How to play Stardew Valley in cooperative mode

Stardew Valley's cooperative mode has transformed the experience of managing a digital farm. Previously restricted to single-player, the game now offers the possibility of joining forces with friends to cultivate crops, explore mines, and even build relationships within the village. With recent updates, entering a multiplayer match has become more accessible and fun, allowing players to choose between online matches or classic split-screen.

This change not only expands gameplay options but also enhances the idea of ​​community , one of the central points of the game's concept. Furthermore, productivity on the farm increases, as players can divide tasks, accumulate resources faster, and explore different areas simultaneously.

How does multiplayer work in Stardew Valley?

Multiplayer in Stardew Valley can be started in two ways: by creating a new farm already prepared to receive more players or by converting a single-player save. For the system to work, you need to have cabins available, built by Robin , the town's carpenter. Each friend who joins needs a cabin, and the maximum limit is four players per farm.

When the host activates the session in the main menu, guests can connect according to their platform. On PC, for example, it's possible to use the Steam friends list or enter an code . On consoles, the connection depends on each system's online networks, such as PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live Gold, or Nintendo Switch Online.

Differences between platforms

On PC (Steam or GOG) , the process is simplified with direct invitations or access codes. On consoles, such as PS4 and Xbox One , players need to be added as friends for the connection option to appear. In the case of the Nintendo Switch , there is also the alternative of playing locally with two consoles on the same network, without the need for an online subscription.

This diversity ensures that each player can choose the most convenient way to connect, making multiplayer accessible on virtually any device where the game is available.

Advantages of playing in co-op

The biggest draw of Stardew Valley's co-op mode is the division of tasks. While one player explores caves in search of ores and fights monsters, another can dedicate themselves to tending to crops or animals. This dynamic saves time and makes farm development faster.

Another important point is resource sharing. Gold, for example, can be kept in a common fund, which facilitates collective purchases of seeds and upgrades. Furthermore, players can interact with townspeople, participate in seasonal events, and even marry other players.

How to activate split-screen mode

Local cooperative mode is one of the most well-received new features . To activate it, the host needs to ensure there are available cabins on the farm and access the inventory menu to enable the split-screen option. This allows a second player to join using another controller connected to the same console or PC.

This feature is ideal for those who want to share the experience side-by-side, without relying on online connections. Immersion is maintained and the fun becomes even more intimate, since each decision can be discussed in real time.

Creating a new farm in co-op

When starting a new game, the player can configure from the beginning the number of available huts, as well as decide whether the gold will be shared or kept individually. This choice directly influences the game's dynamics, since with collective resources, decisions tend to be collaborative, while a separate economy can generate disputes and different strategies.

It's also possible to choose the ideal map for multiplayer. The most famous is the "Four Corners" map, which divides the farm into distinct areas, allowing each player to have their own cultivation space without losing the sense of community.

play in Stardew Valley is a natural evolution for a game that has always emphasized the value of community life. Whether online or locally, sharing the farm with friends makes the experience more dynamic, strategic, and fun. The ability to divide tasks, plan investments, and even create shared stories within Pelican Town is what guarantees the game's impressive longevity and keeps its player base active to this day.