Stardew Valley 2 Considered, Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." While this news excites fans, Barone emphasized during an interview with TigerBelly that expanding the original game is far simpler than starting anew. He explained, "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." Despite this, Barone remains open to the idea, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest."

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. However, fans should temper their expectations for a release date as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done," and he feels it "has to be better" than Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great." Fast forward to our 2024 revisit, the game soared to a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece" score. 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 those diving into the game or returning for the latest updates, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide is fully updated for the 2024 1.6 update. This update introduces new crops, fish, and features such as the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Veteran players looking to further enhance their skills can refer to our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our resources to locate all Golden Walnuts.