Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creative mind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively named "Stardew Valley 2." However, he cautioned fans not to get too excited just yet. In a candid conversation with TigerBelly, Barone explained that it's far simpler to enhance the existing game with new content than to start from scratch with a completely new project. "It's all the systems—all the major systems—are already done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do," he remarked. "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."
While Barone expressed openness to the idea of a "Stardew Valley 2," he also shared his desire to not be solely defined by his current success. This is why he's currently channeling his energies into a new project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, he tempered expectations about its release, noting that there's "still a lot to be done" and that it needs to surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley has received widespread acclaim since its launch. When we first reviewed it in 2016, we awarded it a score of 8.8, labeling it as "Great." Fast forward to 2024, our reassessment of the game elevated it to a perfect 10/10, dubbing it a "masterpiece." Our review 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 new to the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and engaging features like the Raccoon Family Quests. These quests unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Veteran players looking to further their skills can refer to our Mastery Points guide. For those exploring Ginger Island, our guide on finding all Golden Walnuts will be invaluable.
