Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively referred to as "Stardew Valley 2." In an insightful interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while the idea is appealing, the practical challenges of creating an entirely new game from scratch make it a daunting prospect compared to expanding the existing Stardew Valley universe.
"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 explained, highlighting the creative freedom he enjoys with updates to the current game.
Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone remains cautiously optimistic, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest." However, he is currently focused on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, driven by a desire to expand beyond being solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy." Barone emphasized that there is still significant work to be done on Haunted Chocolatier, and he is determined to ensure it surpasses the quality of Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley itself has received glowing reviews since its launch. When we first reviewed it in 2016, it earned a commendable 8.8 "Great" score. However, upon revisiting the game in 2024, our appreciation deepened, leading us to award it a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece" rating. Our 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 those looking to dive into or revisit Stardew Valley, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the latest 1.6 update from 2024. This update introduced new crops, fish, and engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who have mastered all skills, our Mastery Points guide offers advice on further progression. Additionally, if you're exploring Ginger Island, our guide can help you locate all Golden Walnuts.
