Multiplayer

The following describes the upcoming Stardew Valley 1.3, and may change before release.

A screenshot of multiplayer showing two cabins and two players.

Multiplayer is an optional game mode (currently in beta testing) in which 1–4 players can play in the same world over LAN or the Internet. Each player needs their own copy of the game (split-screen isn't supported), but GOG and Steam players can crossplay with each other. The player who created the world has the save file, can launch it in multiplayer mode, and can switch back to single-player anytime. Other players can connect via Steam (non-Steam support is planned but not yet announced).

Features

Multiplayer is mostly identical to single-player. Here are some features specific to multiplayer-only.

Cabins

The farm can contain up to 3 cabins (selectable during farm creation). For each cabin built, one player can join the farm. If the farm starts with less than 3 cabins, Robin can build more (up to 3 total) on the farm for data-sort-value="100">100g each. Cabin-building is instantaneous, so extra cabins can be built on the first day.

The host player can also demolish a cabin at any time. Demolishing a cabin removes its occupant from the game.

A cabin can be upgraded at the Carpenter's Shop twice, by the farmhand who occupies it (not by the host or any other player). The final cellar upgrade is not available for cabins. The interior layout of an upgraded cabin is identical to the interior of an upgraded farmhouse, with one exception: the fireplace is replaced by a chest of drawers that holds the farmhand's inventory when the farmhand is not online. This chest of drawers cannot be moved and cannot be accessed by the farmhand who owns it.

Profit margins

When creating a new multiplayer save, you can choose a profit margin of 25%, 50%, 75%, or default (100%). This helps rebalance multiplayer by reducing the gold obtained when selling most items (including crops, forage, minerals, and cooked foods). For example, at 25% profit margin you can sell Wheat for 6g instead of 25g.

Purchase prices for seeds at Pierre's General Store and purchase prices for Grass Starter, Sugar, Wheat Flour, and Rice at JojaMart are scaled as well. Prices for other items (including Blacksmith and Fish Shop shop items, buildings, and tool upgrades) and quest gold rewards are not affected.

This makes gold much harder to come by in the early game; progressing in all your skills evenly, crafting items, and completing Help Wanted quests becomes far more important. For example, Willy still sells Crab Pots for 1500g despite your reduced income, so mining iron and crafting your own may be more economical.

Note that there's no profit margin option when creating a single-player save. However, you can create a multiplayer save by choosing "Co-op" at the main menu instead of "New", then "Load" it in single-player after the save file is created. That will give you a single-player save with your selected profit margin.

Gameplay

• Some decisions are made collaboratively by all players by either clicking dialogues or joining areas:
  • when to sleep, by entering a bed;
  • when to start a festival, by entering the area;
  • whether to finish the Community Center or buy a Joja membership;
  • when to pause the game using a /pause command (opening a menu doesn't pause in multiplayer).
• All players share the same money and farmland.
• Each player has their own energy bar, their own Skills, and their own relationships with NPCs.
• Each NPC can only be married by one player. If multiple players want the same spouse, the first to propose will win their hand.
• Interactions between player:
  • Players can marry each other and have children. Players propose to each other using a craftable wedding ring. The wedding ring recipe can be obtained at the Traveling Cart for 500g, and will then allow the player to craft a wedding ring with 5 Iridium Bars and a Prismatic Shard.
  • Players can dance with each other in the Flower Dance Festival (no prior requirements).