Should you start a new save file for Stardew Valley 1.6?

The long-awaited Stardew Valley update 1.6 is now available and brings an array of great additions and fresh content. If you are wondering if you should start a new save file for Stardew Valley 1.6, we have the answer for you in this guide.

Stardew Valley: Should you start a new game for update 1.6?

There’s no definite answer to this question, and it really comes down to what you are trying to get out of Stardew Valley 1.6. On the one hand, new content is added to the late-game, meaning it will take you longer to experience it if you start an entirely new playthrough. I recommend keeping your current save if you want to access all new content immediately.

On the other hand, starting a new playthrough may be the best way to encounter the new content organically. This can make Stardew Valley feel more complete as a product. ConcernedApe, the developer behind Stardew Valley, even mentions on Twitter that he would recommend starting a new save file. However, he also hints that you can’t go wrong either way.

You can see the Twitter convo between ConcernedApe and a player discussing the topic in a Reddit post below.

If you haven’t played Stardew Valley for a while now and are just now hopping back in to experience 1.6, then I recommend starting a new save file. That way, you can relearn all the mechanics of the game and encounter the new content naturally.

If you are extremely far into your Stardew Valley playthrough and don’t want to restart and tediously repeat steps you recently just completed, then don’t start a new save file. It comes down to how comfortable you are with where you are at in your playthrough.

Whichever decision you go with, I’m confident you’ll enjoy your time with Stardew Valley 1.6. Prepare for your farming adventure by checking out our detailed guide on the game’s new mastery system.