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

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of creating a sequel, tentatively titled Stardew Valley 2. However, during his conversation on the TigerBelly podcast, Barone tempered fans' enthusiasm by explaining the complexities involved in starting a new game from scratch compared to enhancing the existing framework of Stardew Valley.

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 expressed a tentative interest in a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," as reported by Nintendo Life.

In the same interview, Barone revealed his desire to not be solely identified as the Stardew Valley creator. This aspiration is driving his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. However, he cautioned that fans should not anticipate a release date for Haunted Chocolatier in the near future, as there is "still a lot to be done," and he feels it "has to be better" than Stardew Valley.

Our initial review of Stardew Valley in 2016 awarded it an impressive 8.8 "Great" score. Fast forward to 2024, and our reassessment of the game elevated it 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 looking to dive into or revisit Stardew Valley, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated to reflect the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, fish, and the engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned players who have mastered all skills, our Mastery Points guide offers advice on further progression. And for those exploring Ginger Island, our guide on locating all Golden Walnuts will be invaluable.