Haunted Chocolatier update outlines gameplay and development from Stardew Valley creator

Haunted Chocolatier is the next game from Stardew Valley creator Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone, and while a release date remains unconfirmed, several details about the project have been revealed since its announcement.

Barone first unveiled Haunted Chocolatier on October 21, 2021, following years of speculation about his next project after the 2016 success of Stardew Valley. Development began around 2020, with Barone repeatedly stressing that progress has been slow due to his role as a solo developer.

In an early blog post, he said, “I haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet. I’ve been mostly working on the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the game so far.”

In August 2024, he confirmed that work on Haunted Chocolatier had paused while he focused on finalising Stardew Valley version 1.6 for console and mobile platforms.

In an update shared in early 2026, Barone reiterated that the game will be released only when it is finished, stating, “The bottom line is, I don’t want to give a release date. The game will come out when it’s done.”

According to the game’s official FAQ, Haunted Chocolatier is currently planned for PC, with Barone saying he intends to bring it to other major platforms at a later stage.

The game centres on a chocolatier running a confectionery shop inside a haunted castle. Players gather ingredients, craft chocolate, and sell their creations while interacting with townspeople. Barone has described it as another “town game” but noted it is “quite a bit different” from Stardew Valley.

Unlike its predecessor, Haunted Chocolatier is an action RPG, featuring combat against enemies such as slimes and crows, as well as larger boss encounters. Players can invite villagers into the castle and engage in one-on-one conversations with dialogue choices.

Barone has also confirmed that fishing minigames will return, revealing in August 2025 that familiar systems would be included. A January 2026 blog post showed fishing-related content and an NPC who assists players with bait and tackle.

Screenshots released intermittently since 2023 offer brief glimpses of environments and characters, but Barone has continued to limit detailed reveals as development continues.