Stardew Valleyis a fantastic game overall, but there is one area where the game could still use a bit of a revamp. Overall, most ofStardew Valley’s attributes have held up very well in the years since its release. The game still plays as well as it did the day it was released. Even better, when one takes its many updates into account. However, there is still one part ofStardew Valleythat lags behind, particularly compared to the polish of the package as a whole. It could be something that a future patch could help with though.
ThoseplayingStardew Valleyin 2025are either enjoying their latest farm, or just discovering one of the biggest indie successes in the industry. The game starts with the player inheriting a farm from their grandfather, and tasks them with revitalizing it after going unused for years. In addition to growing their farm through producing various goods, players can also befriend almost everyone in Pelican Town, potentially gain a romantic interest, and discover plenty of secrets in and around the town.Stardew Valleyhas been providing one of gaming’s most relaxing experiences since 2016, andHaunted Chocolatieris likely to pick up where it left off.
Stardew Valley’s Combat Could Use an Upgrade
Stardew Valley’s Combat is its Least Notable Feature
Admittedly, thecombat inStardew Valleyis probably its weakest quality. There are very few areas in the game where the player actually has to fight. Outside of the mines, Skull Cavern, and the wilderness farm at night, the player’s weapons will rarely see any real use. As for combat itself, for the most part it amounts to clicking one button to swing the weapon, and another for each weapon type’s special ability. In terms of actual combat, there is little strategy other than moving and swinging a weapon, so compared to everything else aboutStardew Valley, its combat is quite bare-bones.
A Few Small Shake-ups Could Do Wonders For Stardew Valley’s Combat
Simplicity is a part of what helpedmakeStardew Valley’s combat work, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room to do a little more. One good possibility would be adding a few weapons that have different special moves from the norm. For instance, a hammer that replaces the ground smash with a 360-degree swing, or a katana that swaps the sword’s block with a quick dashing slash. It may be a small change, but it would do something to shake up the formula. Even so, there is a way thatStardew Valleycould see an even bigger change to the combat status quo.
Compared to everything else aboutStardew Valley, its combat is quite bare-bones.
Haunted Chocolatier’s Take on Combat Could Help Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleycould receive some benefits fromHaunted Chocolatier’s take on combat.Haunted Chocolatieris planned to be significantly more combat-focused thatStardew Valley, and that will likely lead to new mechanics and functions. AfterHaunted Chocolatieris released, perhaps a patch could bring some of its combat improvements toStardew Valley. Some of them may not be possible to incorporate, since they may involve mechanics that simply do not exist inStardew Valley,but at least some of the new combat features inHaunted Chocolatiershould be applicable, and they could certainly prove to be good additions toStardew Valley.
Sincefuture updates toStardew Valleyare on the table according to ConcernedApe, it’s not unreasonable to think that the combat will be tackled at some point.Stardew Valleyhas already grown so much, with new NPCs, festivals, and entire new areas added since released. Adding a few extra features to the game’s combat would be another natural move. Combat inStardew Valleymay not be its strong suit, but the future could change that somewhere down the line.
