use Miracle Fishing Bait! This is the single most effective way to guarantee gold ripples. I always craft a batch before I know I’ll need Swordfish. The recipe for Miracle Fishing Bait is:
- Red Algae x5
- Any Seaweed x10
If you have access to the Even More Miraculous Fishing Bait, that’s even better as it lasts longer and has stronger effects.
Problem: “I’m fishing in gold ripples but keep getting Fugu instead!”
I ran into this issue myself during a particularly rainy week in my valley. It was so frustrating!
My Solution: Check the weather! As I mentioned earlier, when it’s raining at Dazzle Beach, gold ripples spawn Fugu instead of Swordfish. Wait for clear weather, or use the weather-changing items if you have them available.
Problem: “I need multiple Swordfish for a quest but they’re taking too long to catch!”
Time-sensitive quests can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with rare fish spawns.
My Solution: Combine multiple strategies! Use Miracle Fishing Bait to create gold ripples, check Moana’s Boat regularly, and don’t forget about any Swordfish you might already have in storage. Also, consider asking friends for help if you’re playing multiplayer – sometimes they have extras they can share.
Advanced Tips for Serious Fishers
If you’re really getting into the fishing aspect of Disney Dreamlight Valley (like I am!), here are some advanced tips that have helped me become a more efficient fisher:
Optimize Your Fishing Route
I’ve developed a specific route around Dazzle Beach that I follow when I’m seriously fishing for Swordfish:
- Start at the easternmost fishing spot
- Work my way west along the beach
- Check the small pond area near the waterfall
- End at the westernmost fishing spot
- By the time I complete this circuit, new ripples have usually spawned at the starting point
This systematic approach ensures I don’t miss any potential gold ripples and maximizes my fishing efficiency.
Time Your Fishing Sessions
I’ve noticed that gold ripples seem to spawn more frequently during certain times of day. While this isn’t officially confirmed, my personal experience suggests that early morning (6-9 AM game time) and evening (6-9 PM game time) tend to have better gold ripple spawn rates.
Keep Your Fishing Rod Upgraded
Don’t forget to upgrade your Royal Fishing Rod whenever possible! Better rods have improved fishing mechanics, making it easier to catch rare fish like Swordfish. The difference between a basic rod and a fully upgraded one is quite noticeable, especially when dealing with the more elusive fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does “en garde” mean in Disney Dreamlight Valley?
“En garde” is a fencing term that means “on your guard” or “get ready.” In the context of Disney Dreamlight Valley, it’s a clever clue pointing to the Swordfish, which has a long, sword-like nose that resembles a fencing sword. The fish is literally “always en garde” because of its natural appearance!
Where is the best place to catch Swordfish?
Dazzle Beach is the only place where you can catch Swordfish in Disney Dreamlight Valley. Specifically, you need to fish in gold ripple spots. These are the rarest type of fishing ripples, so you might need to use Miracle Fishing Bait to increase your chances of finding them.
Why do I keep catching Fugu instead of Swordfish?
This usually happens when it’s raining at Dazzle Beach. For some reason, rain causes gold ripples to spawn Fugu instead of Swordfish. Make sure to fish for Swordfish only when it’s not raining, or you’ll just end up with a lot of Fugu!
How many Swordfish do I need for the Haunted Floating Festival?
For the Haunted Floating Festival’s Potion Brewer’s House puzzle, you only need 1 Swordfish. The complete potion recipe requires: 1 Haunted White Rose, 1 Catfish, 2 Haunted Skeleton Fish, and 1 Swordfish.
Can I buy Swordfish instead of fishing for them?
Yes! Moana’s Boat sometimes has Swordfish available for purchase. The stock changes regularly, so check back often. This is a great alternative if you’re having trouble catching one through fishing.
What’s the difference between gold ripples and orange ripples?
There seems to be some confusion about this in the community. Based on my experience and the most recent information from the Dreamlight Valley Wiki, Swordfish appear in gold ripples. Some older sources mention orange ripples, but this appears to be outdated information or regional differences.
How long does Miracle Fishing Bait last?
Miracle Fishing Bait typically lasts for about 10-15 minutes of real-time gameplay. During this period, all white ripples you fish in will be converted to gold ripples. The Even More Miraculous Fishing Bait lasts longer and has stronger effects if you have access to it.
Are Swordfish worth keeping for anything other than quests?
Absolutely! Swordfish are quite valuable – they sell for 700 coins each and restore 1,500 energy when eaten. They’re also used in the Lemon Garlic Swordfish recipe and the Fishing Training Manual crafting recipe. Plus, they make great gifts for villagers, giving 150 friendship points each.
Final Thoughts
After spending so much time fishing for Swordfish and helping friends with the same challenge, I can tell you that once you know the secrets, catching a fish that’s always en garde becomes much less intimidating. The key is understanding the clue, knowing where to look, and having the right tools (like Miracle Fishing Bait) for the job.
I hope this guide helps you on your Disney Dreamlight Valley journey! Whether you’re working through the Haunted Floating Festival, tackling Star Path duties, or just trying to complete your fish collection, now you have all the knowledge you need to successfully catch Swordfish whenever you need them.
Remember to check back for more Disney Dreamlight Valley guides and tips, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference. Happy fishing, and may your gold ripples be plentiful!
Looking for more Disney Dreamlight Valley content? Check out our comprehensive fishing guide for tips on catching all types of fish, or explore our event coverage for the latest seasonal activities and rewards.