Stardew Valley 2 Considered by Creator, Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, tentatively dubbed "Stardew Valley 2." During a candid conversation on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone expressed that while he might eventually embark on this ambitious project, the allure of expanding the existing game remains strong. "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch," he explained. Barone highlighted how the foundational systems of Stardew Valley are already in place, making updates a more whimsical and enjoyable process. "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," he said.

Despite his enthusiasm for potential future projects, Barone is also focused on ensuring he doesn't become solely known as the "Stardew Valley guy." This motivation has driven him to work on his next title, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans should temper their expectations regarding a release date, as Barone admitted there's "still a lot to be done" and the game "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.

Our initial experience with Stardew Valley was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in our 2016 review where we awarded it an 8.8 "Great." Fast forward to 2024, and our appreciation has only deepened, leading us to crown it 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 those looking to dive into or revisit Stardew Valley, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to cover the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and more, including the engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Veteran players aiming to push their skills further can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our resources to locate all Golden Walnuts.