Stardew Valley 2 Considered, But Easier to Expand Original Game

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has sparked excitement among fans by hinting at the possibility of creating a "Stardew Valley 2." In a candid conversation with TigerBelly, Barone tempered the enthusiasm by acknowledging the complexities involved in starting a new game from scratch. He explained, "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 challenges of game development, noting that "all the major systems" are already established in Stardew Valley, making updates and additions more manageable and enjoyable. "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 shared.

Despite the allure of expanding Stardew Valley further, Barone expressed openness to the idea of a sequel, stating, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest" (thanks, Nintendo Life).

In the same interview, Barone discussed his desire to diversify his portfolio, mentioning his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. He cautioned fans not to expect a release date soon, emphasizing that there is "still a lot to be done" and that the game "has got to be better" than Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley has received high praise since its inception. In our initial Stardew Valley review in 2016, we awarded it an 8.8 "Great." However, upon revisiting the game in 2024, we upgraded our rating to a 10/10 "masterpiece," 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 embarking on their Stardew Valley journey, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide is fully updated for the 2024 1.6 update, which introduced new crops, new fish, and the engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players looking to further their progress can benefit from our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island can use our guide to locate all Golden Walnuts.