Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, "Stardew Valley 2." While this news excites fans, Barone remains candid about the challenges of creating a new game from the ground up. In a recent interview with TigerBelly, he explained that adding new content to the existing Stardew Valley is far simpler than starting anew. "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 shared.

Despite the allure of a sequel, Barone expressed his desire not to be solely defined as "the Stardew Valley guy." This drive has led him to focus on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a release date anytime soon, as Barone believes there is "still a lot to be done" to ensure the new game surpasses the quality of Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley itself has received widespread acclaim. When we first reviewed it back in 2016, it earned an impressive 8.8 "Great" rating. Fast forward to 2024, and our reevaluation resulted in a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece" score. We stated, "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 Stardew Valley, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the latest 1.6 update from 2024, introducing new crops, fish, and engaging 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, we've detailed where to find all Golden Walnuts.