Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." While fans may be buzzing with excitement, Barone tempered expectations in his interview with TigerBelly, noting that it's far simpler to enhance the existing game rather than embarking on an entirely new project. "It's all the systems — all the major systems — are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do," Barone explained. "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."

Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone remains non-committal, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," as reported by Nintendo Life. In the same interview, he expressed a desire to diversify his portfolio, mentioning his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a release date anytime soon, as Barone believes there's "still a lot to be done" and it "has to be better" than Stardew Valley.

When IGN first reviewed Stardew Valley back in 2016, it received an impressive score of 8.8, dubbed "Great." Fast forward to 2024, and our reassessment elevated it to a 10/10 "masterpiece." We wrote: "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 eager to dive into or revisit the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been fully updated to cover the 2024 1.6 update, which introduces new crops, fish, and more, including the intriguing Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players aiming to push their skills to the limit, our Mastery Points guide offers valuable advice on the next steps. And if you're planning a trip to Ginger Island, don't miss our guide on locating all the Golden Walnuts.