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Stardew Valley features a cherished element of gaming: local co-op multiplayer. This allows you to farm alongside friends, needing just a few initial steps. You can either set up an existing farm in your town or create a new game to enjoy with others.
Getting started with local co-op is straightforward, but a few important details are worth noting before diving in with your pals. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate local co-op.
If you’re looking to play co-op on mobile, you may be disappointed; the mobile edition of Stardew Valley does not support multiplayer at this time.
Last Updated: November 4, 2024 – We’ve refreshed this guide to help you maximize your local couch co-op experience with the latest game update.
How to Start a New Multiplayer Game
Ready to kick off a co-op multiplayer adventure? The process is simple! From the main menu, select ‘Co-op’. You’ll then choose your farm’s layout and add cabins for your friends. Your farm will now be open for others to join!
Important Note: If you’re playing online on anything other than a PC, you’ll need a subscription to the relevant online service (Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus) to host multiplayer games. This requirement is not applicable for local co-op.
How to Convert a Save Game into Multiplayer
If you already have a save file that you’d like to play with friends, there’s good news! You can build modified cabins with the help of Robin, the town’s carpenter. Each friend who joins your game will need their own cabin, and Robin charges a fee for each one.
If you aim for a full team of eight players in Stardew Valley, keep in mind that you’ll need to construct multiple cabins, each costing 100 gold.
How to Join a Multiplayer Game
Once your farm is prepared, it’s time to join. Local co-op keeps it simple – you’ll be playing on the same screen, so no need to connect devices to a network. Just have the player hosting the farm navigate to the Options tab and select "Start Local Co-op." From there, new players can simply connect by pairing their controllers.
How to Change Multiplayer Settings
After your cabins are ready and controllers are hooked up, you might want to tweak a few settings for a better gaming experience. In the options tab, you can adjust the Zoom Level of both the game and the user interface, making it more comfortable for you and your friends to play together.
Requirements for Local Multiplayer on Console & PC
Local multiplayer requirements vary by platform, influencing both the number of players and controller needs. Here’s what you need to know:
As of the 1.6 update for Stardew Valley, the PC version can support up to eight players!
PS4 and Xbox One
For PS4 and Xbox One, multiplayer offers a seamless experience with minimal requirements. You’ll need enough controllers for each player (with a maximum of four). However, do note that crossplay is not available between consoles or with PC and Mac players.
Also, you can’t have both a local guest and an online guest playing at the same time; you must choose one or the other.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch platform has more limitations. It only allows local co-op for two players, requiring each player to have a full controller. Therefore, splitting JoyCon for two players is not an option here; both players need either a Pro Controller or a pair of JoyCon.
This makes local multiplayer a tad less enticing on the Switch, but it still provides a great way to farm together.
PC and Mac
Players on PC and Mac can enjoy local multiplayer just like those on PS4 and Xbox. Simply plug in an additional keyboard or controller to get started. An added perk on PC is the ability to engage in cross-play multiplayer with Mac systems when you go online.
Multiplayer Mods
If you’re interested in mods, many popular ones are compatible with local co-op. However, be warned: while the core content will remain unchanged, you might encounter some lag.
Before downloading a mod, check its description for local co-op support. If you’re looking for a well-regarded mod that enhances gameplay, consider Stardew Valley Expanded. This mod introduces new NPCs, locations, and resources, enriching your game experience.
Enjoy farming with your friends!
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