Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

The creator of Stardew Valley, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, "Stardew Valley 2." However, he emphasized the challenges of starting a new game from scratch compared to the ease of adding new content to the existing game. "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch," Barone explained in an interview with TigerBelly. He elaborated that with Stardew Valley, "all the major systems are already done," making updates more about fun, whimsical additions like "green rain."

Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone remains focused on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. He expressed a desire not to be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy," driving his motivation to explore new creative avenues. However, fans should temper their expectations regarding a release date for Haunted Chocolatier, as Barone noted there is "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 8.8 "Great" rating. Yet, upon revisiting the game in 2024, we recognized it as a 10/10 "masterpiece," stating: "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 or returning 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 the engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players looking to further their progress can consult our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can find all the Golden Walnuts with our detailed guide.