Multiplayer mode is finally coming to Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch via a new update coming Wednesday 12th December. This means Stardew players have another excuse to sink more hours into building the best farm possible.

The announcement came in a Developer Blog from the game’s creator- ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). It highlighted that the Switch would be the first console to receive the 1.3 Multiplayer Update and it would be available in North American, European, and Japanese Nintendo eShop regions.

What does Multiplayer Mode offer?

While PC gamers may be already familiar with what’s on offer, the update is introducing online co-op. This allows up to four friends to play on the one farm at the same time, either from an existing single player save or making a farm from scratch.

A feature unique to the Nintendo Switch will give players access to the Switch’s online voice chat when communicating with other players. There will also be 200 custom Stardew Valley emojis which can be used in the new chat box feature.

While couch co-op is not available at this point, if each player own their own Switch consoles, they can connect the consoles over a short distance without needing an Nintendo Switch Online account.

Farms will feature a Cabin for each player and the main storyline and money accumulated will be shared between all players. If players wish, they can choose to propose marriage to fellow players.

However, private inventories, skills, achievements, collections, individual relationships, quests, and crafting/cooking recipes will remain individual to the player.

What about Singe Player content?

Players will be able to purchase unique items and entertainment from the travelling Night Marker festival.

Secret events will also be available along with a few new character events that players can come across. Plus, the most important update of them all … player horses can now wear hats!

With more content hinted at for the future, the developer stated that PS4 and Xbox One Multiplayer updates are next on the agenda after the Switch update.