Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has shared more about how his next game will play. During a recent interview with GQ, the Stardew Valley creator described Haunted Chocolatier as “more of an action RPG” than his farming hit.
He also linked the game to one specific part of Stardew Valley, saying that the game is “for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines.”
The action RPG label isn’t brand new. What these comments add is more detail. Barone named monsters and boss fights, and he pointed to the mines as the best comparison.
There are no public details yet on the bosses themselves. That includes how many there are, how hard they are, or what you get for beating them.
Why the mines matter
In Stardew Valley, the mines mix fighting with gathering. You fight slimes and bats while digging up ore and gems. You then use those materials for tool upgrades and crafting back on the farm. Skull Cavern takes this further as a tougher, late-game area.
For many players, the mines are just one activity among many. Barone’s comments suggest that this kind of exploring and fighting will play a bigger role in Haunted Chocolatier.
Still no date for dessert
Barone started working on Haunted Chocolatier in 2020. He later paused development to focus on Stardew Valley‘s big 1.6 update, which arrived on PC in March 2024.
There’s still no release date, release window, or price. Barone has said in the past that he doesn’t want to announce a date until the game is close to done.
PC is the only platform confirmed so far. The original FAQ also described the game as single-player, with no multiplayer plans at the time.
