It’s no secret that I have dumped 1000+ hours into Stardew Valley across every platform imaginable (yes, even PlayStation Vita – RIP). I 100%-ed the game a few years ago and thought that would be the last of it for me. I had truly done everything there was to be done (and no, I’m never going to Platinum the game—I hate, hate, hate “Journey of the Prairie King”).
So not only am I awaiting Haunted Chocolatier ravenously, but I am keeping a close eye on the upcoming Stardew Valley 1.6 update.
To be honest, I was lukewarm on the 1.5 update. A new farm, leaving Pelican Town for a volcanic island, a busywork collectathon quest…not exactly what I wanted. I’ve mentioned this elsewhere but I dislike having multiple farms and towns/cities in my farming sims (specifically in my Fae Farm review). I prefer to hunker down in a single homestead and really put everything I have into it.
Because of that, 1.6 sounds like my jam. New festivals, new outfits, new items.
And Concerned Ape recently announced on Twitter that the PC 1.6 update will drop on March 19, 2024.
What’s Coming in Stardew Valley Patch 1.6
Back in September 2023, Concerned Ape AKA Eric Barone—solo developer of the hit farming and life sim Stardew Valley—announced a big patch incoming for the game. The 1.5 patch welcomed a new area, new quests, new items, and even new characters. This time, the focus seems to be making Pelican Town bigger and better.
New festivals, late-game content, items, crafting, dialogue, seasonal outfits, a new farm type, and 8 player multiplayer are some of the major highlights. One of the biggest changes will be expanded modding support, meaning players can keep enjoying an assortment of non-canon add-on materials.
Barone has confirmed a few tantalizing details, like 1) hats on pets, 2) a New Years-oriented festival, 3) a “Big Chest” storage item, 4) Gus spaghetti dialogue, and 5) wild horse radish juice.
I know, I know…frustratingly few specifics have been revealed. But users online have some guesses on what’s coming up. Here are my favorites from the community predictions:
- The new farm type potentially being desert or swamp (source)
- Content that utilizes the repaired community center more (source)
- The additional lines of dialogue being spouse/children-centric
- New crop varieties like olives, cucumbers, and carrots
- Farmer’s birthday being one of the “mini festivals” mentioned
No matter what we get, I already know I will be picking the game up again for the umpteenth time. Stardew Valley means so much to me for so many different reasons, and I know a lot of cozy gamers feel the same. I’m thinking about marrying Elliot this time, since I’m deep in my writing craft this year.
Conclusion
What do you think? Will this substantial update encourage you to pick Stardew Valley
Stay cozy, gamers!
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