Stardew Valley fans have been patiently waiting for ConcernedApe to release the game’s 1.5 update. Now, fans can rest easy knowing that the major patch has been rolled out for PC, and they can finally test out the many new features and content, including a new farm type and other advanced options for long-term players who want to spice up their gameplay. Console players will have to wait just a bit more though, as update 1.5 will officially launch on the other platforms next year.
Developer Eric Barone aka ConcernedApe created Stardew Valley as a way to relive the charming and heartwarming emotions one felt while playing the early Harvest Moon titles while experiencing new updates to keep things fresh and exciting. Instead of giving the game a definite ending after two years in-game, ConcernedApe wanted to create a title that just keeps on going.
Since such a game hadn’t existed yet, the developer created Stardew Valley and released it to the world back in 2016. Since the farming simulator’s initial launch, the title has received several updates already, such as the 1.3 update which introduced multiplayer to the game.
Now, another major update in the form of version 1.5 has been released, which developer Barone described as “Stardew Valley’s biggest update yet!” According to him, one of the most exciting things about version 1.5 is the addition of a new farm type, specifically a beach farm.
When players start a new game in Stardew Valley, they are given the option to choose between different farm types or go with the default. These farm types cater to a player’s profit interests e.g. the hill-top farm prioritizes mining while the riverland farm focuses on fishing.
Choosing the newest type — the beach farm — turns a player’s farm area into a spacious and sandy place. This, unfortunately, means that players won’t be able to utilize the incredibly convenient sprinklers, but this particular farm type offers great fishing and foraging opportunities.
That being said, the beach farm would undoubtedly offer a fun and fresh experience for veteran players. On the other hand, Barone recommends that new players try out the more classic farm types instead.
Among other things, Barone also provides a spoiler-friendly list of the other new features that players can expect in update 1.5. Some of the points include new character events, fish tanks, new quest types, and so much more.
Bird's eye view of the new Beach Farm. Also a reminder to check out the new "Advanced Game Options" button on the character creation menu if you're starting a new game! pic.twitter.com/NYf374Iq7L
— ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) December 21, 2020
The most interesting inclusions in Stardew Valley can be found in the full changelog, however. This latest update introduces a brand-new area called Ginger Island, where players can meet with new characters and do a variety of new quests, minigames, and puzzles. In fact, there’s even a new volcano dungeon for players to explore.
According to the patch notes, there will be a new character named Leo who will have “his own backstory, plot line, events, etc.” As such, we speculate that he’s going to be included in the list of romanceable characters in Stardew Valley.
Players who enjoy the RPG elements of the game (i.e. the dungeon crawling and monster-hunting aspects) will be glad to know that version 1.5 adds several new enemies as well, including False Magma Caps, Lava Lurks, and Hot Heads. As implied by their volcanic theme, most of them can be found on Ginger Island.
The full changelog details every new thing added to Stardew Valley, so definitely check it out. Scrolling through the list of changes, it’s clear to see why the developer considers this update to be the biggest one so far and we agree.
