Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creator of the beloved game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled "Stardew Valley 2." During an engaging interview with TigerBelly, Barone expressed that while the idea of a sequel is tempting, the effort required to create a new game from the ground up is significantly more daunting than simply expanding on the existing framework of Stardew Valley.
"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 explained. Despite the allure of new projects, he confessed, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," as reported by Nintendo Life.
However, Barone is not putting all his eggs in one basket. In the same discussion, he revealed his desire to not be solely known as "the Stardew Valley guy." This ambition has led him to focus on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. Fans eager for a release date should temper their expectations, as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done" and he aims for it to surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.
Our initial review of Stardew Valley back in 2016 was highly positive, awarding it an 8.8 "Great" score. Fast forward to 2024, our reevaluation of the game resulted in a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece" rating. 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."
With the release of the 1.6 update in 2024, Stardew Valley continues to evolve, introducing new crops, fish, and exciting additions like the Raccoon Family Quests, which unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For those who have mastered the game, our updated Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide and Mastery Points guide offer essential tips. And for adventurers exploring Ginger Island, our guide on locating all Golden Walnuts is a must-read.
