Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe recently revealed that he is now in the finishing stages of Stardew Valley Update 1.6. Read on to learn what new features the update will bring, how it compares to the previous update, and more!
Stardew Valley Update 1.6 In Last Stages of Development
Confirmed to be Releasing Soon in 2024
Stardew Valley creator and sole developer ConcernedApe (real name Eric Barone) revealed on Twitter(X) that the game’s Update 1.6 is in its "bug-fixing and polishing phase" as of January 27, 2024. Having finished implementing all the major new content, he mentions that he will be releasing the update as soon as it’s ready for release!
He was asked by a fan under the same Twitter(X) post asking if he thinks the update will come out in 2024, and he confidently responds, "yes absolutely," confirming that fans won’t have to wait for far too long.
Lastly, another fan asks how long mobile players would have to wait, as previous Stardew Valley updates were infamous for how long it took for them to arrive on mobile platforms. ConcernedApe affirms and reassures fans who play on mobile that he doesn’t want a big gap between the PC and console/mobile releases.
"It will likely come to PC first, but I really really don't want a big delay between PC and console/mobile. That was a nightmare in the past."
What to Expect from Stardew Valley Update 1.6
Update 1.6 was supposed to only add quality-of-life features for modders, however, it evidently went further than expected. "1.6 ended up being a little larger in scope than originally planned," ConcernedApe explained.
He was asked how it would compare to the game’s previous update 1.5, a gigantic expansion that featured a vast new location. He reasons that it’s difficult to compare the two updates, as "because 1.5 was all about a big NEW area, whereas 1.6 is about adding more to the old stuff in the game, with a lot of little things."
From this, a curious fan asked whether he would recommend starting a new save for the update or to continue existing playthroughs. Barone responds that it’s perfectly fine to continue old saves, but with the nature of the update where tons of old content have been flourished upon, "I'd probably recommend a new save justt to experience everything in context."
Last year, he shared a sneak peek list of the new features that Update 1.6 will bring, including new festivals, new late-game content, new items, new crafting recipes, over a hundred new lines of dialogue, new outfits for the villagers(very important), a new farm type, and more secrets! On New Year’s Day, he posted a screenshot on Twitter(X) of one of the new festivals. It shows off a heart-shaped fireworks display, and a cow saying "Good fortune to you in the coming year."
Stardew Valley Festival of Seasons Concert Tour
Tour Starting on February 16, 2024!
Outside the game, it was previously announced that a live symphonic concert that features Stardew Valley music will be touring across multiple countries throughout 2024. It caught many fans by surprise, but many were also quick on the draw, and venues everywhere quickly sold out, forcing the organizers to expand to new locations and add additional days.
The tour starts next month on February 16, 2024, so if you see your city, there might still be a chance to secure some tickets and experience Stardew Valley’s relaxing music through a live orchestra!
