The 1.6 update to Stardew Valley has been in preparation for just under a year. As the release date (March 19) approaches, developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has teased that the update will include more than has been revealed.

Thanks to last year's sneak peek, we already know that 1.6 will include a new big festival, two mini festivals, late-game content, new items and crafting recipes, over 100 new lines, and winter costumes for the villagers. However, in an interview with Polygon discussing the Stardew Valley soundtrack concert, he also teased that "there's a lot more updates than people think."

"We're focusing more on the valley and the core of the game," Barone continued. 'A lot of stuff will be added to different aspects of the game.' This patch is pretty much done. The patch is pretty much done. But there are a few things that still need to be done. It's going to be a little stressful until everything is completely sealed."

There are a few small updates that we would like to see added in 1.6. For example, I would like to be able to access fish eggs without having to build a fishing pond in advance. This is not mandatory, but would help nip my caviar business in the bud and reduce the amount of rocks I have to throw away to build multiple ponds. But regardless of what may appear in the caves and cornfields of Stardew Valley after 1.6, I'm just happy that the PC version of the game finally supports 8-player multiplayer.

It's been a while since I stepped into multiplayer Stardew Valley, but I can't help but feel that having an army of dedicated Stardew Valley enthusiasts trying to keep the farm running for me while I'm out fishing for hours on end is a game changer! It's a game changer.

Despite being eight years old, it seems that Baron has not stopped tweaking Stardew Valley and continues to provide new updates that keep us hooked. He said, "Because I myself have said many times [that this is the last update], but I always end up making the next Stardew Valley update. So I just kind of say, who knows, "I don't think I will ever officially close the book. The book is always open.

Barone has not confirmed what will happen after 1.6, but he is excited to think that now that 1.6 is over, he will have more time on his hands to work on his next RPG, Haunted Chocolatier.

I've always been a fan of Stardew Valley, but after getting screenshots and bits and pieces about Haunted Chocolatier, I can't help but see the 1.6 update as the end of one chapter and the beginning of a very exciting new adventure. With only a few weeks to go until 1.6, we'll soon find out if it lives up to what Barone promised.