Stardew Valley players on Xbox are facing a frustrating holiday issue with the game’s latest update. Following the recent release of Update 1.6, which brought new end-game content, fresh dialogue, and gameplay enhancements, a critical bug has surfaced, causing crashes tied to the new Fish Smoker item. The problem, first reported on Christmas Eve, has disrupted gameplay for many, leaving the game unplayable for some users.
The Fish Smoker, a new artisan tool introduced in Update 1.6, allows players to enhance fish value by combining it with coal to produce smoked fish. However, interacting with this item on the Xbox version causes the game to crash. The issue appears linked to the latest patch, which aimed to fix minor bugs but inadvertently introduced this significant glitch. Reports on community forums like Reddit also highlight additional issues, such as crashes triggered by placing bombs during local co-op sessions.
In response, the game’s creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has acknowledged the issue and assured fans that an emergency fix is in development. Known for his hands-on approach and prompt communication, Barone’s reassurance has been well-received by players, many of whom expressed their patience and gratitude for his commitment to resolving the issue, even during the holiday season.
This isn’t the first time Update 1.6 has encountered hiccups. Since its rollout on PC in March and its recent launch on consoles and mobile, the update has faced several glitches. Each issue has been swiftly addressed by Barone, reinforcing his dedication to providing consistent quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes for Stardew Valley.
Fans have long praised ConcernedApe for his transparency and ongoing support for the game, which continues to receive free updates nearly eight years after its original release. Players are advised to stay tuned for updates as the hotfix is expected soon, aiming to restore stability and allow Xbox players to fully enjoy the beloved farming simulator.
