The invention relates to a control device for a multi-cylinder engine provided with an oil pump, a hydraulically operated valve characteristic control device which changes valve characteristics of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; and a hydraulically operated valve stop device which stops at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve when a reduced cylinder operation is performed. The control device for a multi-cylinder engine is provided with a valve control unit which operates the valve stop device after an operation of the valve characteristic control device is completed when the valve characteristic control device is operated at a time of request for the reduced cylinder operation.