There currently isn't a set release date for Haunted Chocolatier, but the anticipation for lone developer ConcernedApe's follow-up to the massive indie hit Stardew Valley is palpable. Haunted Chocolatier puts 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 that Haunted Chocolatier will be tied in with Stardew Valley in any major way, but it will at least be a spiritual successor, if not a direct sequel. The setting of Haunted Chocolatier raises 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 Chocolatier is clearly going in a different direction than Stardew Valley when it comes to supernatural aspects, but the latter features one creature that could tie both worlds together: Junimos.
Haunted Chocolatier's Premise Could Lead to a Character Archetype Stardew Valley Skipped
ConcernedApe's Haunted Chocolatier may already look like Stardew Valley, but its premise gives it a character advantage that Stardew doesn't have.
Junimos Could Be the Key to Uniting Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley's Worlds
Stardew Valley may not emphasize the paranormal in the same way that Haunted Chocolatier clearly will, but the inclusion of Junimos stands out in the former's lore. Junimos are forest spirits that 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 between Stardew Valley and HauntedChocolatier.
A Shared World With Supernatural Creatures
It is currently unknown if Haunted Chocolatier will be set in the Ferngill Republic as 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. In Haunted Chocolatier, the ghosts aren't antagonistic. Instead, ghosts and people are coexisting together in harmony. This take on ghosts will be compelling to see when Haunted Chocolatier finally launches, and the Junimos could be ConcernedApe's first hints at what types of ghosts can be expected in the game.
Haunted Chocolatier could 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 between Stardew Valley and Haunted 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 Chocolatier is taking a while to 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 Valley was 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 Chocolatier will hopefully release sometime soon, but it's also important that the game gets the love and care it needs to be a worthy follow-up to Stardew Valley. Although the Junimos may not make an appearance in Haunted Chocolatier, their inclusion would be a great nod to many players who have grown to love the adorable little spirits.
Haunted Chocolatier
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.
