Stardew Valley enthusiasts on console and mobile platforms are eager to dive into new farming adventures. The highly anticipated 1.6 update has launched for all devices, introducing a fresh farm type, expanded dialogues with NPCs, new events, and a plethora of other features that are sure to enhance gameplay.
This update was initially made available to PC players on March 19, leaving console and mobile gamers waiting for nearly eight months. In July, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the game’s developer, mentioned in a social media post that the process was taking longer than planned. The following month, he discussed in another update that the focus had shifted primarily to the console and mobile versions, even pausing his work on the follow-up project, Haunted Chocolatier, to ensure these updates were properly completed.
According to Barone, the extended timeframe was due to the complexities involved in updating console versions, particularly when it came to debugging. He aimed to finalize the PC version before moving on to prepare consoles and mobile platforms.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect the console update to take this long. Technical challenges during the porting process have been the main issue. I initially thought it would only be about a month of difference,” he stated.
Be aware that there’s currently a glitch that may cause chickens to vanish if you open the coop door on the first day with a new Meadowlands Farm. As Barone humorously suggested on social media, you can picture it as a “wild coyote.” However, he reassured players that a fix is underway. Additionally, he indicated that the PlayStation version in Europe is facing issues, and the team is prioritizing a solution for that as well.
If you’re starting a new game on console or mobile today, congratulations! To fully appreciate the fresh features, make sure to select the Meadowlands Farm. This new farm type, complete with blue grass and a chicken coop, will provide a unique twist to your farming experience, including exciting new festivals and events.
Barone has also released a minor update 1.6.9 for all players, while not as expansive as 1.6, it does introduce some new content. This includes a Lost Items Shop, where players can pay a mysterious character 10,000 gold for items that are normally unrecoverable if lost—like decorative statues, furniture, and a newly added item simply referred to as “???” on the official wiki. Additionally, players can look forward to new Easter eggs and some hidden cheat commands.