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

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." While this news might send fans into a frenzy, Barone tempered expectations during his interview with TigerBelly. He noted that expanding the current game is far simpler than starting anew, explaining, "It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch."

Barone elaborated on the ease of updating Stardew Valley, saying, "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." Despite this, he did leave the door open for a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," (thanks, Nintendo Life).

In the same interview, Barone expressed his desire to diversify his portfolio, saying he "didn't want to just be the Stardew Valley guy." This is why he's currently focused on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a release date anytime soon, as Barone mentioned there's "still a lot to be done," and he feels it "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.

IGN's initial review of Stardew Valley in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great." Fast forward to 2024, and our revisit hailed it as 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."

For those diving into the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide is fully updated for the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and much more, including the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players looking to push their skills further can consult our Mastery Points guide. And for those exploring Ginger Island, our guide on finding all Golden Walnuts will prove invaluable.