Summary

  • Stardew Valley's ConcernedApe has explained why the PC version of Update 1.6 was released before the console version.
  • It mainly has to due with the fact that the PC version can be updated in a matter of hours, as opposed to a week or more on consoles.
  • Technical issues with the porting process have prevented Stardew Valley Update 1.6 from coming to consoles jus yet.

Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe recently revealed the reason why Update 1.6 was released on PC before consoles and mobile. Earlier this year, Stardew Valley players on PC were treated to the substantial Update 1.6, which added significant content to the beloved life/farm sim and made a number of important quality of life improvements. Understandably, there are many Stardew Valley fans on other platforms that are eager to dive into the update for themselves.

Part of the fun of a new Stardew Valley update is finding all the new content for oneself. This sense of discovery brings lapsed players back to the game whenever a new update is released. Considering this, it's really no surprise that there are some fans that are upset about the update taking so long to come to consoles and mobile, as they may have had some of the new content spoiled for them.

Stardew Valley player discovers placing torches on fenceposts
Stardew Valley Player Accidentally Discovers Clever Use for Torches

A Stardew Valley player stumbles upon a fun way to use torches, giving a prettier option for lighting up farms and Pelican Town at night.

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Twitter user bhollywood13 recently pointed this out to ConcernedApe, asking why the developer released Stardew Valley Update 1.6 on PC before bringing it to consoles and mobile platforms. ConcernedApe responded, explaining that updates come to PC first so that bugs can be fixed quickly with patches, which is not possible on consoles. "So it's ideal to have all major issues resolved before submitting to consoles," ConcernedApe explained, stating that otherwise there's a risk that players may run into game-breaking or save-corrupting bugs that could take a week to be fixed, as opposed to on PC where the issues could be resolved in mere hours. ConcernedApe added that he did not expect to take this long with the non-PC versions of Update 1.6, but apparently ran into "technical issues" with the porting process. His original hope was to have the update out one month "max" from when the PC version dropped (so April 2024), but that hasn't been possible. "At any rate, I feel bad about it," he said.

Why Stardew Valley Update 1.6 Still Isn't on Consoles

  • PC version came out first because patches can be released for PC in a matter of hours as opposed to a week or more on consoles
  • ConcernedApe has ran into "technical issues" with the porting process
  • Originally, the plan was to release Update 1.6 on consoles about a month after the PC version

Bhollywood13's question was in response to ConcernedApe's latest update on the Stardew Valley 1.6 console and mobile ports. In his update, ConcernedApe acknowledged that fans may be getting upset about the lack of a release date, but promised that the update was his main priority, even at the expense of Haunted Chocolatier.

Haunted Chocolatier is ConcernedApe's next game. It seems to have a lot in common with Stardew Valley, but with a drastically different setting. Instead of running a farm, Haunted Chocolatier has players making and selling chocolates. Once Stardew Valley Update 1.6 is finalized, ConcernedApe will likely return his attention to that project, though it's unclear how long the wait to play it will be.

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Stardew Valley Tag Page Cover Art

Stardew Valley
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RPG
Simulation
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
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Released
February 26, 2016
ESRB
E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!

Cross Save
cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
Number of Players
1-4
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical or Horizontal
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation
How Long To Beat
53 Hours
File Size Xbox Series
1 GB (November 2023)
Local Co-Op Support
1-4 Players