Stardew Valley Creator Says He 'Might Eventually Make a Stardew Valley 2,' But It's 'So Much Easier to Add More Stuff to Stardew Valley Than Make a New Game From Scratch'

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." However, during his candid conversation on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone tempered fans' excitement by explaining the challenges of starting anew. He noted that it's far simpler to enhance the existing game with fresh content than to build an entirely new game from the ground up. "It's all the systems — all the major systems — are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do," Barone shared, highlighting how updates to Stardew Valley allow him to inject whimsical elements like "green rain" without the heavy lifting of system development.

Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone confessed his desire to not be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy." This drive has led him to focus on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. Fans eager for a release date will need to remain patient, as Barone emphasized that there's "still a lot to be done" and the new game must surpass the standards set by Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great" score. Fast forward to 2024, and our reassessment elevated it to a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece." We praised it as not only the best farming game but one of the finest games ever, noting its enduring appeal and the community's enthusiasm for even the smallest updates.

For newcomers, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the latest 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players aiming to further their skills can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to locate all Golden Walnuts.