Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, tentatively named Stardew Valley 2. However, fans should temper their excitement as Barone emphasized in a recent TigerBelly interview that it's significantly easier to enhance the existing game with new features rather than starting anew. He explained, "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."
While Barone remains open to the idea of a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," his current focus is on another project, Haunted Chocolatier. He shared his desire to not be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's pouring his energy into this new game. However, he cautioned fans not to expect a release date for Haunted Chocolatier anytime soon, as there is "still a lot to be done," and he believes it "has to be better" than Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley has received widespread acclaim since its launch. In our initial Stardew Valley review back in 2016, we gave it a score of 8.8, labeling it "Great." However, upon revisiting the game in 2024, we upgraded our rating to a perfect 10/10, deeming it a "masterpiece." We wrote, "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 updated to include the latest 1.6 update from 2024, which introduced new crops, fish, and more, including the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For veteran players who have reached the pinnacle of their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers advice on what to do next. Additionally, if you're exploring Ginger Island, our guide will help you locate all Golden Walnuts.
