•Players who love grinding through the mines in Stardew Valley are about to be in luck. According to a report by Kotaku, upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier will cater to that crowd.
The mines have long been a polarizing feature of Stardew Valley. Some players enjoy grinding them for endless challenge runs and min-maxing, while die-hard cozy gamers avoid combat entirely, sticking to farming and fishing instead.
In an interview with GQ, developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone clarified that Haunted Chocolatier will still be what he calls a “town game,” likely revolving around settling into a new town and getting to know neighbors while building up a business. But it appears the mining enthusiasts won’t be left out.
The game was already expected to feature in-depth combat, with earlier previews showing bosses, enemy-stunning shields, and other off-hand weapons. Barone has also cited David Lynch as an inspiration, suggesting the game may take on slightly darker, more surreal themes.
While speaking to GQ, Barone briefly addressed the pressure of developing Haunted Chocolatier, which has been in development for over four years—nearly as long as Stardew Valley was before its release. He has not yet announced a release window.
“Everyone’s watching me, and if I don’t do things a certain way, it might disappoint millions of people,” Barone said.
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