Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." In an engaging interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while the idea of a sequel is tempting, it's far simpler to expand the existing game 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," he explained.

Despite his openness to the idea, Barone remains cautious about committing to a full sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," as reported by Nintendo Life.

In the same interview, Barone shared his desire to diversify his portfolio beyond just being known for Stardew Valley. This drive has led him to focus on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans should temper their expectations regarding a release date for this new game, as Barone noted there is "still a lot to be done," emphasizing his ambition for it to surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.

Since its initial release in 2016, Stardew Valley has received high praise, earning an 8.8 "Great" rating in our original review. By the time we revisited the game in 2024, its status had elevated to a 10/10 "masterpiece," with our review stating, "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."

With the release of the 1.6 update in 2024, Stardew Valley has seen further enhancements, including new crops, fish, and the introduction of the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For players looking to deepen their experience, our fully updated Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide is the perfect resource. Veteran players aiming to maximize their skills can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can find all Golden Walnuts with our detailed guide.