Playing Stardew Valley solo is great, but managing a growing farm on your own can be challenging. Thankfully, you can team up with friends to share the load through multiplayer co-op mode. With the massive 1.6 update adding tons of new features, now is the perfect time to start a farm with your friends.

### Cross-Platform Console Limitations

Multiplayer works on PC and consoles but not on mobile. However, Stardew Valley doesn’t support cross-platform play. This means you and your friends need to be on the same platform to farm together. PC players can only play with other PC players, and the same applies for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch users. Everyone also needs to be on the same game version. Once the 1.6 update hits consoles, console players will have the latest features.

### How to Start an Online Co-Op Game

Up to eight players can join a co-op farm, as long as you’re all on the same platform.

1. **Host a Farm:** One player needs to host. From the main menu, select “Co-Op.”
2. **Create or Load a Farm:** In the Co-Op tab, pick “Host New Farm.” You’ll create your character and set up cabins for each player joining.
3. **Set Farm Rules:** You can adjust how cabins are laid out, how profits are shared, and whether money is pooled or separate.

### How to Start a Local Co-Op Game (Split-Screen)

For local co-op, only four players can join at once. You’ll either play split-screen or over LAN (Local Area Network).

1. **Prepare the Farm:** Make sure you’ve built enough cabins.
2. **Connect Controllers:** On PC, one player uses the keyboard/mouse while others use controllers.
3. **Start Local Co-Op:** In-game, go to Options > Multiplayer and select “Start Local Co-Op.”
4. **Join:** Each player presses the start button on their controller to join.

### How to Join an Online Co-Op Game

If you’re joining a game hosted by someone else, how you connect depends on your system:

– **PC:** The host sends an invite code or invites you directly via Steam.
– **Nintendo Switch:** If you’re friends with the host, you’ll see the game under the Co-Op tab. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription unless playing locally.
– **Xbox One/Series X|S:** Players with Game Pass subscriptions who are friends can join through the Co-Op screen.
– **PlayStation 4/5:** Players with PlayStation Plus subscriptions can also join through the Co-Op tab if they’re friends with the host.

### How to Turn a Single-Player Save into Co-Op

Want to convert your solo farm into a multiplayer one? It’s easy!

1. **Visit Robin:** Go to Robin’s Carpenter’s Shop in your single-player save.
2. **Build Cabins:** Select “Construct farm buildings” and build cabins for each player. They cost 100 gold and take up a 5×3 space.

### Where to Find Multiplayer Save Files

Wondering where multiplayer saves are stored? On PC, they’re found on the host’s computer.

1. **Access Saves:** Hold down Windows + R, type “%appdata%”, and click OK.
2. **Find the Saves Folder:** Navigate to StardewValley > Saves.

On consoles, save files stay on the host’s device but aren’t accessible like they are on PC.

Now you’re ready to grow crops, raise animals, and build your dream farm with friends in Stardew Valley!