Stardew Valley 1.6 Update: Concealed Multiplayer Feature on Mobile Brings Back Fond GTA-Like Unlock Moments


# Stardew Valley 1.6 Update: Multiplayer Now Accessible on iOS and Android

The highly awaited **Stardew Valley 1.6 update** has officially launched for iOS and Android, offering an array of new features and enhancements. Among the most thrilling additions is the **hidden multiplayer mode**, which is now accessible on mobile devices. This update has been longed for by fans of the farming simulation title, introducing diverse new content to keep players invested.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to activate the multiplayer mode on mobile, explore its hidden nature, and showcase some other exciting features included in the 1.6 update.

## Activating Multiplayer for iOS and Android

To gain access to the multiplayer mode on mobile, you will need to execute a special sequence within the game’s main menu. This procedure is similar to the classic cheat codes seen in games like **GTA**, where players had to input specific button combinations to unveil hidden functionalities. In **Stardew Valley 1.6**, the multiplayer mode is activated by interacting with the leaves surrounding the “Stardew Valley” logo in the main menu.

### Instructions to Activate Multiplayer:
1. **Tap the leaves** around the “Stardew Valley” logo in a designated order. The sequence is as follows:
– Left, up, X, right, right, circle.
2. **Select the question mark icon** in the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. After completing the sequence, the **”Co-op” button** will emerge, enabling you to initiate a multiplayer session.

Once the multiplayer mode is activated, you can extend invites to friends to join your game. However, you will need the **IP address** of the host to connect to their farm.

### Locating the IP Address:
– **For iOS**: Navigate to **Settings** → **Wi-Fi** → Tap the “(i)” icon next to your network name → Find the **IP address**.
– **For Android**: Navigate to **Settings** → **Network & Internet** → **Internet** → Tap the gear icon next to your network name → Find the **IP address**.

You can also check the [official multiplayer guide](https://www.stardewvalley.net/mobile-multiplayer-guide/) for more precise instructions.

### Can a PC Host the Game?

Absolutely, a PC can host the game, which is recommended by the developer, **Eric Barone** (also known as **ConcernedApe**). The best setup for mobile multiplayer is to connect your mobile device to a **PC-hosted farm** over a local network (Wi-Fi). This arrangement tends to be more reliable and mitigates the chances of disconnections, which can sometimes happen when hosting directly from a mobile device.

## Why is Multiplayer Concealed?

The multiplayer aspect on mobile is still viewed as **experimental**, hence its concealment behind a button sequence. The developer states that mobile multiplayer may still exhibit bugs and complications, such as **unexpected disconnections** or performance issues, particularly on lower-tier devices.

Barone has pointed out that while the feature operates, it hasn’t reached the same polish level as the multiplayer modes on PC or consoles. Therefore, players should brace for potential challenges when engaging in multiplayer on mobile devices.

## What’s New in Stardew Valley 1.6?

The 1.6 update delivers a significant amount of new content to **Stardew Valley**, marking it as one of the largest updates thus far. While the complete list of changes is extensive, here are some of the most distinguished additions:

### Noteworthy Features of Stardew Valley 1.6:
– **A new major festival**: A grand seasonal celebration uniting the community.
– **Two new mini-festivals**: Minor events that offer diversity to the game’s calendar.
– **New late-game content**: Aimed at improving the skills system, providing players with more activities after reaching the endgame.
– **New items and crafting recipes**: Expanding the selection of tools and materials accessible to players.
– **Joja alternatives for endgame quests**: Presenting new options to complete specific quests for players aligned with Joja.
– **Over 100 new dialogue lines**: Enhancing the richness of interactions with villagers.
– **Seasonal outfits for villagers**: Characters will now update their attire based on the season.
– **New rewards for job board quests**: Motivating players to tackle more assignments from the job board.
– **Support for 8-player multiplayer (PC only)**: Broadened multiplayer experiences on PC.
– **New farm type**: A novel design for players to discover and develop their farm.
– **New secrets**: Hidden treasures for players to uncover as they navigate the world of Stardew Valley.