Stardew Valley 1.6 update is just around the corner. Since its announcement in June 2022, fans of this popular indie farming sim have been waiting patiently for its release. Eric Barone aka ConcernedApe, the solo developer of the game, has meanwhile juggled between Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley version 1.6. However, with the update reaching its final stretch, Barone announced on Twitter last month that he has paused the development of the new IP and is solely focusing on delivering the Stardew update.
There is going to be a Stardew 1.6 update. It's mostly changes for modders (which will make it easier & more powerful to mod). But there is also new game content, albeit much less than 1.5. I'm taking a break from Haunted Chocolatier to work on this at the moment. Then back to HC
— ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) April 16, 2023
While there is no official announcement regarding the release date of Stardew Valley 1.6, we can assume from the developer’s latest tweets that it will be here any moment, quite possibly in the next month.
Stardew Valley Update 1.6: What will change in the base game?
To get things straight, Stardew Valley 1.6 update is primarily focused on a plethora of under-the-hood changes to facilitate modded content, rather than delivering a massive chunk of content that update 1.5 provided. While it may be a piece of disappointing news for some, especially since 1.6 might be the game’s last update for a while, the more streamlined modding procedure will surely make up for it.
Other than the architectural changes for better accommodating mod authors, update 1.6 is bringing forth a slew of quality-of-life changes to Stardew Valley.
- The world map now shows your actual position within the world in real-time (instead of showing you at a fixed point for each location). In multiplayer, you’ll see other players’ positions in real time too.
- The farmhouse and pet bowl can now be moved through Robin’s menu.
- The farm computer can now be used anywhere to see a summary of that location, instead of only the farm.
- The mini jukebox can now be used on the Ginger Island farm.
Other than these, there is a massive list of smaller changes that you can find out in the Stardew Valley Wiki.
However, according to Barone’s latest tweet regarding Stardew 1.6, there is supposed to be new game content in the update, which of course is “much less than 1.5” according to himself.
Stardew Valley version 1.6: What does it mean for mods?
Stardew Valley already boasts a thriving modding community, encompassing a wide range of mods. Some mods make subtle tweaks to the game, such as the Stamina Regen mod, while others aim to deliver extensive new content, like the Stardew Valley Expanded or the Ridgeside Village mod. With how update 1.6 is shaping up, it will make modded content additions much more hassle-free and streamlined.
In addition to the substantial improvements in customizability for NPCs, items, locations, weather, crops, and more, Stardew Valley 1.6 will also bring noteworthy performance enhancements. These changes should empower modders to embark on more ambitious projects.
As is the case with any major game update, existing mods may cease working, especially the ones whose mod authors are no longer active. However, we have news from notable mod authors that ConcernedApe has been extensively working with them to make the transition as smooth as possible.
1) 1.6, yes. But it's mostly a modding-focused update (makes modders lives easier). There will be some new content but it won't be huge. 1.7? Who knows.
2) Yes, but I haven't decided how deep the connection will be exactly. I want Haunted Chocolatier to have its own identity— ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) June 23, 2022
Overall, As ConcernedApe shifts focus toward Haunted Chocolatier, update 1.6 is crucial in sustaining the Stardew community by entrusting it to its most devoted and passionate players.
