Since its release in 2016, Stardew Valley continues to captivate players with its charming and relaxing gameplay reminiscent of the classic era of Harvest Moon games. What's even more impressive is that Stardew Valley was created solely by developer Eric Barone, who continues to release content updates to the popular farming simulator.
Stardew Valley just received another huge content expansion via its 1.5 update that Barone describes as the "biggest update yet." Apart from a new farm layout, the latest expansion brings a wide variety of new features to the game, including new goals, items, quests, mechanics, and even new people to meet. Now, for players wondering what's in store for them with the latest version of the game, here is everything new in Stardew Valley's update 1.5.
New Beach Farm
One of the biggest additions to Stardew Valley is a new farm layout called Beach Farm. As its name clearly suggests, this new layout brings tons of good fishing and foraging opportunities, alongside rare items that will wash up onshore. However, for players wondering whether it is worth it to start a new game to get the new layout, it is worth noting that the Beach Farm is covered with sandy soil, which means that players won't be able to use sprinklers given that they get clogged with sand. Overall, the Beach Farm is perfect for veteran players looking to experience something new in the game, but for beginning players, it is best to start with the other farm layouts first.
New Game Options
In the bottom left of Stardew Valley's character creation menu, players will now find a new Advanced Gaming Options mode. This new feature allows players to select a wide variety of options to customize their playthrough. In the patch notes for the latest update, ConcernedApe recommends that veteran players try out the remixed mode, which randomizes Community Center bundles mixing new ones alongside variations of the originals. Additionally, players can also randomize mine rewards, which will provide them with new items to acquire in chests found all over the mines.
Local Split-Screen Co-Op
Another new feature in Stardew Valley's update 1.5 is the local split-screen co-op, which allows up to three players to enjoy the game. To play in split-screen, players must commission Robin to build a cabin that accommodates three players. Alternatively, players starting a new game can select to have cabins placed on the farm via the advanced gaming options menu. Once the cabins have been built, players need to open the game's menu, scroll down to multiplayer, and select Start local co-op.
Other New Features in Stardew Valley's Update 1.5
Apart from the new features listed above, ConcernedApe provided a spoiler-free list of other features that players should expect to see in the latest update.
- New people to meet
- New goals
- Many new items
- A new type of quest
- A new farm layout
- New character events
- A new Community Upgrade
- Home renovations (after you've fully upgraded your house)
- Ducks can now swim
- You can now sit in chairs
- You can now move your bed
- Fish Tanks
- A bunch of new furniture items as well as new furniture types like wall sconces
- New secrets
- 9 new music tracks
- And so much more
When Will Update 1.5 Be Released to The Console Versions of Stardew Valley?
At the moment, update 1.5 is only available for the PC version of Stardew Valley. According to ConcernedApe, 1.5 should be bug-free, but players should be aware that there is a slight possibility that some glitches may have been overlooked. Now, for those wondering when the latest update will hit consoles, the patch notes revealed that players on consoles should receive the update sometime in 2021, with the mobile versions following later. Looking at past updates, console players shouldn't worry too much, given that the wait may not be too long, and update 1.5 may soon be available on the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch in early 2021 at the latest.
Stardew Valley is available now on Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One.