Haunted Chocolatier will place combat and exploration at the heart of its gameplay, marking a shift in focus from Stardew Valley. Creator Eric Barone described the new title as more of an action-RPG town-building game, where players must venture into dangerous areas to face monsters and bosses.
In an interview with GQ, Barone explained that players will search for equipment during their adventures to gradually enhance their abilities. In contrast, combat and mine exploration in Stardew Valley feel more like optional side activities; in Haunted Chocolatier, these elements will become a core part of the gameplay.
The increased emphasis on combat doesn't mean abandoning management. Players can still gather ingredients, craft chocolate, and run a chocolatier shop in a supernatural setting. The new game's pixel art and town-based structure also share similarities with Barone's previous works.
Haunted Chocolatier is still in development, with no release date announced yet. Barone stated that he will complete the new game at his own pace while continuing to update Stardew Valley.