Fans of Stardew Valley have waited for what seems like an eternity since Stardew’s 1.5 update was released on PC in December 2020. Now, over three years later, the 1.6 update is finally here. With it, an assortment of new features, including a farm layout and many new items you’ll soon discover in our guide. The update aside, the storyline is still the same – inherit a dilapidated farm in Stardew Valley and transform it into a paradise.
For a different gaming experience, check out https://www.slotozilla.com/ca/no-deposit-bonus/25-free-chip to learn about the no deposit bonus in Canadian casinos. Stardew Valley’s 1.6 update patch adds a ton of new features and gameplay mechanics to the game. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the additions to help you maximize your experience.
New Contents in the Update
Update 1.6 came out on March 19, 2024, at 2:25 PM EST. At the moment, it is only available on Steam and Linux/mac operating systems. That said, the availability date for the console is unknown. Explore the highlights of the new update below:
New Meadowlands Farm
The Meadowlands Farm is one of the most prominent changes to Stardew Valley. Before the update, players choose among seven farm types. However, the new Meadowlands Farm improves flexibility. It has a river and two ponds where you can catch different types of fish.
Apart from this, Chewy Blue Grass grows on the farm, which is a feeding source for animals. Lastly, the farm offers a free coop and two chickens. Building a coop costs 100x stone, 300x wood, and 4000g. Hence, receiving a free coop improves the appeal of Meadowlands Farm.
Mastery System and Cave
The mastery system allows players to earn skill points by visiting the mastery cave. The cave is near the base of Cindersap Forest, and the secret room is accessible via a door with a note under Leah’s house. Anyone whose skill levels are at the maximum level of 10 in farming, combat, foraging, mining, and fishing can earn mastery points. Earning mastery points boosts your skill beyond the maximum level.
New Festivals and Events
Stardew Valley is never short on events, and there are even more within the new update. They include:
- Trout Derby: A fishing tournament that is held on Summer 20-21 at the Cindersap forest. Players fish trout to find Golden Tags, and since not all Trouts have a tag, you must catch enough. The 1.6 update has a Bait Maker – a feature that allows you to create targeted bait for hooking only trout instead of other fish.
- Squidfest: This winter event is held on the 12th and 13th. Like its Trout counterpart, the goal is to catch as many squids as possible. Players earn rewards based on the number of squids caught.
- Desert Festival: The festival is held from the 15th to the 17th of Spring. Here, participants race, join fishing and Skull Caven challenges and partake in the free cactus stall.
New Rain, New Pets
The new patch has a new random green rain in the summer. When the green rain falls, trees spawn moss.
By the way, moss is used for making recipes, so the rain provides an opportunity to gather as much moss as possible. Another improvement is the pets. There are new varieties of cats, dogs, and turtles. Earning hearts from the pets is sometimes rewarded with gifts. Either way, you can now keep more pets on your farm.
New NPC Dialogues and Character Behaviors
The 1.6 update provides extra dialogues for NPC, more than the ones you were used to in the last update. This is not surprising, as it is common in top simulation and slot games, for instance, Da Vinci Diamonds, Gypsy Moon, and Zeus. You can read more about the top free slot games in Canada to increase your options.
There are conversations in the 1.6 update for different scenarios, including gestures like gift-giving, flow dance invitations, and marriage. That’s right, you can now marry within the game. The Honeymoon is seven days after the marriage, and spouses cannot lay in bed all day due to being upset. The world map also shows your exact position instead of showing the area of the map you were in, as in the past.
Ginger Island and Golden Joja Parrot
Ginger Island is a new location where you can explore and collect Golden Walnuts. The island has 130 Golden Walnuts. If you’re having trouble tracking them, the Joja Parrot will help you find them down for a token. The parrot is on the left side of the volcano, and locating a walnut costs 10,000g.
The Bookseller
The bookseller comes into town twice a season, and there is a calendar you can use to track his visit. Players visit the bookstore to trade items for books like Book of Stars and Monster Compendium, among others.
New Items
NPCs now have winter outfits. Apart from this, Lewis’ house has a new prize machine and a big tree with a quest line that provides new neighbours.
The update grants mystery boxes and a big chest, which is almost double the size of a regular chest. Other additions include:
- Four new crops (broccoli, powdermelon, summer squash, and carrots).
- Four new home areas (cubby, expanded corner room, dining room, and attic.)
- Mushroom and dehydrator.
- Heavy furnace.
- Statue of blessings and a statue of the Dwarf King.
- Fish smoker, and many more.
Conclusion
Update 1.6 is a massive improvement to the 1.5 variant. The new update allows up to 8 players on the PC without increasing bandwidth usage and latency. The game has more waterfalls, winter holiday decorations, and jack-o-lanterns. Likewise, seasonal world map variants and summer butterflies, among others. It gets dark an hour earlier in winter, and the transition to night lighting is smoother. Overall, the gameplay, visuals, and quality of life are better.
