Stardew Valley Pets Stealing the Spotlight in Long-Awaited Update

Highlights

Stardew Valley's upcoming Version 1.6 update will give more attention to pets, allowing players to put hats on their cats and dogs.

In the game, cats and dogs currently have limited interactions. However, by introducing hats, players will have a new and exciting way to engage with their pets. Displaying an extensive hat collection is already an available option for players, but being able to dress up their pets with hats will create a stronger sense of companionship and family.

Stardew Valley, the popular farming simulator, offers players the opportunity to adopt and raise various adorable animals. From truffle-hunting pigs to reliable horses and even more extraordinary creatures like slimes and dinosaurs, farmers in Pelican Town have a wide selection to choose from. However, there has always been a noticeable lack of attention given to the player's faithful cat or dog compared to other animals. Excitingly, Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has hinted at the possibility of pets receiving much-deserved attention.

Barone recently announced that he will be taking a break from developing Haunted Chocolatier to release a Version 1.6 update for Stardew Valley. This new update will introduce a major festival, several new minor festivals, additional late-game content, new winter outfits for various characters, and more. In a second Tweet shared on October 5, Barone alluded to the inclusion of the ability to dress up cats and dogs with hats. Fans immediately reacted positively to this news, as they have long yearned for more content and features for their beloved pets in the game.

Cats And Dogs Don't Have Much To Do

Stardew Valley players can currently adopt either a cat or a dog at the beginning of the game's Spring season. These pets don't have much to do other than hanging out on the farm and looking adorable. Initially, there was only one available pet color, but ConcernedApe later added various colors and styles for players to choose from. If players want to change their pet's appearance, they can pay 500 gold to Stardew Valley's resident Wizard.

To earn the friendship of their cat or dog, players must pet them every day and ensure their water bowl is always full. Having a strong bond with the pet is important for receiving a positive farm evaluation from Grandpa's spirit in Year 3. Some players, however, feel that the limited ways to interact with the pet make it less interesting, despite its cuteness. While putting a hat on the pet may not have a significant impact, it does provide a new way to engage with the adorable little companion.

Players Need More Options To Show Off Their Hat Collection

In Stardew Valley, players can easily accumulate a large collection of hats as they progress in the game. The Hat Mouse, located deep in Cindersap Forest, operates a shop where players can find a diverse range of hats. Completing certain Achievements, such as reaching a million gold, expanding the player's house, completing the museum collection, and more, unlocks additional hats. Hats can also be discovered in the Mines and Skull Cavern, obtained at festivals, or tailored at Emily's house.

Currently, players have limited options for displaying their extensive hat collection. Aside from wearing hats themselves, players can also dress their children and specific rare scarecrows in hats. A previous update introduced the ability to put hats on the player's horse and sea urchins kept in fish tanks on the farm. While adding a hat to the cat or dog may seem like a minor enhancement, it can create a greater sense of family, especially when the player's horse and/or children also don stylish hats. Although the release date for Stardew Valley's 1.6 update is still unknown, the community can look forward to showcasing their adorable hat-wearing pets once it becomes available.

Stardew Valley is currently available for Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS Vita, and Xbox One.