Santa arrived earlier than expected… The 1.5 update for Stardew Valley is now live! This update is, as always, entirely free for all Stardew Valley owners.

Stardew Valley 1.5 adds a significant amount of additional material to the “end-game.”
The completion of the Community Center is only the first step…

There’s lots of new content throughout the game, as well as beneficial enhancements and convenience features, so it’s not all about the end-game content.

Local (split-screen) co-op is also included in this release.

I try to keep the majority of the big stuff hidden so that you’re shocked when you see it in the game.
Here’s a comprehensive changelog if you don’t mind being spoiled and want to know everything that’s in the update.

A no-spoiler list of some of the new features:

Local (split-screen) co-op

New people to meet

New goals

Many new items

A new type of quest

A new farm layout

New game options like “remixed” bundles (see below)

New character events

A new Community Upgrade

Home renovations (after you’ve fully upgraded your house)

Ducks can now swim

You can sit on chairs

You can move your bed

Fish Tanks

A bunch of new furniture items as well as new furniture types like wall sconces

New secrets

9 new music tracks

And so much more… you’ll just have to see, I can’t bear to spoil it

Check out the new farm layout (Beach Farm) and the advanced game options menu if you’re beginning a new farm for this update (click the wrench icon in the lower left of the character creation screen). When you select “Remixed” bundles, the Community Center bundles are randomized, with some entirely new ones and variations on the classics.

NOTE: To play split-screen mode, you’ll need cottages on your farm (Robin can build them, or you may buy them). If you’re starting a new game, the advanced game options menu allows you to start with cabins already placed on the farm. Open your game menu, scroll down to multiplayer, and select “Start local co-op” once the cabins have been placed. The other player can now press start on a controller to initiate split-screen.