Skip to main content

Major 'Stardew Valley' update adds new maps, buildings, and divorce options

next stardew valley update allows players to get digitally divorced stardew11
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Indie developer ConcernedApe charts a number of major changes and additions coming to its farmlife simulation game Stardew Valley with its next update, including new starting farms, construction options, and marriage candidates.

Returning farmers who have grown tired of their in-game marriages will also be able to annul their vows in the next update, making Stardew Valley one of the very few video games that allows players to file for virtual divorce.

Recommended Videos

Released earlier this year for Windows PCs, Stardew Valley is a farming simulation RPG that takes its gameplay cues from Natsume’s Harvest Moon series. Challenging players to restore a dilapidated farm to its former glory, Stardew Valley allows virtual farmers to raise livestock, befriend townsfolk, and eventually marry one of several available bachelors or bachelorettes over the course of their agricultural journey.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

After installing Stardew Valley‘s next patch, players will be able to choose their starting farm, giving them a greater number of options at the game’s outset. Fans of Stardew Valley‘s fishing mechanics, for instance, will want to check out the new Riverland Farm, which features a number of lakes and rivers filled with aquatic wildlife.

The new Forest Farm offers more foraging opportunities, while the Hill-top Farm lets players focus on mining valuable ores. Players looking for a challenge will want to try their luck with the new Wilderness Farm, which spawns dangerous creatures like bats and golems when night falls.

Marriage is another central mechanic in Stardew Valley, and players will be able to date villagers Shane and Emily starting with the next update. In-game spouses will also offer additional in-game events and bonuses as an incentive for pursuing marriage, while players who have grown distant from their virtual wives and husbands will soon be able to file for divorce.

Other features premiering in Stardew Valley‘s next update include new shed and mill buildings, new locations and warp totems, and a new quest arc that adds magical construction options when completed. Hardcore players who complete the “Journey of the Prairie King” storyline will also be given the option to reattempt the quest at a higher difficulty level while retaining their previously earned coins and upgrades.

Stardew Valley players can get an early look at the upcoming patch’s new features and improvements by signing up for its beta branch via Steam. A public release date for Stardew Valley version 1.1 is not yet known.

Danny Cowan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?
Stardew Valley Multiplayer Fishing

Stardew Valley is a game made by just one person, but it has seen more success than most games made by dozens, or even hundreds, of people. It's even one of Digital Trends' top 50 video games of all time. Since its release in 2016, it's been updated regularly with new features and content to keep its avid fans coming back to learn all the new tips and tricks. As of the Stardew Valley 1.6 update additions, this includes an online multiplayer component that allows you and up to three friends to hang out on each other's farms.

Most games like Stardew Valley allow players on different platforms to join together, so you may wonder if Stardew Valley itself is a cross-platform game like Minecraft or Terraria. Here's everything we know about cross-platform support in Stardew Valley.
Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?

Read more
The best games like Stardew Valley
A player fishes in their local pond.

Working the farm, forming relationships with the townsfolk, and just enjoying the vibe are what make Stardew Valley such a great game to settle into once you know the basic tips and tricks or a few handy cheats to take the edge off. Easygoing games like this have become incredibly popular -- especially for those who don't typically play games -- but it can be hard to find more that offer that same type of experience if you don't know where to look. The cozy game genre has become a bit bloated as of late with games not quite as polished or fully featured as you would hope. We've worked the land and harvested only the ripest games like Stardew Valley to satisfy your desire for more farming-sim goodness.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Read more
‘Hardcore’ Stardew Valley mod deletes your save if you open up guides
A wedding in Stardew Valley. The player characters is marrying Haley, who's in a bridal gown. They're standing underneath an arch with all the townsfolk watching.

Stardew Valley is already as challenging as you make it. But have you ever wanted it to be even worse? Well, a new mod that's been making the rounds online could help with that.

The "Hardcore Mode" mod was created by a software engineer called Sylvie Nightshade and released out into the world on Friday (spotted by GamesRadar). It does one simple task: delete your save if you just so happen to open the Stardew Valley Wiki in your browser.

Read more