Stardew Valley 1.6 update is here introducing new events, a mastery system, NPC dialogue, and more

Stardew Valley
(Image credit: ConcernedApe)

Stardew Valley's long-awaited update 1.6 is finally here and introduces massive changes.

After months of teasing, developer ConcernedApe has released update 1.6 for PC via Steam and GOG (with Xbox Game Pass coming soon) and despite previously learning about some new features coming to the farming simulator, the patch far exceeds expectations.

In terms of major playable content, 1.6 has added new festivals to experience, including the three-day Desert Festival which occurs in Spring, that can only be accessed after the bus is repaired, two mini fishing festivals called Trout Derby and SquidFest, along with a new environment "event" in summer that players can discover.

There's also a brand-new "mastery" system if you've maxed out your skills, and although the patch notes don't offer much in the way of details, it can be accessed in a new area that will grant players "powerful perks and items…"

There are plenty more secrets to discover with Stardew Valley update 1.6. For those who don't mind spoilers, you can read the full list of changes in the patch notes.

You may also like

Demi is a freelance games journalist for TechRadar Gaming. She's been a games writer for five years and has written for outlets such as GameSpot, NME, and GamesRadar, covering news, features, and reviews. Outside of writing, she plays a lot of RPGs and talks far too much about Star Wars on X.