Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively referred to as "Stardew Valley 2." In an interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while he might eventually create a sequel, he finds it much simpler to continue expanding the original game. "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 this, Barone admitted, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest."

In the same discussion, Barone shared his desire to not be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's currently focusing on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. He cautioned fans not to expect a release date for this new game anytime soon, noting that there is "still a lot to be done" and expressing his ambition for it to surpass Stardew Valley in quality.

Stardew Valley has received high acclaim since its release. In our original Stardew Valley review from 2016, we rated it an impressive 8.8, deeming it "Great." When we revisited the game in 2024, its score soared to a perfect 10/10, earning the title of "masterpiece." We praised it by saying, "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 enhance their Stardew Valley experience, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated for the 2024 1.6 update, which introduces new crops, fish, and additional content like the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who have reached the pinnacle of their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers advice on further progression. If you're exploring Ginger Island, our guide will help you locate all the Golden Walnuts.