Starsand Island 1.0 Update Brings Multiplayer and Upgraded Romance Systems

Developer Seed Sparke Lab has revealed the contents of the upcoming 1.0 update for Starsand Island, an anime RPG inspired by Stardew Valley that gained significant attention during Steam Next Fest. The full 1.0 release is scheduled to launch out of Steam Early Access on Tuesday, August 18, bringing a wide range of new and expanded features to the simulation game.

The headline addition in the 1.0 update is online multiplayer. Island hosts will be able to open their sessions to friends and random players, with customizable permissions governing resource harvesting. A new in-game economy tied to multiplayer rewards players with points for participating in joint activities such as farming, fishing, exploration, and taking photographs. These points can then be spent at a dedicated multiplayer shop to acquire various useful items.

In addition to cooperative play, the update introduces narrative expansions aimed at deepening player relationships with island residents. New relationship stories unlock once a character reaches three hearts, providing special letters and quests. Furthermore, the dating system has been upgraded and expanded with activities including picnics, arcade game challenges, and kite-flying.

Following launch, Seed Sparkle has stated it will focus on listening to player feedback, addressing issues, and continuing to improve the game. Meanwhile, the developer previously addressed and strongly rejected accusations regarding forged Steam reviews, insisting that an outside party was responsible for the fake reviews.