Introduction to Stardew Valley Mobile Multiplayer Guide

The highly anticipated 1.6 update for Stardew Valley introduced a hidden multiplayer feature for mobile players, allowing them to team up with friends for cooperative farming. This update brings the joy of working together to tend crops, explore mines, and fish to Android and iOS devices. However, the multiplayer mode is experimental and unavailable on the Apple Arcade version of the game. As an experimental feature, it may come with some connectivity issues, bugs, or lag, particularly on older devices or unstable networks.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to connect to a PC-hosted farm from a high-performance mobile device on a stable Wi-Fi network. While the mobile multiplayer works similarly to other platforms, it lacks the farm discovery feature, meaning players can only connect via IP address. Despite these potential challenges, this new addition offers an exciting way for players to enjoy Stardew Valley with friends on the go.

How to Unlock Mobile Multiplayer Mode

To unlock the hidden multiplayer feature on mobile in Stardew Valley, start on the game’s title screen and locate the four groups of leaves attached to the Stardew Valley logo. Tap the leaves in this specific order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. Alternatively, you can think of this sequence as tapping the leaves on the “W” in “Stardew” twice, the “V” in “Valley” twice, the “S” in “Stardew” once, the “Y” in “Valley” once, the “S” in “Stardew” again, and the “Y” in “Valley” once more to finish.

Once you’ve tapped the leaves in the correct order, press the “?” button located in the lower-right corner of the screen and exit the “?” menu. If the sequence was entered correctly, a new “Co-op” button will appear on the title screen, next to the “New” and “Load” options. Ensure the sequence is followed precisely, and if you’ve updated to version 1.6 or later, the Co-op button should appear after completing these steps.

How to Play Mobile Multiplayer

Once you’ve unlocked the “Co-op” button on the title screen, you can start playing Stardew Valley with friends. The mobile multiplayer mode is currently LAN only, meaning you and your friends must be on the same local network to play together. There are two ways to play: hosting a game or joining a game.

To host a game, tap the “Co-op” button on the title screen and select the “Host” tab. You’ll then choose whether to host an existing save file or create a new farm for your multiplayer session. Be sure there are available cabins on your farm for other players to join.

To allow others to connect, you will need to share your device’s IP address. On iOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) icon next to your connected network, and find the IPv4 address. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, tap the gear icon next to your network, and find the IP address in the network details. You can also find it under Settings > Network & internet > Internet. Share this IP address with players who want to join your game.

To join a game, tap the “Co-op” button and select the “Join” tab. Enter the IP address of the player hosting the farm, and you will see a list of available farms to join. Select the farm you wish to join.

Remember that all players must be on the same network, whether it’s the same Wi-Fi network or a hotspot. If you’re not on the same local network, you can connect via a player who is port-forwarding their game using port 24642 UDP. If the host is on a PC, you can use the ipconfig /all command in the command prompt to find the host’s IP address. Additionally, when joining for the first time on iOS, you may need to allow network permissions. If the connection fails initially, try again.

It’s important to keep in mind that the mobile multiplayer mode is still experimental, so you may experience connectivity issues, bugs, or lag. For the best experience, connecting to a PC-hosted game is recommended.

Tips for a Smoother Experience

The Stardew Valley mobile multiplayer feature is still experimental, and while players may encounter some issues, there are several steps you can take to improve your experience and minimize potential problems. For the best and most stable multiplayer experience, it’s recommended to connect to a PC-hosted farm from a high-performance mobile device. Hosting from a mobile device is possible but may lead to performance and connectivity issues.

Using a stable Wi-Fi network is also advised. Before starting a multiplayer game, make sure to back up any important save files to avoid losing progress in case of any issues. Additionally, all players must be using the same version of the game to connect successfully. You can check your game version in the “?” menu on the title screen, located in the bottom left corner. If you’re playing on iOS, you may need to allow network permissions on your first attempt to connect. If the connection doesn’t work initially, try again. When hosting a game from a mobile device, it’s helpful to turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent interruptions from calls or notifications.

To reduce lag, especially when multiple players are performing intensive tasks, close other apps running in the background and keep your phone plugged into a charger. Since the multiplayer mode is still experimental, connection issues may occur, so be patient and try again if problems arise. Ensure all players are on the same Wi-Fi network or connected via a hotspot, or connect to a player who is port-forwarding their game with port 24642 UDP.

Lastly, performance can vary depending on your device, and playing on a lower-end device may result in a less smooth experience. Following these tips will help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable multiplayer experience in Stardew Valley on mobile.

