StardewValley has one of the most beloved features in all video games, local co-op multiplayer. This local co-op play will allow you to finally farm with friends with just a few prerequisites. You will require some setup in your town to get things started, or you can start a new game entirely and begin playing with friends.
Updated March 4, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: The 1.6 update of Stardew Valley is soon to be a reality. We've added some information about multiplayer based on this new update to the game.
From the title menu, all you need to do is select 'Co-op'. This will give you the option to choose a farm layout and add cabins for other players. Now, your farm is set up for others to join!
With a farm all ready to go, you just need to join in. Local co-op typically means playing together with others from the same screen. Because of this, you won't have to connect your own device to the same network.
Instead, the host player of the farm just needs to head to the Options tab and select "Start Local Co-op". This will enable couch co-op, and new players will be added as controllers are paired.
Check the options tab in the game menu, and you can change the Zoom Level of the game, and the Zoom Level of the UI, allowing you to change things up to suit your own needs.
Local multiplayer requirements are slightly different depending on what platform you're playing on. It makes a difference to how many players you can have playing simultaneously and what controllers you'll need to get started. Here are the essentials you need to know.
Once the 1.6 update launches for Stardew Valley, the game will support up to eight people. The PC update is set to launch first, so those who play on console may have to wait a bit longer to join seven other friends in the valley.
The PS4 and Xbox One versions are the gold standard for Stardew Valley multiplayer on console, with very few specific requirements to throw you out of the experience. You need as many controllers as there are players (four maximum), and that's it.
One thing that will disappoint some, though, is that you will not be able to enjoy crossplay between consoles, such as between PS4 and Xbox, nor will you be able to join in with PC and Mac players.
If you are able to download mods, you may be wondering if there are any couch co-op mods out there. Thankfully, many popular mods will still work! The content will stay the same, however, you may experience some lag.
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