Summary
Stardew Valleyhas gone through a swathe of updates, but nothing compares to its game-changing multiplayer upgrade. This feature breathed new life intoStardew Valley, which already has an acclaimed single-player campaign. Multiplayer still uses the same storyline and mechanics as single-player. It just adds additional players as farmhands, which works pretty well. This feature started with four players per server. Developer ConcernedApe will expand this to eight once the 1.6 update drops, which may have a few pros and cons.
Stardew Valleywas released in 2016 to critical and commercial success. The farming simulation game tapped into players’ nostalgia for games likeStory of Seasons(formerly known asHarvest Moon) andAnimal Crossing, letting them prepare, grow, and harvest crops across multiple seasons. Its beautiful 2D-pixel graphics also hearken back to thebest Game Boy Advance gamesof the 2000s. It also has an inclusive marriage system and a story that highlights the importance of community and supporting local farmers. The game just keeps getting better too, as ConcernedApe continues to update it with new features like the upcoming 8-person multiplayer.
The Pros and Cons of 8-Person Multiplayer in Stardew Valley
TheStardew Valley1.6 updatewill encourage fans to test out the 8-person multiplayer feature once it releases. It’s a fun new change, indeed, but it could come with a few consequences in terms of overall gameplay.
Pro: More is Merrier for Most Multiplayer Games
Whether players are competing with friends or helping them out with their farms, more people usually means more opportunities for fun. The new 8-player feature is a great way to get new players into the game, as a squad of players can hop onto a multiplayer server and a Discord call to learn and explore together.
One experienced player can also provide tutoring to the newer ones, and even help in gathering materials to complete quests. While playing through a single-player campaign can be fun, it’s always nice to learn a game with friends. This is especially true for titles that have community and friendship at the forefront, likeStardew Valley.
Con: Progression Could be Difficult for Stardew Valley’s 8-Person Multiplayer
One possible downside of Stardew Valley’s 8-person multiplayer is that not everyone will realistically be present for every session. Just likeDungeons and Dragonscampaigns, it can be difficult to organize a multiplayer session with people who have different schedules. This can hamper a group’s progress in-game, especially if they’re sharing money and focusing on getting community center bundle rewards.
Pro: Stardew Valley is Customizable According to a Group’s Preferences
The multiplayer mode is highly customizable according to the group’s preferences usingStadew Valley’s Advanced Optionsmenu. If they feel like they won’t always be complete for 8-player sessions, they can always turn money sharing off. If they feel like they’re progressing too fast because of the sheer size of the party, they can adjust the profit margins so that players earn less. This not only relaxes the game’s pace but also puts greater emphasis on quests and honing skills.
The host has to be online for players to access the game. Therefore, it can be difficult for individual players to keep up on their own. If they’re absent for one multiplayer session, they’re sure to miss out on a few days to even a couple of seasons’ worth of profit. The FOMO is even greater with more players, as those behind will be surrounded by farms with the latest crops. It’ll also be difficult for them to keep up with farmers who have already acquired thebestStardew Valleycrafting recipesby upgrading their skill level.
Playing with more friends is exciting in a game likeStardew Valley. However, having eight farmhands can seem a bit crowded and chaotic. Players who want to try this out can navigate through the chaos with an organized schedule and a willingness to help their fellow farmers.
