Stardew Valley 2 Considered, but Easier to Expand Original Game

Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, mentioning in an interview with TigerBelly that he might "eventually make a Stardew Valley 2." However, he tempered expectations by noting the challenges of starting from scratch compared to updating the existing game. "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch," Barone explained. He elaborated on the ease of implementing new features like "green rain" into the current game, as opposed to building entirely new systems.

Despite his openness to a sequel, Barone is currently focused on his new project, Haunted Chocolatier. He expressed a desire not to be solely defined by Stardew Valley and emphasized that there's still much work to be done on Haunted Chocolatier, which he believes "has to be better" than Stardew Valley. No release date has been set for this new game yet.

Stardew Valley received an 8.8 "Great" score in our original review back in 2016. However, our re-evaluation in 2024 elevated it to a 10/10 "masterpiece," highlighting its status as not only the best farming game but one of the most beloved games overall. The review praised the game's enduring appeal, noting how even minor updates keep players coming back to this eight-year-old gem.

For those new to the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and features like the Raccoon Family Quests. These quests unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Veteran players can find guidance on Mastery Points to further their skills, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to locate all Golden Walnuts.