Key Differences from PC/Console Multiplayer

While the mobile multiplayer mode in Stardew Valley brings cooperative gameplay to mobile devices, there are some key differences compared to the PC and console versions. The most notable difference is that the mobile version does not have an automatic farm discovery feature, so players cannot browse a list of available games. Instead, they must connect directly via IP address. This mode relies on direct IP address connections, requiring all players to be on the same local network, such as the same Wi-Fi network or hotspot, or to use port-forwarding to connect to other players. This differs from the PC and console versions, where players can select from a list of available farms.

The mobile multiplayer feature is still considered experimental, meaning it may have bugs, connectivity issues, or lag. It’s recommended to join a game hosted on a PC using a high-performance mobile device for the best experience, as hosting directly on a mobile device may be less stable, especially on lower-end devices or unstable networks. The multiplayer mode is not available on the Apple Arcade version (Stardew Valley+), and is only accessible on the standard iOS and Android versions.

Some players may experience input lag when playing multiplayer on mobile, which can make touch controls feel less responsive than in offline mode. Using a gamepad or tap-to-move can help reduce this issue. The mobile version also does not have an “invite code” feature, which would allow players to connect to farms outside their local network. However, the game still supports up to eight players, and it is recommended that the host is on a PC with an ethernet connection to support a larger group.

While many elements of the game, such as world-based events, are shared across all players, certain aspects like relationships with townsfolk, experience points, and item upgrades are locked to individual players. Only the host can perform tasks like upgrading buildings, and they also have exclusive control over pausing the game.

Gameplay Notes

The mobile multiplayer mode in Stardew Valley introduces a cooperative gameplay experience where players can share in the joys and challenges of farm life. While the core gameplay loop remains the same as in single-player mode, playing with others brings a new dynamic to the game. In multiplayer, you and your fellow players inherit an overgrown farm that you’ll need to work together to restore. The farm becomes a communal space, where players collaborate on tasks such as tilling the soil, planting and harvesting crops, raising livestock, mining, and fishing. Coordinating daily tasks and sharing responsibilities can make even the most mundane chores more manageable.

Progression in multiplayer is a mix of shared and individual goals. Many aspects of the game, like world-based events (such as fixing the bridge on the beach, advancing in the mine, and filling the museum collection), are shared across all players. However, elements like experience points, item upgrades, and relationships with the townsfolk are specific to each player. Players can pursue their own relationships with NPCs and even get married, but one must propose first. Each player has their own relationships with the non-playable characters, adding another layer of personal growth and goals.

In terms of money, players can either split cash or contribute it to a shared pool. The host of the game holds certain privileges, such as the ability to upgrade buildings and pause the game to stop the world clock. A multiplayer game can support up to eight players, but hosting large sessions is best done using a PC with an Ethernet connection for stability. Playing with others turns Stardew Valley into more of a community experience, with planning and compromises necessary for successful farm management. Communication between players is key to making the most of the shared farm. Strategic gameplay is possible as players can divide tasks based on personal preferences or create a rotating schedule for variety.

While the mobile version offers a cooperative experience, players may experience input lag when using touch controls. Using tap-to-move or a gamepad can help mitigate this issue. It’s also important to note that the mobile multiplayer mode is still in an experimental phase, meaning bugs or lag are possible. For new players, it’s recommended to experience the game solo for at least two seasons before diving into multiplayer to fully appreciate the single-player experience. Playing Stardew Valley with others transforms the dynamic of the game, creating a unique and refreshing experience.

Conclusion

The introduction of the experimental multiplayer mode to Stardew Valley on mobile devices offers a significant milestone for fans of the game, providing a chance to experience the joys of cooperative farming and adventuring with friends. This multiplayer mode adds a new dimension to the game, allowing players to share the workload, explore the world, and build a farm with up to seven other players, changing the dynamic of the game and how players engage with it. However, as an experimental feature, players may encounter bugs, connectivity issues, and lag, especially when hosting from a mobile device.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to connect to a PC-hosted farm using a high-performance mobile device and a stable Wi-Fi connection. Players should also ensure that they are using the same version of the game, be on the same local network, and back up their save files to prevent any potential data loss. The mobile multiplayer experience differs from the PC and console versions, notably due to the lack of farm discovery and the need to connect via IP address.

Despite these differences, the core cooperative gameplay remains intact. Players can still work together on various tasks, share resources, and experience the game’s world in a communal way. While the feature is still in development, the mobile multiplayer mode is a worthwhile addition, allowing players to enjoy Stardew Valley with friends, even with some input lag. As the feature evolves with future updates and player feedback, it is expected to become more refined.

In conclusion, while the mobile multiplayer mode may not be as polished as its PC and console counterparts, it offers a unique way to experience Stardew Valley. By embracing the core idea of community, it enables players to build and share their farm life together. With the tips and information provided in this guide, players can make the most of this exciting new feature and create memorable multiplayer experiences on the go.