Stardew Valley has maintained its status as a massive indie hit for almost a decade now. Through the years, the solo-developed farm simulator has attracted a diverse group of gamers. From hardcore action lovers to complete newcomers to gaming, Stardew Valley brings both sides of the gaming spectrum together.

This cozy-loving farm life title has not only drawn in a variety of game lovers, but it has also grown a passionate and dedicated community of players. Friendships have been formed because of this game, and its multiplayer option only brings the Stardew Valley experience to the next level. Playing Stardew Valley co-op is fun enough, but when the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives, the platform could prove to be one of the best ways to play with friends.

Why Stardew Valley is the Perfect Candidate to Follow Balatro, Dave the Diver's Leads
Why Stardew Valley is the Perfect Candidate to Follow Balatro, Dave the Diver's Leads

Stardew Valley kickstarted an indie game renaissance, but the game should now follow in Balatro and Dave the Diver's footsteps.

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Stardew Valley Could Reach New Multiplayer Heights On the Nintendo Switch 2

Confirmed Multiplayer Features for the Switch 2

  • GameChat
  • Screen-sharing
  • GameShare

While GameShare allows players to share games with friends who don't own the game, GameChat and the screen-sharing option are bound to be the most beneficial to Stardew Valley. Leading up to the Nintendo Direct event that offered a deep dive into the Switch 2, many were wondering what the mysterious "C" button on the Joy-Cons was. It turns out that this secretive button was the trigger for GameChat all along. With planned exclusives like The Duskbloods, Nintendo is aiming for the multiplayer market, and it could turn out to be a huge win for Stardew Valley fans who prefer to play on the Switch.

GameChat allows four players to video chat at once, which could make interacting with fellow players that much more enjoyable. Getting to hang out with friends and seeing their reactions while tending to the needs of the farm has the potential to turn Stardew Valley into a great bonding activity for friends. These days, it's difficult to get everyone together in one room to play video games, so the Switch 2's focus on remote co-op play is one of the most exciting parts about the new console.

As exciting as GameChat is, it's only free for a limited time. After March 2026, Switch 2 players will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use the feature.

Stardew Valley Has Yet to Be Confirmed for the Switch 2

There was hope that an official Stardew Valley Switch 2 port would be confirmed at the Nintendo Direct event earlier this month, but that wasn't the case. Such a port feels destined to happen, but until developer Eric Barone and Nintendo make an official announcement, fans of the farm life simulator are currently being kept in the dark.

Playing Stardew Valley co-op is fun enough, but when the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives, the platform could prove to be one of the best ways to play with friends.

The original Switch is already a popular way to experience Stardew Valley, and the next generation of the console is bound to be an even stronger experience. With its promised better graphics, larger screen, and versatile Joy-Con design, the Switch 2 may prove to be a game-changer for a lot of Nintendo lovers.

The Switch 2's Joy-Cons can be used as a mouse, which could also be incredibly useful for Stardew Valley fans who prefer to play on the Nintendo console.

Right now, the fate of Stardew Valley remains a huge mystery, but there will hopefully be a fresh update down the road. Barone is likely incredibly busy developing his next project. Haunted Chocolatier is the first follow-up to Stardew Valley, and it's been eagerly awaited by fans. A Stardew Valley port for the Switch 2 may be further down the road, but when it finally arrives, fans of the game seem bound to have a strong multiplayer experience.

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Stardew Valley Tag Page Cover Art
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RPG
Simulation
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Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
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Released
February 26, 2016
ESRB
E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation