Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creative mind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." However, during his conversation on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone tempered expectations by explaining the challenges of starting from scratch. He noted, "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch." He emphasized that the foundational systems of Stardew Valley are already in place, making it simpler to introduce new elements like "green rain" rather than building a new game.

Barone expressed a cautious optimism about a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," but he's currently focused on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. He shared that he doesn't want to be known solely as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is driving his work on the new game. Yet, Barone admitted that Haunted Chocolatier still has a long way to go, with no release date in sight, as he strives to make it surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 gave it a commendable 8.8 "Great" rating. However, when we revisited the game in 2024, its status was elevated to a 10/10 "masterpiece." 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."

With the release of the 1.6 update in 2024, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to reflect the new crops, fish, and other additions, including the intriguing Raccoon Family Quests which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players looking to further their experience, our Mastery Points guide provides next steps, while those exploring Ginger Island can find all Golden Walnuts with our detailed guide.