The Grow a Garden Corrupted Event update (version 1.16.0), released on July 26, 2025, is one of the largest and most feature-rich expansions in the game’s history. With new event systems, seeds, pets, tools, cosmetics, and crucial bug fixes, this update brings both depth and replay value for players of all levels. Below, you’ll find a full summary of the patch notes, all new content, and practical tips for maximizing rewards throughout the event.
Corrupted Event Overview & Mechanics
The Corrupted Event transforms the Zen Event experience by introducing a new “corruption” system. The main area now features the Corrupt Channeler NPC, who offers fruit-delivery quests. Completing these quests raises your corruption level and unlocks more mutation opportunities during the event. This level will reset at the end of each Zen Event cycle, encouraging players to stay active for maximum rewards.
At the heart of the map stands the Corrupted Tree, directly opposite the Zen Tree. By submitting balanced amounts of Tranquil and Corrupt fruits, players help the tree grow and receive unique rewards. Keeping both trees in balance is essential for unlocking the highest event bonuses and mutation effects.
New Seeds, Items, and How to Get Them
Six new plants have been added, each with unique traits and values:
Elder Strawberry
Tranquil Bloom
Enkaku
Sakura Bush
Lucky Bamboo
Dezen
Players can acquire these seeds through event chests, shops, or by completing specific challenges. Each plant offers new ways to farm, mutate, and profit from your harvests.
Event items and tools have also expanded:
Kitsune Chest: Contains a mix of pets and seeds, including event exclusives.
Corrupted Zen Crate: Unlocks event cosmetics.
Corrupted Pet Mutation Shard: Lets you add Corrupt mutation to a pet.
Corrupt Radar: Assists in locating special event plants.
Corrupt Staff & Tranquil Staff: Powerful tools for spreading area-wide mutations.
Mutation Sprays: Instantly mutate selected plants.
New Pets & Event Abilities
A highlight of the Corrupted Event is the addition of six event pets, each with unique passives and effects. Here’s a breakdown of their abilities and how to get them:
Maneki Neko (Kitsune Box): Every 2 minutes 21 seconds, has an 8.36% chance to refund harvested fruit for a 10.6 second window. The chance decreases for rarer fruits, but it’s very effective for regular harvesting.
Kodama (Kitsune Box): Provides a 4.64% chance for Zen-type fruits to gain Tranquil mutation upon collection—ideal for stacking Tranquil effects and event progression.
Corrupted Kodama (Corrupt Channeler NPC): A rare variant offering a 4.64% chance for Zen-type fruits to mutate into Corrupt when collected, giving strong synergy for Corrupted Tree strategies.
Raiju (Zen Shop): Consumes fruits with the Shocked mutation for extra value. During Thunderstorms, unleashes chain lightning to apply Shocked or Static mutation to nearby fruits, enabling powerful storm mutation builds.
Corrupted Kitsune (Kitsune Box): Every 20.55 minutes, throws cursed energy at nine random fruits, each with a 20.25% chance to gain Corrupt Chakra mutation, plus a rare shot at Corrupt Foxfire Chakra—one of the most coveted mutation effects in the event.
Football Pet (Travis Kelce event): Every 87 seconds, dashes to the Seeds or Gears Shop (whichever is further) and completes a touchdown, awarding either 870 Sheckles or, with a 20.58% chance, a watering can.
Each pet is designed to help with a different event strategy—whether refunding fruit, multiplying mutations, or delivering unique rewards during timed runs. Pairing the right pets with your gardening strategy can boost both event progression and profits.
Event Systems, Mutations & Cosmetics
The Corrupt Zen Aura event now occurs every hour, often replacing the classic Zen Aura. This triggers unique Corrupt mutations on your plants, with the number of mutations increasing as your corruption level rises.
Five or more new cosmetics can be unlocked through crates or event milestones, allowing for greater customization. Tools like the Corrupt Staff and Tranquil Staff are especially valuable during mutation windows for transforming entire fields at once.
Bug Fixes, QOL & New Features
Pet gifting is now re-enabled.
Key bug fixes address garden glitches, item duplication, and pet issues.
New admin weather types and several mutation improvements offer more variety and challenge.
No new codes were added in this patch.
Tips to Maximize the Corrupted Event
Focus on the Corrupt Zen Aura for rare mutations and plant upgrades.
Complete Corrupt Channeler quests regularly to raise your corruption level and unlock better rewards.
Use Kitsune Chest for a chance at the rarest pets and seeds.
Take advantage of mutation tools and sprays for rapid progress.
Check and balance the Corrupted Tree to optimize your overall event returns.
Final Thoughts
The Grow a Garden Corrupted Event update (1.16.0) delivers a deep, rewarding event system full of new seeds, pets, tools, and features. By exploring all the new content and experimenting with pet synergies, you’ll unlock powerful rewards, maximize profits, and experience the freshest gameplay yet. Dive in and make the most of July 2025’s biggest Grow a Garden update.