Summary

  • Stardew Valley continues to excel with charm and addictive gameplay despite its age.
  • After Haunted Chocolatier releases, ConcernedApe could consider working on a Stardew sequel.
  • Stardew Valley 2 could introduce aging Pelican Town characters, new storylines, and more depth to the beloved game.

Stardew Valley is still going strong after eight years since its release, and today is managing to make players smile with its unrelenting charm and addictive gameplay. It's the first game by solo developer Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone, and is comfortably one of the most impressive accomplishments in the gaming industry, given its surprising depth, and constant support in the years that have followed. Haunted Chocolatier has a lot to live up to, but it is in the best position to succeed.

All eyes are on the aforementioned upcoming release from the developer, and while it is far too early to know what the future holds, one interesting idea could be to return to Stardew Valley's Pelican Town when some years have passed, reintroducing players to familiar faces, but also presenting the chance to tell a new story, and add new flourishes to a setting that so many players have come to love.

Stardew Valley 2 Could Be an Insight into a Fun Future

The measuring stick of progression that Stardew Valley players can use to judge if their game has been a productive one is the passage of time. Seeing Stardew Valley's seasons go by one at a time gives a clear sense of how far the farm has come. Because Stardew Valley is a never-ending experience, the further along the player goes with the farm, the more ambitious they can get, but one drawback that is more noticeable the more hours are committed is that characters don't age. This isn't something that is expected at all, but the fundamental design of Stardew Valley could lend itself well to a sequel, set some time later when the characters are all grown up.

Getting to know Vincent and Jas as they grow older, building further upon Shane's memorable story arc, and seeing Pelican Town adapt and change as the years roll by would be so much fun to see. Even adding new chapters to the romance storylines where the player's chosen romance option has more of an input in the narrative could help add more depth to Stardew Valley, and give the personalities that inhabit it a lot of life. All the characters in Stardew Valley are truly memorable, and have wonderful progression throughout. A new chapter in the story could do well to recapture the magic.

Stardew Valley's Pelican Town Could be Changed by Time

Pelican Town is a delightful setting that does wonders for Stardew Valley's overall tone. It's got everything that the player needs to feel truly immersed, and hides secrets that can be missed for dozens of hours on end. The player can have a huge impact on its identity with the decision to pursue the Community Center, or to turn it into a Joja Warehouse if the player purchases their membership. A follow-up game that returns to Pelican Town might be a fun opportunity to further delve into the consequences of that choice, as well as showing more changes that have befallen the setting in the time since players first took up residence at the nearby farm.

Haunted Chocolatier Isn't Being Made as a Replacement

The success of Stardew Valley as well as the art style of Haunted Chocolatier may lead fans to believe that the latter is a formulaic follow-up to the former, but all evidence suggests this won't be the case. Haunted Chocolatier's new setting and characters as well as its greater combat focus imply this is something completely new that will forge its own path. Because of this, when it comes to potentially adding to Stardew Valley's lore and world-building, there's still an opportunity to develop it without the worry that Haunted Chocolatier is in the way.

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Stardew Valley Tag Page Cover Art

Stardew Valley
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RPG
Simulation
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
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Released
February 26, 2016
ESRB
E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!

Cross Save
cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
Number of Players
1-4
Split Screen Orientation
Vertical or Horizontal
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation
How Long To Beat
53 Hours
File Size Xbox Series
1 GB (November 2023)
Local Co-Op Support
1-4 Players