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, Stardew Valley 2. In a recent interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while he might eventually create a follow-up, it's far simpler to enhance the existing game with new content rather than starting anew. "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," he explained.

Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone is currently focusing on his new project, Haunted Chocolatier. He shared that he doesn't want to be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy" and is pouring his efforts into making Haunted Chocolatier even better than its predecessor. However, fans should temper their expectations as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done" before a release date can be announced.

Stardew Valley has received widespread acclaim since its initial release. Our review back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great" score. Fast forward to 2024, and our reassessment of the game elevated it to a 10/10 "masterpiece". We praised it as "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 reflect the 2024 1.6 update. This update brings new crops, fish, and exciting additions like the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who have mastered all skills, our Mastery Points guide offers insights on further progression. If your journey takes you to Ginger Island, don't miss our guide on finding all Golden Walnuts.