Everything we know about Haunted Chocolatier, the latest game from the creator of Stardew Valley
Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming RPG/simulation confectionary store simulation game created by ConcernedApe, creator of the massively popular farming simulator game Stardew Valley.
The game will see you play as a chocolatier living in a haunted castle. You are tasked with gathering rare ingredients, making delicious chocolates, and selling them in a chocolate shop.
Here’s a full update on everything we know about this upcoming game that’s guaranteed to become a smash hit.
No release date for Haunted Chocolatier just yet
Despite the keen interest from fans, ConcernedApe has kept the project under tight wraps.
‘I don’t really feel like sharing much, because I’d rather let the game be a surprise than reveal anything,’ he said in a 2021 blog post.
He had previously worked on the project in secret for a year before revealing it in 2021 with a gameplay trailer.
Yet, the creator has shared the occasional update, whether on his website or on social media platform X.
No release date has been set as ConcernedApe wishes to focus on ensuring he is personally satisfied with every aspect.
‘If it never gets there, I’ll just never release it.
‘But don’t worry, I have 100% faith that I’ll get there.’
The most recent December 4 blog update from ConcernedApe, revealed that the skeleton of the game had ‘most (not all) of its bones in place.’
‘My next task will be to tweak the existing bones until I’m happy with them, add all the rest of the bones, and then flesh it all out with all the content that will need to be in the game. Yes, it’s going to be a lot of work still, but it’s okay, I’m addicted to the grind’.
ConcernedApe is creating the game similarly to Stardew Valley, in the sense that he is coding the majority of it from scratch and working solo.
It has been confirmed that there will be no early access, crowdfunding, or pre-orders for the game. This has been done to ensure the creator doesn’t feel any external pressure to finish the game within a set period.
Combat in Haunted Chocolatier
Combat will play a huge role in this game.
‘You can rest assured that I’m not “copying and pasting” Stardew’s combat,’ ConcernedApe reassured in a blog post, in which he described Haunted Chocolatier as having a ‘greater focus’ on combat.
Shields will be present in the game, with enemies becoming ‘stunned’ when they are used in battle.
‘You might also notice that the sword swing animation looks different than it did in the original footage.
‘That’s because I’m still working on everything, and it’s all a work in progress.’ ConcernedApe previously said.
He has warned people that everything you see could change before the game is released.
Similarities to Stardew Valley
Images that have been shared of the upcoming game show distinct similarities to Stardew Valley’s art style.
Yet ConcernedApe isn’t ready just yet to share if the two games take place in the same world.
He has, however, stated that while the two are similar in some ways, there will also be many differences.
‘However, the core gameplay and theming are quite a bit different. Haunted Chocolatier is more of an action-RPG compared to Stardew Valley. And instead of a farm being the focal point of your endeavors, it’s a chocolate shop.’
On his website, Concerned Ape also shared that he wanted Haunter Chocolatier to ‘explore more fantastical possibilities’ and things that take you ‘beyond the ordinary’.
‘That’s where magical haunted ghost chocolate comes in,’ he says.
‘Chocolate represents that which is delightful. The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important. However, don’t think for a moment that, because this game features ghosts in a haunted castle, it is an evil or negative game. On the contrary, I intend for this game to be positive, uplifting and life-affirming. However, if Stardew Valley mostly channelled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are vital.’
The creator also shared the initial concepts for some of the tasty chocolates that may appear in the game back in 2023 on X.
The new game is also written in a new engine, though there are some areas where Stardew Valley code may be reused.
Romance isn’t dead
Romance lovers rejoice. Romantic relationships will feature in this spooky game. Yet the system for dating hasn’t been fully figured out as of yet.
We’re simply dying to learn more.
Platforms
ConcernedApe is 100% certain it will be released for the PC and does intend to bring it to all other major platforms.
Overall Haunted Chocolatier seems to be making small but significant steps forward. We have no doubt this game will be a big hit.
Whether it takes 2 or 5 years to release, we’ll be waiting happily. As they say, good things come to those who wait and it is evident ConcernedApe is perfecting everything to give loving fans the best version of the game possible.
While waiting, why not check out some of our favourite Nintendo Switch games to keep you occupied?