Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." However, in a recent interview with TigerBelly, Barone tempered expectations by explaining that adding new content to the existing game is far simpler than starting from scratch with a new title. "It's all the systems — all the major systems — are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do. When I make an update [for Stardew Valley now], it’s like, you know, oh, throw in this, throw in that. Let’s add green rain — like, these random, whimsical ideas," he shared.
Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone remains cautious, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest." Yet, his current focus lies elsewhere. Barone expressed a desire not to be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's actively working on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. He cautioned fans not to anticipate a release date for this new game anytime soon, as there's "still a lot to be done," and he aims for it to surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.
Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8, labeling it as "Great." However, when we revisited the game in 2024, we upgraded our assessment to a perfect 10/10, deeming it a "masterpiece." In our updated review, we stated, "Stardew Valley is not only the best farming game I’ve played, it is one of my favorite games of all time. That myself and others keep returning to this eight-year old gem each time it gets even the smallest update speaks to how it’s truly a masterpiece in the genre it both reinvigorated and has come to define."
For newcomers, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update. This update introduces new crops, new fish, and additional features like the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Veteran players who have mastered all their skills can benefit from our Mastery Points guide for further progression, and those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to locate all Golden Walnuts.
