Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, "Stardew Valley 2." While this news may excite fans, Barone tempered expectations during an interview with TigerBelly, explaining that it's far simpler to expand the existing game rather than start anew. "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," Barone shared. He remains open to the idea, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," as reported by Nintendo Life.

In the same conversation, Barone expressed his desire not to be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's currently focusing on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Fans should not hold their breath for a release date, as Barone noted there is "still a lot to be done," and he aims for it to surpass Stardew Valley in quality.

IGN's initial review of Stardew Valley in 2016 awarded it an 8.8 "Great" rating. However, when revisiting the game in 2024, it was hailed as a 10/10 "masterpiece." The review praised it as "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, the Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduces new crops, fish, and the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Experienced players looking to further their journey can refer to our Mastery Points guide, and for those exploring Ginger Island, our guide on locating all Golden Walnuts will be invaluable.