Stardew Valley 1.6 Update Drops Today with Split-Screen Multiplayer on Consoles and More

After nearly a year of anticipation, the long-awaited Stardew Valley 1.6 update is finally here—and it’s packed with enough content to get fans digging back into their farms. Launching today for all supported console platforms, the update introduces the long-requested split-screen co-op feature for consoles, along with new crops, dialogue, festivals, and quality-of-life improvements.

The biggest headline for console players is undoubtedly split-screen multiplayer. Until now, this feature was exclusive to PC, but with the arrival of 1.6, players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch can now share a single screen with a friend, paving the way for a more collaborative (or competitive) farming experience from the comfort of the couch.

But split-screen isn’t the only addition turning heads. Update 1.6 revamps the core gameplay loop with a host of fresh content. There are two new festivals—complete with unique cutscenes, rewards, and town interactions—plus several mini-events sprinkled throughout the year to keep things feeling fresh. Players can also plant new crops and trees, introducing more seasonal variety to your farming plans.

Community favorite characters like Shane, Emily, and Lewis have received new dialogue lines, adding depth to relationships that longtime players may have already maxed out. The game’s modding support (already thriving on PC) also sees improvements, smoothing the path for custom content in the future.

Creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone teased the update over the past several months through social media posts, consistently emphasizing that 1.6 is “for the fans.” And true to form, the update carries a spirit of polish and care, reflecting Barone’s deep connection to his community.

The update is free and available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, as well as on current-gen hardware via backward compatibility. Stardew Valley continues to stand tall as one of indie gaming’s most enduring success stories—and with 1.6, the game proves it’s still evolving in meaningful ways nearly eight years after launch.

Whether you’re a brand-new farmer or a seasoned rancher with a fully upgraded greenhouse, there’s never been a better time to return to Pelican Town.