There currently isn’t a set release date forHaunted Chocolatier,but the anticipation for lone developer ConcernedApe’s follow-up to the massive indie hitStardew Valleyis palpable.Haunted Chocolatierputs players in the shoes of a candy maker, which seems simple enough, but there’s a twist. The castle the titular chocolate-maker works in is haunted.
As of now, there isn’t any confirmation thatHaunted Chocolatierwill be tied in withStardew Valleyin any major way, but it will at least be a spiritual successor, if not a direct sequel.The setting ofHaunted Chocolatierraises some serious questions about what the game’s world is like. Since ghosts are seemingly co-existing peacefully with the main character, then the supernatural must be quite prevalent in the game’s world.Haunted Chocolatieris clearly going in a different direction thanStardew Valleywhen it comes to supernatural aspects, but the latter features one creature that could tie both worlds together: Junimos.
Junimos Could Be the Key to Uniting Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley’s Worlds
Stardew Valleymay not emphasize the paranormal in the same way thatHaunted Chocolatierclearly will, but the inclusion of Junimos stands out in the former’s lore.Junimos are forest spiritsthat live in the old Community Center. For a game that isn’t focused on the supernatural, Junimos are an interesting choice to include in the game. The adorable creatures have become a beloved feature in the game, and they could bridge the gap betweenStardew ValleyandHauntedChocolatier.
A Shared World With Supernatural Creatures
It is currently unknown ifHaunted Chocolatierwill beset in the Ferngill Republicas well, but if so, both games have made it clear that there is an underlying supernatural quality to the land that seems to be completely normal. InHaunted Chocolatier, the ghosts aren’t antagonistic. Instead, ghosts and people are coexisting together in harmony. This take on ghosts will be compelling to see whenHaunted Chocolatierfinally launches, and the Junimos could be ConcernedApe’s first hints at what types of ghosts can be expected in the game.
Haunted Chocolatiercould feature just the standard ghosts that are showcased in the game’s trailer, but the RPG could also expand on the types of ghosts, which would be a great way to reintroduce Junimos. Junimos don’t even have to be an important aspect in the game. These adorable forest spirits could just be a simple, but exciting, way to bring both worlds together with a subtle connection. Junimos could possibly even be the only feature bridging the gap betweenStardew ValleyandHaunted Chocolatier. It would simply be a fun Easter egg in the game that could serve as a throughline for ConcernedApe’s future projects.
A Spiritual Stardew Valley Successor Worth the Wait
Due to ConcernedApe being the only developer working on every aspect of the game,Haunted Chocolatieris taking a whileto make, which is completely understandable. The only significant update that has been shared with the public is the game’s reveal trailer, and it’s already looking to be well worth the wait.Stardew Valleywas an incredible labor of love, and although its success creates high expectations, it will be intriguing to see how the titles differ and where they are similar.
Haunted Chocolatierwill hopefully release sometime soon, but it’s also important that the game gets the love and care it needs to be aworthy follow-up toStardew Valley. Although the Junimos may not make an appearance inHaunted Chocolatier, their inclusion would be a great nod to many players who have grown to love the adorable little spirits.
Haunted Chocolatier
WHERE TO PLAY
Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming adventure game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is currently set to feature a lush explorable world, chocolate making and cooking, a spooky theme, and more. There is currently no release date or time period for the game.
