Summary
The latestStardew Valleyupdate, update 1.6, went live this past March on PC but still hasn’t arrived for players on console or mobile versions of the game. A recent explanation from developer ConcernedApe shed some light as to why PC players get to experience the newStardew Valleycontent before others, and his reasoning may set a precedent for his upcoming game,Haunted Chocolatier.
The 1.6 update forStardew Valleywas one of the largest updates yet, adding tons of new content and quality-of-life improvements for players. Despite being out for 7 months on PC though, mobile and console players have yet to receive the update, leaving some fans restless, and even angry. Developer ConcernedApe recently took to Twitter with anexplanation about whyStardew Valley1.6 hasn’t hit consoles yet. He provided several reasons for the delay, in part citing technical difficulties in porting the content to consoles. The most important reason, though, is that updates are much easier for him to release and patch on PC, allowing for the speedy fix of any potential bugs or game-breaking issues. With that in mind, it won’t be a surprise if ConcernedApe continues this strategy when releasing and updatingHaunted Chocolatier.
Why Update 1.6 is Important for Stardew Valley Players
Stardew Valleyis a story unlike any other in the gaming world. Going from a small indie experiment to a massively successful title doesn’t happen often, and it didn’t happen overnight. The game’s success is due to its fiercely dedicated fans, who have built a second life for themselves in Pelican Town. With such a strong fan base, any changes or additions to the game are highly scrutinized by both new and returning players, and the content and improvements of 1.6 are seen as the best additions to the game yet. AsStardew Valleysaw a record-high player count on Steamafter the update was released, it was clear that ConcernedApe had succeeded in giving fans what they were hoping for. But, this success only made players who don’t use the PC version want the new update even more.
ConcernedApe’s full comment about the progress of porting update 1.6 to consoles and mobile can be read on Twitter: https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1828949796079706136
One sticking point for non-PC players is that they are often robbed of discovering new content for themselves. As soon as the new additions are added, they become part of fan discussions, they get added to the wiki, and they become a part of the game that some players don’t have access to. It’s difficult to avoid new information in such a vocal fanbase, so console and mobile players receive spoilers whether they want to or not. With each new update, there are newdiscoveries to be made inStardew Valley. The 1.6 update added new interactions, crops, items, and a new mastery system, just to name a fraction of the content, all of which PC players have slowly become used to, but others haven’t gotten to experience yet.
What This Means for Haunted Chocolatier
According to ConcernedApe, he ‘has not touchedHaunted Chocolatierin a long time because I am committed to finalizingStardew1.6 first.’ This clearly means thatHaunted Chocolatierhas taken a back seat lately, further pushing back its unannounced release date. While fans await the new game, they can take solace in knowing that ConcernedApe is dedicated to his games and his fans though. Because of this dedication, it can be assumed that he will have the same philosophy when it comes tofutureStardew Valleyupdatesif they continue.
As a solo developer, releasing updates on PC first seems to be the best route for ConcernedApe, so that’s what he will likely continue to do. The bittersweet implication of this though is that, because of his work onHaunted Chocolatier, 1.6 might be the finalStardew Valleyupdate, at least until the new game is released. It might be difficult for some fans to accept, but at least1.6 is an excellent send-off forStardew Valleyas ConcernedApe looks toward the future.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
