Stardew Valley 2 Considered, but Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively referred to as "Stardew Valley 2." While speaking on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone expressed that while he might eventually make a new game in the series, the idea of expanding the existing game is far more appealing and less daunting. He explained that with Stardew Valley, "all the major systems are already done," making it easier and more fun to add new content, such as whimsical features like green rain, rather than starting from scratch with a whole new game.

However, Barone also shared his desire to not be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he is currently focusing on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. He cautioned fans not to expect a release date for this new game soon, as there is still much work to be done, and he feels it must surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it a score of 8.8, labeling it "Great." However, upon revisiting the game in 2024, we upgraded our assessment to a perfect 10/10, calling it a "masterpiece." We noted, "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 updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and additional features such as the Raccoon Family Quests. These quests unlock a new shop and provide valuable rewards. Veteran players looking to push their skills further can benefit from our Mastery Points guide. For those exploring Ginger Island, our guide on finding all Golden Walnuts is an essential resource.