Stardew Valley has been a favourite for farming sim fans, cozy game enthusiasts and indie game lovers. Since its release it has attracted a broad audience across multiple platforms. But one question still lingers even years after the game was released: Is Stardew Valley cross platform? Let’s get into the current state of cross platform play in Stardew Valley, why it’s not and if it will ever be.
What is Cross Platform?
In a nutshell, “cross platform” or “crossplay” means players on different devices can play together. For example if a game is cross platform, someone playing on PC can join and play with a friend who is on PS or Xbox. This has become more common over the years because it breaks down the barriers of separate gaming silos, so friends can play together regardless of what device they have.
But cross platform functionality can be technically tricky. It involves syncing different versions of a game across different hardware and networks which is why not all games offer this feature.
Current State of Cross Platform Play in Stardew Valley (2024)
As of 2024 Stardew Valley does not support cross platform play across different consoles or devices. So if you’re playing on PC you can’t join a friend who is on Nintendo Switch, Xbox or PS. The only exception to this is PC to Mac multiplayer on Steam where players on either system can join each other’s farms no problem.
Despite crossplay being common in many big games, Stardew Valley is still bound to its platform. This means players can only connect with others on the same platform. So Xbox players can only play with other Xbox users and the same for PS, Switch and mobile.
Why Stardew Valley Is Not Cross Platform
The lack of cross platform play in Stardew Valley comes down to a few reasons, mainly technical and development. The game was made by one person, Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) who spent years working on this game. Adding cross platform play sounds like a simple feature but it’s actually a complex web of code, network integration and platform specific requirements that can be expensive and time consuming to implement.
Each platform has its own ecosystem, security and requirements. To make it work across all of these systems would require major technical changes which might not be feasible for a smaller dev team. Big AAA games can afford to implement crossplay, indie games like Stardew Valley have it tougher.
How to Play Multiplayer in Stardew Valley Across Different Systems
While true cross platform play is not available, Stardew Valley does support multiplayer within the same platform. Setting up multiplayer is easy. For example if you and your friends are on PC you can set up a farm together via Steam or if you’re on PS you can invite other PS users to join your game.
To start a multiplayer game players can create a new co-op save or convert an existing single player farm to multiplayer by building cabins for other players. Just start the game in co-op mode, invite friends or share an invite code so they can join. Players can farm, fish, mine and play the game together but all within the same system.
Future of Cross Platform Play for Stardew Valley
Fans of Stardew Valley have been asking for cross platform play for a long time. ConcernedApe has acknowledged the demand but there has been no announcement on implementing crossplay. Given the technical challenges and the game’s current structure it’s unclear if cross platform play will ever happen.
But the gaming world is always changing and what was once impossible becomes possible over time. If future updates make crossplay easier to manage or if the game gets support from external devs then maybe Stardew Valley will become a cross platform game someday. For now though fans will have to stick to their respective platforms and enjoy the game as is.
Alternatives: Cross Platform Games
If you want a game like Stardew Valley but want to play with friends across different platforms there are several alternatives to choose from. Games like Minecraft, Fortnite and No Man’s Sky offer crossplay where users on different consoles and devices can join up and play together. While these games are different from Stardew Valley they still offer various co-op experiences that you can play with friends across different platforms.
Conclusion
In short Stardew Valley still has the hearts of players all over the world but as of 2024 it doesn’t support cross platform play. Players on different devices are stuck in their own ecosystem. While it’s disappointing to some it hasn’t stopped the game from being one of the most loved indie games out there because of its beautiful graphics, relaxing gameplay and deep content. For now the best way to play multiplayer in Stardew Valley is to coordinate with friends who are on the same platform.
If crossplay happens then it will be even better. Until then stay tuned for updates and happy farming! 😊
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