Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, dubbed Stardew Valley 2. In a candid interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed his thoughts on the matter, noting that while the idea of a sequel is tempting, the ease of enhancing the existing game with new content is a significant factor. "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch," he explained, highlighting how the core systems of Stardew Valley are already established, making it simpler to implement fun, whimsical additions like the "green rain."
Despite his openness to the idea of a sequel, Barone remains focused on his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. He shared with the interviewer that he doesn't want to be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is a driving force behind his new game. However, fans eager for a release date for Haunted Chocolatier will have to wait, as Barone mentioned there's "still a lot to be done" to ensure it surpasses the quality of Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley has received glowing reviews since its launch. Our initial review in 2016 gave it an 8.8 "Great," but upon revisiting the game in 2024, we upgraded our score 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." The continuous updates and the community's return to the game underscore its status as a timeless masterpiece within the genre it has both reinvigorated and defined.
For new and returning players, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, introducing new crops, fish, and engaging additions like the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Experienced players looking to further their skills can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to find all Golden Walnuts.
