In a time when gamers are increasingly turning to soothing simulators like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Spiritfarer, any news of a Stardew Valley sequel is good news. Creator Eric Barone is still hard at work patching and adding new content to the original Stardew Valley, but is also working on two games connected to Stardew Valley in different ways.
Stardew Valley has been an enduring hit since it first released in 2016. A farming simulator in the vein of such games as Harvest Moon, players inherit a run-down farm from their grandfather near the town of Stardew Valley and set about fixing it up however they see fit. Besides engaging in the familiar cycle of crafting better tools and a bigger house, players could become invested in the lives of villagers, romancing characters and taking part in town festivals.
Eric Barone has continued to update Stardew Valley over the years, but did confirm earlier this year that he is working on two new games. The first of these is set in the same world as Stardew Valley, but “is not a farming game,” according to Barone. The other game is much more ambiguous in nature at this point. While it will tie into Stardew Valley “in some way,“ Barone said he’s still figuring out what kind of game it will be.
When Will A New Stardew Valley Game Release?
As for when either of these games will come out, Barone has stressed the games are in early stages. He also stated that, as was the case when he originally created Stardew Valley, he wants these games to be “whatever comes naturally to me without too much pressure or expectation.” Fans of Stardew Valley shouldn’t get their hopes up for a sequel (loosely-related or other-wise) any time in the near future. Barone famously created Stardew Valley almost entirely on his own, and though he has added people to the team over the years, it was always possible to count the team members on one hand. Barone is clearly committed to making sure his games remain passion projects, and he doesn’t want to simply rush out a sequel in an attempt to satisfy fans.
In the meantime, players can content themselves with the fact that Barone is still committed to adding new features to the original Stardew Valley. A post on the official Stardew Valley forums confirms that progress is being made on a currently undated 1.5 patch, which will add more quality of life changes. If players feel the need for a completely new experience, there’s always the expansive Stardew Valley mod community.
Sources: Eric Barone/Twitter, Stardew Valley Forums
Stardew Valley is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms.
