Eric Barone, the sole developer behind the widely acclaimed Stardew Valley, has confirmed that his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier, will feature a world significantly larger than that of its predecessor. This revelation came directly from Barone’s official social media account, where he briefly stated that the world of Haunted Chocolatier will indeed surpass Stardew Valley in size.
The announcement has thrilled fans eager to see how this new title will honor Stardew Valley’s legacy while forging its path. First revealed in October 2021 with a gameplay trailer, Haunted Chocolatier blends life simulation with action-RPG mechanics. Instead of farming, players will run a chocolate shop in a haunted town, interacting with both living residents and spectral neighbors.
Gameplay involves gathering ingredients to craft chocolates, customizing your store, and forming relationships with human and ghostly characters. The combat system introduces a more active approach, letting players wield weapons and block attacks—a significant shift from Stardew Valley’s simpler mechanics. This suggests a larger, more adventurous world to explore.
Despite its darker aesthetic—haunted castles, ghostly patrons—creator Eric Barone assures the game retains an “uplifting and life-affirming” tone. Like Stardew Valley, it will emphasize community and warmth, but within a fresh, expanded framework.
Development of Haunted Chocolatier began in 2020, with Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone once again working solo, just as he did on Stardew Valley, which took him over four years to complete. While no release date has been announced, Barone plans to launch the game on PC first, with possible console releases to follow. Progress was temporarily paused in 2024 while he focused on a major Stardew Valley update, but development has since continued.
The game shares Stardew Valley‘s signature pixel art style and may include subtle lore connections, though Barone hasn’t revealed specifics. In October 2023, he celebrated reaching one million social media followers by sharing new screenshots that hinted at a more ambitious scope, confirming a larger, more detailed world than his previous game.
With Stardew Valley having sold over 41 million copies (as of December 2024) and earning widespread praise for its charm and depth, expectations for Haunted Chocolatier are naturally high. Barone’s promise of an expanded, intricately designed setting—blending comforting familiarity with fresh surprises—has only increased anticipation among fans.
