Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the mastermind behind the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has hinted at the possibility of developing a sequel, tentatively titled Stardew Valley 2. However, in a candid conversation with TigerBelly, Barone tempered fans' excitement by pointing out the complexity of creating an entirely new game from the ground up compared to the ease of adding new content to the existing game.

"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 a sequel, he admitted, "I might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2, to be honest," but emphasized that no concrete plans are in place yet.

In the same interview, Barone also shared his desire to not be pigeonholed as "the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's currently focused on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Fans eager for its release should brace themselves, as Barone noted there's "still a lot to be done" and he aims for it to surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.

IGN's initial review of Stardew Valley in 2016 awarded it a solid 8.8 "Great". However, when revisited in 2024, the game was hailed as a 10/10 "masterpiece". The review praised its enduring appeal, 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 starting their farming journey, our Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide has been updated for the 2024 1.6 update, introducing new crops, fish, and features such as the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. Seasoned players looking to further their skills can refer to our Mastery Points guide, while those exploring Ginger Island will find a detailed guide on locating all Golden Walnuts.