Stardew Valley
Release Date: February 26, 2016
RPG, fantasy, sandbox, farm, 2D, top-down, indie games, co-op, Game Pass, romances, cozy game, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
The debut production from the independent studio Concerned Ape. It is a sandbox RPG that focuses on the life of a farmer. Stardew Valley takes place in a fantasy realm filled with magic, where the player becomes a young farmer whose ambition is to transform his small field into a giant farm generating great profits.
Stardew Valley for PC, PS4 and etc. is a sandbox RPG about a farmer’s life. It is the debut game of independent studio Concerned Ape.
The story takes place in a fantasy world full of magic. The player becomes a young farmer who becomes an owner of a modest farmland. His ambition is to transform it into a giant farm that generates great profit. The main activity of the player is planting, gathering crops and expanding the farm with new structures and crop types. At the start, the protagonist is a complete greenhorn, but as the game progress he gains experience points that can be spent on developing such skills like farming, mining, fishing and feeding animals. The protagonist is also regularly obtaining new cooking recipes and item construction blueprints.
Stardew Valley for PC, PS4 and etc. doesn’t focus solely on farming. Instead, the developers added RPG features. The protagonist participates in the social life of a nearby village inhabited by more than thirty characters. Each of them has own personality and daily, monthly and annual activity plans. Gaining their friendship unlocks access to new quests and earning occasions. It is also possible to get married and have children. Another attraction is archaeological trips during which one can dig out items left by an ancient civilization. Choices made during the campaign will affect the future of the whole valley and will determine whether it will remain a peaceful oasis or fall into hands of the greedy Joja corporation.
The game world is randomly generated every time the player creates a new character. It affects not only the surface of the map, but a giant, many-floored labyrinth of caves and underground corridors as well. Although these locations are inhabited by monsters, going there is worth taking the risk as many treasured can be found. Cooperation mode for up to four players is an additional feature of the game.
Last updated on March 4, 2016
Last Update: October 13, 2017
Stardew Valley Game Guide
Short but very comprehensive guide for Stardew Valley will help you survive your first days on the new farm! These several pages present key problems that you may experience while starting the game. Check out our tips & tricks for Stardew Valley!
Videos and Screens
[1:19] Stardew Valley Multiplayer
[3:01] Stardew Valley collector's edition trailer
Metro GameCentral: 8 / 10
The best farming sim ever finds its ideal home on the Switch, with gameplay and hardware that complement each other perfectly.
Game Informer: 8.8 / 10 by Javy Gwaltney
Stardew Valley is a fantastic game that's much more than its farming simulator sales pitch suggests
Game Revolution: 4.5 / 5 by Jonathan Leack
It isn't common that you encounter a game as charming and delightfully addictive as Stardew Valley. It finds a harmonious balance of progression, activities, and rewards resulting in each day being distinct and memorable. It's a triumph in indie game development, demonstrating that a single developer with tremendous heart can make something more meaningful and captivating than even the most prolific AAA studios.
The main pros of the game
- Graphics and Audio: The pixel art is widely praised as beautiful and charming, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack is also noted for being soothing and fitting well with the gameplay.
- Gameplay Variety: Players appreciate the diverse activities available, including farming, mining, fishing, and building relationships with NPCs. The game balances simplicity with depth, allowing for both casual play and more complex strategies.
- Emotional Depth and Community: The characters are well-developed with unique stories and personalities, enhancing emotional engagement. Building relationships with villagers adds a rewarding layer to the gameplay.
- Relaxation and Comfort: Many users highlight the game as a comforting escape, with a relaxed pace that allows players to enjoy the experience without pressure.
- Replayability and Updates: The game has extensive content, seasonal changes, and a strong modding community, contributing to its longevity. Free updates from the developer also keep the game fresh and engaging.
The main cons of the game
- Beginner Friendliness: Some players find the game not very beginner-friendly, as it offers minimal guidance, leading to confusion for new players.
- NPC Interactions: While many enjoy the relationships, some users feel that interactions with NPCs can become shallow over time, especially after marriage, where dialogue is limited.
- Time Management: The fast-paced in-game time can lead to stress, as players may feel rushed to complete tasks before the day ends.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Deeper NPC Relationships: Players express a desire for more dynamic interactions and character development for NPCs, especially post-marriage.
- Customization Options: Suggestions include more character customization options, such as body types and clothing, as well as the ability to influence NPCs' life paths and stories more significantly.
- Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: Some players wish for additional gameplay elements, like more interactive activities with spouses, seasonal events, and deeper storylines for characters.
Summary
- Overall, Stardew Valley is celebrated as a beloved farming simulator that combines relaxation with engaging gameplay, despite some critiques about its accessibility for new players and the depth of NPC interactions.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 1224 votes. 85 players anticipated the game.
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Stardew Valley Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows February 26, 2016
PlayStation Vita May 22, 2018
PlayStation 4 December 13, 2016
Xbox One December 14, 2016
Android March 14, 2019
Apple iOS October 24, 2018
Nintendo Switch October 5, 2017
Developer: Concerned Ape
Publisher: Chucklefish
Stardew Valley System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB GeForce 8400 GTS or better, 500 MB HDD, Windows 7/8/10
PlayStation Vita
Supports: PlayStation Network
PlayStation 4
Supports: PlayStation Network
DMCA takedown issued for popular Baldur's Gate 3 Stardew Valley mod
A popular Baldur's Gate 3 mod for Stardew Valley, Baldur's Village, has reportedly been hit with a DMCA notice from Wizards of the Coast, making it unavailable.
video games
Matt Buckley
March 31, 2025
Fan-made Stardew Valley smart watch face is excellent
A fan-made Stardew Valley WatchOS face is available for free download. The creator shared images of the design on the Stardew Valley subreddit.
video games
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March 19, 2025
Stardew Valley Expanded creator works on a new project. Ambitious Castle Village is expected to surpass its predecessor
After a huge update to the popular Stardew Valley mod, its creator is focusing on his work for the game developer and his next, even more ambitious modification.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
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The Baldur's Gate 3-inspired fan-made mod to Stardew Valley is now out. Even Swen Vincke is impressed with it
The characters of Baldur's Gate 3 have arrived in the world of Stardew Valley, but for now players can romance only one of the more than 20 characters from the ambitious fan-made DLC.
video games
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„I'm very ashamed to say this, but there is an error in the recent patch.” Stardew Valley dev warns players of crashes and explains how to avoid them
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video games
Kamil Kleszyk
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Stardew Valley dev admitted that he don't want to stop developing the game any time soon. „You know, maybe even 50 years from now, I might add something”
Eric Barone admitted that he is unlikely to ever end up developing Stardew Valley. Unless the game's content becomes so overwhelming that it begins to spoil the fun for players.
video games
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Stardew Valley Dev Apologized to Players for Broken Mods. Work Accident Will Result in Changes to Game Development
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video games
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