Stardew Valley’s gargantuan 1.6 update is finally here, and, as expected, it’s packed to the brim with new content and changes that significantly improve the game.
Update 1.6 is far bigger than anyone imagined, with hundreds of additions and changes to Stardew Valley. This is all thanks to single developer ConcernedApe, who has outdone themselves with the latest update to their indie masterpiece. Stardew Valley 1.6 implements a variety of balance and quality-of-life changes across the board. It also adds a staggering amount of new content for players to get stuck into. Read on to discover some of the most significant changes update 1.6 brings to the game!
Biggest Changes in Stardew Valley 1.6
The biggest changes and additions among the staggeringly long list of update notes for Stardew Valley 1.6 include a brand new farm type (Meadowlands Farm), new festivals and events, a “mastery” system that grants powerful items and perks, a new quest line, improved NPC dialogue, eight-player multiplayer, and a host of new items, pets, and crops to discover. You can find even more changes in the full Changelog notes for Stardew Valley 1.6. It also includes a variety of bug fixes, visual improvements, and balance changes across the board. It is currently only available on PC and will come to consoles later.
One of the most significant additions in Stardew Valley 1.6 is the new eighth farm type, Meadowlands Farm. Starting a new game in this farm type will provide you with a coop and two chickens for free. It will also sport a new blue grass type that animals on your farm should have a particular affinity for.
Those wanting a bit more from their virtual relationships will be happy to know that NPC dialogues received an upgrade. Things now feel much more dynamic as NPCs react to your actions more naturally. You also have the opportunity to meet some new neighbors by completing a brand new “big tree” quest line.
If you’re wondering how to spend time with these improved NPCs, we recommend some of the new festivals and events. Two new fishing events (Trout Derby and Squidfest) have you participate in fishing contests. The Desert Festival is a more substantial affair, taking up to three in-game days. It takes place in the Calico desert area.
There’s also a host of new items to decorate your home and farmstead with and four new home renovations. Pet hoarders will be happy to learn that you can now own multiple pets at once, and they will even give you gifts if they love you enough. As farming is the name of the game, be sure to look out for the four new crops added in 1.6, including two brand-new giant crops. The new abilities and perks from the new mastery system should also help you to get through all the above content.
This is undoubtedly one of the most significant updates Stardew Valley has ever received. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by ConcernedApe. For now, Stardew Valley 1.6 is only available on PC and will arrive on consoles later. For everything else related to Stardew Valley, hop into our Guide Hub here.