# Haunted Chocolatier More Action RPG Than Stardew Valley

> ConcernedApe says Haunted Chocolatier is an action RPG for miners in Stardew Valley.
- Title: Haunted Chocolatier More Action RPG Than Stardew Valley · IGN
- Summary: ConcernedApe says Haunted Chocolatier is an action RPG for miners in Stardew Valley. Eric Barone calls Haunted Chocolatier an action RPG focused on…
- Keywords: concernedape, hauntedchocolatier, stardewvalley, actionrpg, mining, game, ericbarone, ign, gaming, entertainment, Haunted, Chocolatier
- Source: IGN — https://ign.com/articles/haunted-chocolatier-more-of-an-action-rpg-compared-to-stardew-valley-concernedape-says
- Author: Wesley Yin-Poole
- Published: 2026-10-12T11:02:53.344+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: concernedape, hauntedchocolatier, stardewvalley, actionrpg, mining, game, ericbarone, gq, ign, gaming, entertainment
## Eric Barone on Haunted Chocolatier
Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, has discussed differences between Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley.

> Feels kinda dumb posting this same thing over and over, but that’s the reality
## Haunted Chocolatier's gameplay focus
Haunted Chocolatier is more of an action RPG with adventuring, equipment, and boss fights.

> It is still what I call a town game, but it’s more of an action RPG, the main focus is more about adventuring, finding equipment and getting more powerful. There are monsters, there are boss fights.
## Target audience for Haunted Chocolatier
Haunted Chocolatier is for players who go into the mines in Stardew Valley.

> It's for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines. That's what I do, honestly.
## Barone's design philosophy
Barone obsesses over UI details to create seamless, intuitive player experiences.

> I am being very thoughtful about every aspect of the game
## Recipe book iteration example
Barone iterates on recipe books to ensure minimal clicks and clear data presentation.

> This is a UI you will be using fairly often, so it has to be perfect. You need to be able to accomplish your goal with the minimal number of clicks.
## Barone's development approach
Barone prefers to avoid early reveals to prevent disappointing players.

> Partly, it feels like I’m serving a half-baked bread. I would rather serve a fully baked bread
## Stardew Valley 1.7 update
Barone will get heavily involved in Stardew Valley 1.7 update to ensure quality.

> At some point in 1.7's cycle, I will get heavily involved, because I feel like my hand needs to touch every part of the game, every aspect of the update.
## Barone's time management
Barone struggles to shift between game projects but has improved his focus.

> It is difficult because it's hard to shift gears, I guess. If I'm thinking about Haunted Chocolatier, it's difficult to be like, 'Okay, I'm going to one day of the week or two days of the week work on Stardew Valley.'
## Key takeaway

Eric Barone calls Haunted Chocolatier an action RPG focused on adventuring and boss fights for players who enjoy mining in Stardew Valley.