As part of the release of the 1.6 update forStardew Valleyon console and mobile platforms, ConcernedApe has included a hidden extra for those playing on mobile devices — Multiplayer.
Multiplayer is something that players on PC and console have been able to enjoy since the 1.3.27 update way back in 2018, but it’s something very new and exciting for mobile players. However, it’s also experimental and not without issue, with ConcernedApe giving the following warnings about the feature:
Ape also notes that as this is a very new and experimental feature, bugs and issues may still be present. To avoid frustration, attempt to go into this process without the expectation of a flawless experience.
How to unlock mobile multiplayer in Stardew Valley
Even unlocking the ability to play with friends is a bit of a process, and it involves at least the first part of the much-loved Konami Code. In case you have no idea what the Konami Code is, it’s as follows:
You can disregard the “B, A, Start” part of this, but you’ll need to remember the rest in order to unlock Multiplayer on mobile devices.
When you first open upStardew Valleyon a phone or tablet, you’ll get the same old menu screen with the logo, and options to start a new game or load a game at the bottom. Take a closer look at the logo, and take note of the four sets of leaves. Each set of leaves corresponds to a direction, as shown below:
You’ll need to touch the leaves in order of the Konami Code, so:
Bear in mind that the press only counts if you hear the leaves rustle when you touch them. Then press the “?” button in the bottom right corner of the screen, exit the window that pops up, and you should now have the “Co-op” button available to press on the home screen menu.
How to host or join a game in mobile Multiplayer in Stardew Valley
Sadly, the mobile Multiplayer does not allow for farm “discovery”, meaning you’ll need to either hand out your IP address if you’re looking to host a game, or know the hosts IP address if you’re wanting to join a game.
According to ConcernedApe, the way to get the best experience out of mobile Multiplayer is to connect to a PC-hosted farm from a high-end mobile device on a local network, such as Wi-Fi. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t attempt to set up a game or connect via cell phone data, but you may need to set up a mobile wi-fi hotspot in order for things to run as smoothly as possible.
This does mean that mobile Multiplayer is more intended for players who are in the same location, rather than those who are playing together from a distance. As well as this, all players must be playing the same software version ofStardew Valleyin order to connect with each other.
If you’re looking to host a game, you’ll need to set up the farm and verify there are cabins available for anyone who will eventually join. Then, anyone who trying to join will need to enter the IP Address of whoever is hosting. To avoid disconnection issues, the host should find out their IP Address before setting up their farm, and can do so in either of the following ways:
