Haunted Chocolatier: Everything we know about the Stardew Valley creator's next game

Haunted Chocolatier new game from Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone, aka ConcernedApe. First revealed back in 2021, the upcoming pixelated adventure does share some similarities with the delightful farming sim, but it's set to be far more combat-focused as an experience that promises to be closer to an action RPG.

In 2024, Barone took a break from working on the project to deliver the massive 1.6 update for Stardew Valley, which added a host of new features and additions to Pelican Town. And while the developer has expressed that he "can't let go" beloved farming sim, he reiterated his strong desire to keep working on his new project, saying that Haunted Chocolatier has "only been revealed publicly to a tiny degree", and "in my own private world it's a special place, and I'm very attached to the characters, themes, and ideas".

It's certainly an exciting for fans of games like Stardew Valley, with new games like the much anticipated pixelated magic school life sim, Witchbrook, also on the way from Chucklefish. But ConcernedApe's Haunted Chocolatier promises to bring us something very sweet indeed, as we'll be venturing to a new town and meeting all sorts of characters as we take on the role of a chocolatier in a haunted castle. From gathering resources to making confections, and more, read on below as we take you through everything we know so far about Haunted Chocolatier.

Haunted Chocolatier release date speculation

Currently, there's no Haunted Chocolatier release date, and it's unlikely that we'll see the game before 2026.

In an FAQ posted back in 2021, Barone stated, "I can't commit to a release date yet" as it's still "relatively early in development."

"I want to be able to work in peace without the pressure of a release date, or even an estimated release date," the post continues.

In a later update, Barone added: "The bottom line, is that I won't rest, or release this game, until I am personally satisfied that it's very fun and compelling, in every aspect. If it never gets there, I'll never release it. But don't worry, I have 100% faith that I'll get it there."

Haunted Chocolatier development

Haunted Chocolatier is indeed the next game from Stardew Valley developer Eric Barone. Also known as ConcernedApe, the dev has been busy working to bring us the sizable Stardew Valley 1.6 update, which is now available on consoles as well as PC.

While Barone took a break from Haunted Chocolatier to focus on the update for some time, he revealed that he's done "a ton of work" on the upcoming game in another blog post.

While more progress has been made on the project, Barone reiterates in the blog that it won't be ready for some time, and just like Stardew Valley, it won't be releasing in Early Access, be crowdfunded, or have pre-orders, "so I don't feel a ton of external pressure to finish the game on a timeline".

Haunted Chocolatier gameplay  

ConcernedApe's Haunted Chocolatier -- Early Gameplay - YouTube

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The gameplay trailer above, which was released alongside the announcement, serves up a vertical slice of how the game is currently shaping up in its early stages. With a look at some of the combat, interactions, town setting, locales, and even some ghosts sporting shades, there's plenty to see that has us excited.

In the first "hello world" blog post, Barone offers some insight into the kind of game Haunted Chocolatier will be, detailing some of the aims for the game and how it compares to Stardew Valley. While it's "developing organically" and may go in different directions, the post touches on the core gameplay loop, which involves "gathering ingredients, making chocolate, and running a chocolate shop."

There is, of course, more to it than that, but Barone emphasizes that they don't want to be tied to any particular concept and expressed a desire to "explore more fantastical possibilities" and "experiences that take you beyond the ordinary" compared to the humble play of Stardew Valley.

"Chocolate represents that which is delightful," the post continues. "The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important."

However, don’t think for a moment that, because this game features ghosts in a haunted castle, it is an evil or negative game. On the contrary, I intend for this game to be positive, uplifting, and life-affirming. However, if Stardew Valley mostly channeled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are vital."

Haunted Chocolatier is closer to an action-RPG

The FAQ also describes Haunted Chocolatier as another "town game" like Stardew Valley, where you move to a new town and try out a new way of living. Not unlike the residents of Pelican Town, you'll be able to get to know the townspeople, be able to develop relationships with NPCs in Haunted Chocolatier and "make progress in many ways".

But the new adventure is closer to an action-RPG in comparison to Stardew Valley (aka one of the best farming games ever made), and it will be a single-player experience. Currently there is no word on any multiplayer features for Haunted Chocolatier, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear any news.

Haunted Chocolatier has a "greater focus on combat"  

A later blog post update offered us more insight into the combat of Haunted Chocolatier, which is a bigger part of the experience in comparison to Stardew Valley. As we've seen so far in the early gameplay footage and some screenshots, there will be different weapons we can use, including shields that will allow us to deflect hits as we take on various foes in the world. As the blog details, many attacks can be blocked, and doing so will cause an enemy to become stunned and allow for quick attacks.

"The shield/stun mechanic rewards more cautious, patient players who wait for a window of opportunity," Barone writes. "But you don’t have to play like this, you could just as well charge in aggressively, and if you can pull it off, you’ll defeat enemies more quickly that way. There will be other off-hand items besides shields that will compliment different play styles."

Of course, everything that's been shown so far is a work in progress, so it may change over the course of the game's development, but it's exciting to see the kind of direction combat is going in so far. Interestingly, a tweet also gave us a look at a screenshot of a big bee foe, which suggests we may be taking on boss battles. You can even listen to the music of the "boss bee" here.

Haunted Chocolatier platforms 

In terms of what platforms Haunted Chocolatier is expected to release on, the FAQ also confirms that PC is the only certainty, but there's "every intention" of bringing it to other major platforms as well.

If it follows in the footsteps of Stardew Valley we should see the game head to Xbox Series X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch in the future too. We may also see a mobile release. We'll keep you posted as more platform news gets announced.

Haunted Chocolatier news

• Eric Barone says "I have not touched Haunted Chocolatier in a long time" because he's still working on getting Stardew Valley 1.6 to console
• As Stardew Valley fans enjoy update 1.6, Haunted Chocolatier hopefuls hold onto a scrap of info from Eric Barone: "I had this in mind from the beginning"
• Stardew Valley's Eric Barone is "eager" to get back to working on Haunted Chocolatier but wants 1.6 "bug-free and out to all platforms" first
• If you liked Stardew Valley's bedridden grandpa, you'll love this Haunted Chocolatier screenshot
• Stardew Valley dev shares bite-sized glimpse of next game Haunted Chocolatier
• Stardew Valley dev explains what you actually do in Haunted Chocolatier, and how Diablo 2 influenced it

If you're after more life sims, check out our list of the best simulator games to play right now. Or for more titles we have a list of all the upcoming PC games to look forward to this year.