Stardew Valley 2 Possible, But Easier to Expand Original Game, Says Creator

The creator of Stardew Valley, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively named "Stardew Valley 2." In a recent interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while the idea of a new game is appealing, it's significantly more straightforward to enhance the existing Stardew Valley with new content rather than starting from scratch.

"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 explained. Despite the ease of updating the current game, he admitted, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," according to Nintendo Life.

In the same discussion, Barone shared his desire to diversify his portfolio, stating he "didn't want to just be the Stardew Valley guy." This motivation is driving his work on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans should temper their expectations regarding a release date, as Barone noted there is "still a lot to be done," and he feels the new game "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.

When we first reviewed Stardew Valley back in 2016, it earned an impressive 8.8 "Great" rating. Fast forward to our 2024 review, and we elevated its status to a 10/10 "masterpiece," noting, "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 newcomers and returning players alike, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the latest 1.6 update from 2024, which introduces new crops, fish, and features like the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who've maxed out their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers insights into the next steps. And for those venturing to Ginger Island, our guide helps locate all the Golden Walnuts.