1. Stardew Valley's upcoming "New Difficulty" mod will introduce a challenging gameplay experience that aims to eliminate the use of guides and walkthroughs. The mod will purge players' saves if they are found to have consulted external resources, forcing them to start over and rely solely on their own knowledge and decision-making.

2. The mod's creator, Venryx, explains that the goal is to create a more authentic and immersive farming simulation experience, where players must carefully navigate the game's mechanics and systems without the aid of online guides. This approach is intended to foster a sense of discovery, exploration, and self-reliance.

3. The "New Difficulty" mod is still in development, and Venryx has emphasized that it will be entirely optional, allowing players to choose whether they want to take on the challenge or prefer to play the game with the assistance of guides and resources. The mod's release date has not been specified, but it is expected to generate significant interest and discussion within the Stardew Valley community.