Your Comprehensive Guide to Stardew Valley Multiplayer

Playing Stardew Valley solo can be a rewarding experience, but managing a thriving farm single-handedly can be challenging. Fortunately, the game offers a robust multiplayer co-op mode, allowing you and your friends to share the joys and burdens of farm life. With the substantial 1.6 update introducing exciting new content, there’s never been a better time to team up with friends in Stardew Valley. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to set up and enjoy multiplayer in Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley player overseeing their farm. ConcernedApe

Understanding Cross-Platform Play and System Requirements

While multiplayer is available on PC and consoles, mobile users currently cannot participate. Furthermore, Stardew Valley does not support cross-platform play. This means everyone in your online farm must own the game on the same platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch). It’s also essential that all players have the same game version installed, especially after major updates like 1.6.

Setting Up an Online Co-op Game

Up to eight players can share a single Stardew Valley farm online, provided they’re all on the same platform. Here’s how to get started:

1. Host a New Farm: The designated host selects “Co-op” from the main menu, then chooses the “Host” tab and “Host New Farm.”

Stardew Valley co-op button on main menu. ConcernedApe

2. Character Creation and Cabin Construction: The host creates their character and adds cabins for each player joining the farm. Options for cabin layout, profit margins, and shared/separate finances are available during setup.

Stardew Valley Host New Farm option in menu. ConcernedApe

3. Customization: Customize your farm’s settings to fit your group’s playstyle.

Stardew Valley co-op character creation menu. ConcernedApe

Playing Local Co-op (Split-Screen & LAN)

Stardew Valley supports local co-op for up to four players on PC and consoles. This includes split-screen and LAN connections.

1. Create/Load a Multiplayer World: Follow the online co-op setup, ensuring enough cabins are built for all local players.

2. Connect Controllers: Connect a controller for each player. On PC, the host uses the keyboard and mouse, while other players use controllers.

3. Start Local Co-op: In the in-game menu, navigate to “Options” -> “Multiplayer” and select “Start Local Co-op.” For LAN play, choose “Join LAN Game” and enter the host’s IP address.

Stardew Valley Start Local Co-op option in menu. ConcernedApe

4. Connect Controllers and Play: Press the start button on each connected controller to join the game and create/select characters.

how to play co op stardew valley multiplayer connect controller Concerned Ape

Joining an Online Co-op Game

Joining an existing online farm varies slightly depending on your platform:

• PC (Steam): The host can send you an invite code (found in the chat box or “Options” -> “Multiplayer” -> “Show Invite Code”). Alternatively, if you’re Steam friends, the game should appear under the “Join” tab in the Co-op menu.
• Nintendo Switch: The game appears under the “Join” tab for Nintendo Switch friends with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Local wireless play is possible without a subscription.
• Xbox: Friends with Game Pass subscriptions can see each other’s games under the “Join” tab.
• PlayStation: Friends with PlayStation Plus subscriptions can join each other’s games via the “Join” tab.

Converting a Single-Player Save to Co-op

Transforming your existing single-player farm into a co-op experience is straightforward:

1. Visit Robin’s Carpenter Shop: In your single-player game, go to Robin’s shop.

2. Construct Cabins: Select “Construct farm buildings” and choose a cabin type. Cabins cost 100g and require a 5×3 plot of land. They are built instantly.

Stardew Valley Construct Farm Buildings option in Robin ConcernedApe

Stardew Valley build a cabin option in Robin ConcernedApe

Locating Multiplayer Save Files (PC)

Co-op save files are stored on the host’s computer. On PC, they can be accessed through File Explorer:

1. Open Run: Press Windows key + R.

2. Enter AppData Path: Type %appdata% and click “OK.”

3. Navigate to Saves: Open the StardewValley folder, then the Saves folder. Each save file is contained within its own folder.

Running %appdata% in WIndows. MaagX

Stardew Valley save file location. MaagX

Conclusion

Whether you prefer online adventures or cozy couch co-op, Stardew Valley’s multiplayer offers a fantastic way to experience the game with friends. This guide has provided all the information you need to get your multiplayer farm up and running. So gather your friends, build your cabins, and embark on your shared farming journey!