Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming title from Eric Barone, widely known as ConcernedApe, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley. Initially announced in 2021, this new pixel art venture shares certain traits with the beloved farming simulator, yet it aims to be distinctly more action-oriented, aligning itself closer to the action RPG genre.
In 2024, Barone paused work on Haunted Chocolatier to focus on the significant 1.6 update for Stardew Valley. This update introduced numerous enhancements and features to Pelican Town. Despite his affection for the farming sim, Barone remains enthusiastic about his latest project. He expressed this sentiment, noting that Haunted Chocolatier has “only been revealed publicly to a tiny degree,” while emphasizing his personal connection to its characters and themes.
For fans of games similar to Stardew Valley, the excitement is palpable, especially with other anticipated titles like Witchbrook, a pixelated magic school life simulator from Chucklefish, also on the horizon. However, ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier is poised to offer a deliciously unique experience, placing players in the role of a chocolatier navigating a haunted castle. Players will gather resources and craft confections, and delve deeper into the world as further details about Haunted Chocolatier unfold.
Expected Release Date for Haunted Chocolatier
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date for Haunted Chocolatier, and it seems probable that we won’t see it launch until 2026.
In a FAQ posted in 2021, Barone mentioned, “I can’t commit to a release date yet,” noting that the project remains “relatively early in development.”
“I want to be able to work in peace without the pressure of a release date, or even an estimated release date,” Barone added.
Later, he stated, “The bottom line is that I won’t rest or release this game until I am personally satisfied that it’s very fun and compelling, in every aspect. If it never gets there, I’ll never release it. But don’t worry, I have 100% faith that I’ll get it there.”
Development Insights for Haunted Chocolatier
There is going to be a Stardew 1.6 update. It’s mostly changes for modders (which will make it easier & more powerful to mod). But there is also new game content, albeit much less than 1.5. I’m taking a break from Haunted Chocolatier to work on this at the moment. Then back to HCApril 16, 2023
Confirmed as the next title from Stardew Valley’s Eric Barone, Haunted Chocolatier’s development has seen Barone busy addressing the significant Stardew Valley update 1.6, which has now also become available for consoles.
While he briefly stepped away from Haunted Chocolatier, he disclosed in another blog post that substantial progress has been made on the game.
Though advancements are being made, Barone has reiterated that it won’t be ready soon. Like Stardew Valley, it will not enter Early Access, be crowdfunded, or feature pre-orders, which alleviates any considerable pressure regarding the timeline for its release.
Gameplay Elements of Haunted Chocolatier
Check out the gameplay video here: Watch On YouTube
The gameplay trailer presented during the announcement provides a glimpse into the game’s current state, showcasing elements such as combat, interactions, town environments, various locales, and even some ghostly characters, all of which build excitement for its potential.
In the initial “hello world” blog post, Barone shared insights into the gameplay direction, revealing key goals while contrasting it with Stardew Valley. Although he noted it is “developing organically” with potential shifts in direction, he described the “core gameplay loop” involving “gathering ingredients, making chocolate, and running a chocolate shop.”
More than just that, Barone expressed a desire to explore “fantastical possibilities” and “experiences that take you beyond the ordinary,” significantly differing from Stardew Valley’s simplicity.
“Chocolate represents that which is delightful,” he wrote. “The haunted castle symbolizes the allure of the unknown. The ghosts echo the imprint of the past. All of these elements hold significance.”
Yet, Barone assures that, regardless of the haunted castle backdrop and its ghostly inhabitants, the game will be positive and uplifting. He mentioned, “While Stardew Valley often channeled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are essential.”
Haunted Chocolatier Leans Towards an Action-RPG Approach
The FAQ highlights that Haunted Chocolatier will share similarities with the “town game” concept seen in Stardew Valley. Players will relocate to a new town and experience a fresh lifestyle. Much like the characters of Pelican Town, you will interact with NPCs, fostering relationships and achieving various goals.
However, this new story leans more towards an action-RPG format compared to Stardew Valley, which is hailed as one of the finest farming games ever created. This game will be a single-player endeavor, and as of now, there is no confirmation regarding multiplayer functionalities for Haunted Chocolatier.
Emphasizing Combat in Haunted Chocolatier
In a subsequent blog post update, Barone provided further details about the combat mechanics inherent to Haunted Chocolatier, emphasizing its more pronounced role compared to Stardew Valley. The initial gameplay footage illustrates various weapon options, which include shields designed to block attacks as players encounter numerous adversaries. The blog also highlights that one can stun enemies by blocking their attacks, creating openings for counterattacks.
“The shield/stun mechanic rewards players who exhibit patience and caution while waiting for the right moment,” Barone noted. “However, an aggressive playstyle is also viable, allowing for quicker enemy defeats if successfully executed. Different off-hand items besides shields will cater to varied playstyles.”
It’s essential to remember that all shown content remains in development, meaning alterations could occur as work continues. Notably, a tweet has already teased the appearance of a substantial boss, a “big bee foe,” hinting at potential boss encounters in the game. You can even check out the music for the “boss bee” here.
Platforms for Haunted Chocolatier
Regarding the platforms for Haunted Chocolatier, the FAQ specifies that PC is a confirmed platform, with an expressed intention of extending the game to other major systems.
If it follows the path of Stardew Valley, we can expect releases on Xbox Series X, PS5, and Switch in the future. There is even talk of a possible mobile version. Stay tuned for updates on platform announcements.
Latest Updates on Haunted Chocolatier
- Barone mentions that he has “not touched Haunted Chocolatier in a long time” as he focuses on delivering Stardew Valley’s 1.6 update to consoles.
- While enthusiasts of Stardew Valley enjoy the new update, those looking forward to Haunted Chocolatier cling to a remark from Barone: “I had this in mind from the beginning.”
- Despite his eagerness to resume work on Haunted Chocolatier, Barone wants to ensure that 1.6 is “bug-free and available across all platforms” first.
- If players enjoyed the bedridden grandfather character from Stardew Valley, they’ll appreciate this screenshot from Haunted Chocolatier.
- Barone has shared snippets showcasing glimpses of what Haunted Chocolatier holds for future players.
- Insights into the gameplay of Haunted Chocolatier have been shared, revealing how Diablo 2 has influenced its design.
For those interested in life simulation games, explore our roundup of the best simulator games currently available. Additionally, keep an eye on our comprehensive list of upcoming PC games to anticipate this year.