Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creative mind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." While this news might excite fans, Barone also shared in an interview with TigerBelly that expanding the existing game is far simpler than starting anew. "It's all the systems — all the major systems — are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do," he explained. "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."

Despite his openness to a sequel, Barone is currently focused on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. He expressed a desire not to be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's dedicating his efforts to this new game. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a release date, as Barone believes there's "still a lot to be done" to ensure Haunted Chocolatier surpasses the quality of Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great" score. Fast forward to 2024, and our reassessment elevated it to a 10/10 "masterpiece," with our review stating, "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 those new to the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to cover the 2024 1.6 update. This update introduced new crops, fish, and engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players looking to further their skills can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island will find our guide on locating all Golden Walnuts invaluable.