Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively referred to as "Stardew Valley 2." During a candid discussion on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone expressed that while the idea of a new game is appealing, the practicalities of starting from scratch are daunting compared to the ease of enhancing the existing game.

"It's so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch," Barone explained. He highlighted the complexity of building foundational game systems, a task he finds less enjoyable than adding whimsical elements like "green rain" to Stardew Valley through updates. Despite these challenges, Barone did not rule out the creation of a sequel entirely, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest."

In the same interview, Barone also discussed his desire to diversify his portfolio beyond Stardew Valley. This ambition is driving his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans eager for a release date will have to wait, as Barone noted that there is "still a lot to be done" and he aims for it to surpass Stardew Valley in quality.

Stardew Valley itself has received high praise since its initial release in 2016, earning an 8.8 "Great" rating in our original Stardew Valley review. The game's enduring appeal was further cemented in our 2024 revisit, where we upgraded its score to a 10/10 "masterpiece." We noted, "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 or revisiting the game, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and engaging features like the Raccoon Family Quests. These quests unlock a new shop and valuable rewards, enhancing the gameplay experience. For seasoned players looking to further their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers valuable advice, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to locate all Golden Walnuts.