Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, "Stardew Valley 2." However, during his candid conversation on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone emphasized the challenges involved in starting from scratch. He explained that it's far simpler to enhance the existing game with new content than to build an entirely new title, as all the core systems in Stardew Valley are already established. "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," Barone shared.

Despite his openness to the idea of a sequel, Barone is currently channeling his creativity into his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. He expressed a desire not to be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is driving his work on the new game. Fans eager for updates on Haunted Chocolatier will need to remain patient, as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done" and he aims for it to surpass the excellence of Stardew Valley.

When we first reviewed Stardew Valley back in 2016, we awarded it an impressive 8.8, deeming it "Great." Fast forward to 2024, and our reevaluation of the game resulted in a perfect 10/10 score, labeling it a "masterpiece." We noted, "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 diving into the game or returning for the latest updates, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update. This update introduces new crops, fish, and the exciting Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. If you're a seasoned player who has maxed out your skills, our Mastery Points guide offers insights into your next steps. And for those exploring Ginger Island, we've got you covered on how to find all the Golden Walnuts.