Haunted Chocolatier will feature more action than Stardew Valley, creator says

ConcernedApe has shared new details about Haunted Chocolatier, describing it as more action-focused RPG

Eric Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has shared new details about his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, revealing that it will feature more action and role-playing elements than his previous hit.

In an interview with GQ, Barone described the project as a town-based game with a stronger focus on combat, exploration and character progression.

"It is still what I call a town game, but it’s more of an action RPG," Barone said.

He explained that players can expect to explore locations, collect equipment and become more powerful while facing monsters and bosses.

"The main focus is more about adventuring, finding equipment and getting more powerful. There are monsters, there are boss fights. It's for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines. That's what I do, honestly," he added.

While Stardew Valley combines farming, relationships and life simulation with combat in areas such as the mines, Haunted Chocolatier will place greater emphasis on action.

Players will also run a chocolate business and build relationships with the residents of the game’s town.

Barone first announced Haunted Chocolatier in 2021 and has continued developing it largely on his own. The game still has no confirmed release date, and the developer has not yet allowed anyone else to play it.

Earlier this year, Barone acknowledged that he might have announced the project too soon. In an August blog post, he apologised for the lengthy development process but said he did not want to rush the game and risk compromising its quality.

In his latest interview, Barone explained why he was keeping the unfinished project private.

"No one's playing the game until I'm ready to show it," he said. "If you have a turkey in the oven. You're not going to pull it out halfway and have the guests taste it, right? It needs to be done."