Multiplayer Guide
Stardew Valley supports up to 8 players in multiplayer mode. You can play together on the same farm, sharing resources and working toward common goals. This guide covers setting up multiplayer, managing cabins, shared versus separate money systems, marriage between players, festival participation, and strategies for cooperative and competitive play.
Setting Up Multiplayer
Hosting a Game
- Start a single-player game or load an existing save file.
- Build a cabin on your farm (see Cabins section below).
- Open the co-op menu from the pause screen.
- Invite friends through Steam, GOG, or direct connection using an invite code.
- Friends can also join by entering your game via the multiplayer invite system.
Joining a Game
- Start Stardew Valley and select โCo-opโ from the main menu.
- Browse available games hosted by your friends or enter an invite code directly.
- Create your character when joining for the first time. You choose your name, farm name, and appearance.
Split-Screen (Console)
On consoles, you can play split-screen with up to 4 players on the same screen. This feature is not available on PC. Each player uses their own controller.
Network Requirements
- The host player must have a stable internet connection.
- All players need a copy of Stardew Valley.
- Cross-platform play is supported between PC, Mac, and Linux.
- Console players can only play with other players on the same console family.
Cabins
Cabin buildings are required for additional players to join your farm. Each cabin supports one player.
Cabin Types
| Cabin Type | Cost | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Cabin | 100g (Robin) | 1 bed, small interior | Players start with basic tools |
| Upgraded Cabin | 10,000g (Robin) | 1 bed, fully upgraded interior | Includes kitchen and storage |
| Placed Cabin | Free (self-built) | 1 bed, small interior | Built by the host from the start |
Cabin Management
- Build cabins from Robinโs Carpenter Shop.
- Upgraded cabins provide more space and a kitchen for cooking.
- You can have up to 7 cabins on your farm (for 8 total players including the host).
- Cabins can be demolished and rebuilt if needed.
- Each cabin has its own bed where any player can sleep.
- New players who join will spawn at the most recently built cabin.
Money Systems
When hosting a multiplayer game, you choose between two money systems. This setting is chosen when the host starts the game and cannot be changed mid-game.
Shared Money (Default)
- All players share a single wallet.
- Any player can spend or earn gold.
- Purchases and sales affect the shared pool.
- Best for cooperative play where players work together toward common goals.
- Easier to manage for small groups who trust each other.
Separate Money
- Each player has their own wallet.
- Players earn and spend gold independently.
- Players can choose to share money through the โOfferโ interaction.
- Best for players who want financial independence.
- Better for larger groups or competitive play.
Player Marriage
In multiplayer, players can marry each other, creating a unique dynamic not available in single-player.
Marriage Requirements
- Both players must have 10 friendship hearts with each other.
- One player must give the other a Bouquet (purchased from Pierreโs for 200g).
- After the bouquet is accepted, give a Mermaidโs Pendant (purchased from the Old Mariner on the beach for 5,000g).
- The wedding ceremony occurs at the start of the next day.
Marriage Benefits
- Spouses can have children together (up to 2).
- Spouses receive the usual marriage perks: meals, help with chores, and gifts.
- A player can only marry one other player or one NPC, not both.
- Divorce is possible through the Mayorโs house (costs 50,000g).
Festival Participation
All players can attend festivals simultaneously. Each player participates independently.
Festival Rules in Multiplayer
- All players must be present at the festival location when it starts, or they miss it.
- Festival activities may have modified rules for multiplayer.
- Each player can vote or participate independently in competitions.
- The Egg Hunt, for example, has all players competing simultaneously.
- The Grange Display at the Fair allows each player to submit their own items.
Festival Schedule
| Season | Day | Festival | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 13 | Egg Festival | Buy strawberry seeds |
| Spring | 24 | Flower Dance | Dance with a partner |
| Summer | 11 | Luau | Bring a dish |
| Summer | 28 | Moonlight Jellies | Watch jellies |
| Fall | 16 | Stardew Valley Fair | Submit items |
| Fall | 27 | Spiritโs Eve | Maze exploration |
| Winter | 8 | Festival of Ice | Ice skating |
| Winter | 25 | Feast of the Winter Star | Gift exchange |
Cooperative and Competitive Strategies
Cooperative Strategies
- Divide responsibilities: Have one player focus on farming while another mines or fishes.
- Share processing machines: Coordinate who uses which kegs, preserves jars, and other equipment.
- Combine resources: Pool gold for expensive purchases like barns, sprinklers, or tool upgrades.
- Coordinate crop planting: Assign different sections of the farm to different players.
- Share knowledge: More experienced players can guide newer players.
Competitive Strategies
- Separate money mode: Use separate wallets for independent progression.
- Farm divisions: Divide the farm into sections and compete for the most profit.
- Fishing competitions: Compete to catch the most or highest-value fish.
- Festival competitions: Compete in festival events like the Egg Hunt.
- Speed challenges: Race to complete Community Center bundles or reach milestones.
Farm Division Tips
When multiple players share a farm, clear division of space prevents conflicts:
- Assign crop plots: Each player gets designated farming areas.
- Label storage chests: Use signs or labels to identify each playerโs storage.
- Separate animal buildings: Assign specific barns and coops to each player.
- Coordinate processing: Assign specific sheds for each playerโs kegs and machines.
- Respect each otherโs space: Do not harvest another playerโs crops without permission.
Communication Tools
- In-game chat: Type messages to communicate with other players.
- Pings and markers: Place markers on the map to highlight locations or items.
- Emotes: Use quick emotes for non-verbal communication.
- Voice chat: Use external voice chat (Discord, etc.) for real-time communication.
Multiplayer Tips
- Build multiple cabins early if you plan to have more players join.
- Communicate about shared resources. Decide who uses which processing machines.
- Coordinate crop planting. Avoid planting over each otherโs crops.
- Use separate money if players want independent progression.
- Help each other with gifts. Players can give each other items, including rare ones.
- Sleep together. All players must be in bed before the day ends at 2AM.
- Plan for festivals. Coordinate who brings which items to festival competitions.
- Share tools. Players can use any tool on the farm, even if another player crafted it.
- Be respectful. Do not destroy or sell another playerโs items without permission.
- Have fun. Stardew Valley multiplayer is meant to be a cooperative, enjoyable experience.