Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone recently gave fans an update on the development progress for the highly anticipated 1.6 update. In a post on social media, Barone noted he has entered “extreme crunch mode” to finish the update, providing a screenshot sneak peek of a new large storage chest being added. Here's everything you need to know about Stardew Valley 1.6 Update progress.
Developer's Progress Report on Stardew Valley 1.6 Update
“A ton of progress on 1.6 last month, it's (self-imposed) extreme crunch mode, nose to the grindstone (raw nose) mode,” mentioned Barone on social media X. “Here's one of the many additions in 1.6. Keeping mostly everything secret.”
When asked what motivates him to keep working on Stardew Valley so many years after its release, Barone pointed to the game’s continued popularity and his own personal connection to it. As his “life’s work” so far, he feels compelled to keep making the game better for new and existing players alike.
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Confirmed New Features
While first announced in April 2023, few details were initially revealed about what 1.6 would include. Since then, Barone has previewed some of the biggest additions coming, like:
- A new Farm type
- A fresh major Festival
- Not one, but two new mini-Festivals
- New items and crafting recipes
- Cozy Winter outfits for the villagers
- Over 100 new lines of dialogue
- Support for 8-player multiplayer (on PC)
- Expanded late-game content that explores deeper into almost every skill
- Some Joja alternatives for some end-game quests
- A new reward awaits those for completing billboard requests
- Various small yet significant additions and improvements
- Players will be able to uncover hidden secrets
Beyond these highlights, the update will also feature small improvements throughout to enrich the overall gameplay experience.
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Release Date Still Unknown
Barone has not provided any expected timeframe for when 1.6 will launch. However, given his latest comments about entering “crunch mode”, it seems the finish line is approaching. Fans eagerly await more news and should keep watch for an announcement.
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Summary
- Developer is making steady progress on the 1.6 update for Stardew Valley
- Major features coming include new festivals, outfits, NPC dialogue, and expanded end game content
- Creator is motivated to keep improving the game for long-time and new players alike
- Though no firm release date is set yet, signs point to the update nearing completion
- The update promises to add exciting new things to discover and enhance the overall experience
The developer's dedication to substantially improving Stardew Valley even years after its initial release shows his commitment to the game and its community. Players can look forward to exploring the new 1.6 content whenever it drops.
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