Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." In an insightful interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed his thoughts on expanding the beloved farming simulator. However, he also noted the challenges of creating an entirely new game from scratch, stating, "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch."
Barone elaborated on the ease of updating the existing game, mentioning that with Stardew Valley, "all the major systems are already done." This allows him to focus on adding whimsical and fun elements like "green rain" without the burden of building new systems. Despite this, he admitted, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," indicating a potential future project (thanks, Nintendo Life).
In the same interview, Barone shared his desire not to be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy." This motivation drives his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. Fans eager for a release date will need to remain patient, as Barone emphasized that there's "still a lot to be done" and the game "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.
Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great." However, upon revisiting the game in 2024, we recognized its evolution into a 10/10 "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 is fully updated for the 2024 1.6 update, which introduces new crops, fish, and the engaging Raccoon Family Quests. These quests unlock a new shop and offer valuable rewards. For seasoned players looking to further their progress, our Mastery Points guide provides insights on next steps. Additionally, if you're exploring Ginger Island, our guide will help you locate all the Golden Walnuts.
