Stardew Valley: How To Play With Friends (Multiplayer Guide)

Multiplayer adds a new dimension to Stardew Valley, making it a more social and relaxing game. Players can join up to seven other farmhands in Stardew Valley's online multiplayer, all working together on the same farm. Alternatively, local split-screen multiplayer is also available for anyone who prefers a slightly cozier couch co-op experience.

Stardew Valley's multiplayer mode is only available on PC and consoles, which unfortunately leaves mobile players without any official options. However, anyone on PC and console hoping to share some tips and tricks with new players will find different options for running a Stardew Valley multiplayer game. Split-screen, LAN, or IP addresses are all options that can complicate running a game.

Related 10 Essential Tips & Tricks For Returning Stardew Valley Players Players are flocking back to Stardew Valley after the big 1.6 update, but some aspects of the game can be hard to recall after so much time away.

How Stardew Valley Multiplayer Works

A Brief Overview Of The Multiplayer Mode

In Stardew Valley, multiplayer works by having one player create a world that other players can join. The player who creates the world is the host: they hold the save file on their system, and other players cannot access the world if the host is not online. To host a multiplayer world, select Co-Op in the main menu, click the Host tab, and then select Host New Farm.

This creates a new game, and the host can set different options. This includes the number of starting cabins, which affects how many players can join immediately, cabin layout, farm profit margin, and money style. Money style effectively determines whether all money earned goes into a shared pool or each player has their own pool.

For example, in single-player mode, the host can choose the best farm types for the game. The Four Corners map layout is designed specifically for multiplayer and is very multiplayer-friendly.

Players who join can still interact with the world. Stardew Valley's bachelors and bachelorettes can be romanced, and everyone can fish, forage, farm, and mine as usual. However, it's worth noting that there are many subtle differences between single-player and multiplayer. Some of the most important differences include:

Everyone will need to agree on some decisions, such as going to bed and starting festivals.

Everyone shares progress in The Mines and the Museum collection.

Each player has their own individual XP and skill progression.

Players cannot marry the same marriage candidate but can propose and marry each other.

How To Play Stardew Valley Multiplayer On PC

Play Multiplayer On Windows, Mac, And Linux

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Multiplayer on Stardew Valley's PC versions varies by launcher:

Steam players can see and join any multiplayer Stardew Valley games hosted by friends on the Join tab of the Co-Op screen. Similarly, the host can also send an invite code, which can be used to connect to a game.

Similarly, the host can also send an invite code, which can be used to connect to a game. GOG Galaxy players can use invite codes.

Alternatively, a split-screen can also be set up. To do this, all players must do is build cabins for new players in their single-player worlds and then connect a new controller. Local co-op can then be started under the Multiplayer section under the Options menu.

Finally, LAN and entering IP addresses are also options; however, these can be technical as players need to know their IP address. Launcher support, invite codes, and split-screen should be sufficient for most players.

Players who have modded Stardew Valley on PC can edit the game's config files to allow more than eight players to join. As of writing, only PC platforms can have up to 8 players in multiplayer, as this feature was introduced in Stardew Valley 1.6, which hasn't been released for consoles. As such, console multiplayer currently has a lower limit.

How To Play Stardew Valley Multiplayer On Consoles

Play Multiplayer On PlayStation, Xbox And Switch

The process for joining a Stardew Valley multiplayer game on a console is similar to a PC: worlds hosted by friends can be joined via the Co-Op tab.

However, players should be aware of console-specific restrictions on online multiplayer. Active PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core, or Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions are required for online multiplayer on consoles. According to the Stardew Valley Wiki, Switch players can also play via LAN.

Stardew Valley does not currently feature cross-platform multiplayer.

Luckily, local split-screen multiplayer is still free and supported on consoles, so players can also build extra cabins and plug in extra controllers.

Regardless of how it's set up, multiplayer in Stardew Valley can be incredibly fun. A lot of the pressure of getting through the first year in Stardew Valley disappears, as everyone can pitch in and complete tasks that would take significantly longer in single-player. It's well worth trying to experience Stardew Valley at a very different pace.

Source: Stardew Valley Wiki