Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a beloved indie farming simulation game developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). Players inherit their grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley and must learn to live off the land, growing crops, raising animals, mining, fishing, and building relationships with the townspeople in this charming pixel-art world.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Stardew Valley
Format
game
Release Year
2016
Current Status
Active with regular updates
Country of Origin
United States
Publisher
ConcernedApe, Chucklefish (initial)
Original Work
game
Genre
farming simulation, indie, pixel art, relaxing, multiplayer, life simulation, crafting

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Stardew Valley.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
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!
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Pelican Town is a small, close-knit community nestled in Stardew Valley. The valley features diverse environments: a bustling town square, a serene beach, dense forests, deep mines filled with monsters, and a desert accessible by bus. The world changes with the four seasons—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter—each bringing unique crops, festivals, and secrets.
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
farming simulation, indie, pixel art, relaxing, multiplayer, life simulation, crafting

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Stardew Valley's global influence.
Creation Background
Eric Barone wanted to create the ultimate farming game as a solo developer
Cultural Impact
Revitalized the farming simulation genre and inspired many indie developers
Legacy
Considered one of the greatest indie games ever made
Major Milestones
2016: Initial release on PC to critical acclaim,2017: Console versions launch,2018: Multiplayer update adds co-op gameplay,2019: Mobile versions release,2020: Major 1.5 update adds new content,2024: 1.6 update continues to expand the game
Revenue
Estimated over $300 million
Awards
Independent Games Festival Excellence in Audio,Golden Joystick Award for Best Indie Game

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Stardew Valley.
The Farmer
There's something peaceful about farm life.
The protagonist who inherits their grandfather's farm and starts a new life in Stardew ValleyView Profile
Abigail
An adventurous young woman who loves exploring and playing video gamesView Profile
Sebastian
A quiet programmer who works from home and rides a motorcycleView Profile
Robin
The local carpenter who can build and upgrade farm buildingsView Profile
Mayor Lewis
I am Lewis.
The long-serving mayor of Pelican Town who cares deeply about the communityView Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of Stardew Valley?
The primary goal is to restore your grandfather's dilapidated farm, making it profitable and beautiful. However, you also aim to befriend the villagers, restore the Community Center (or support JojaMart), and explore the valley's secrets. There is no strict 'win' state, allowing you to play at your own pace.
Does Stardew Valley have an ending?
There is a 'soft' ending at the start of Year 3, where your grandfather's ghost evaluates your progress. However, the game continues indefinitely after this, allowing you to keep farming, building, and exploring forever.
Who can I marry in the game?
There are 12 marriage candidates (bachelors and bachelorettes) available to romance: Abigail, Alex, Elliott, Emily, Haley, Harvey, Leah, Maru, Penny, Sam, Sebastian, and Shane. You can date and marry any of them regardless of your character's gender.
Is there multiplayer in Stardew Valley?
Yes! Stardew Valley supports up to 4-player co-op (online or split-screen on some platforms). You can share a farm, money, and resources, working together to build your dream farm.
What platforms is Stardew Valley available on?
It is available on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Who created Stardew Valley?
The game was created entirely by one person, Eric Barone (known as ConcernedApe). He did the programming, art, music, and writing solo over four years.
What is the Community Center vs. JojaMart route?
You can choose to restore the Community Center by collecting bundles of items, which encourages diverse gameplay. Alternatively, you can buy a JojaMart membership and pay gold to unlock town upgrades, which focuses more on profit generation.
Can I play with mods?
Yes, the PC version has a massive and active modding community. You can add everything from simple aesthetic changes to massive expansions like 'Stardew Valley Expanded'.
What are the Junimos?
Junimos are small, magical forest spirits that live in the Community Center. They help you by unlocking new areas and features as you complete bundles for them.
How long is a day in Stardew Valley?
A game day lasts from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM. In real time, a full day takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how often you pause the game (menu usage pauses time).

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@ConcernedApe
Facebook
Stardew Valley
Instagram
@stardewvalley
Youtube
ConcernedApe
Streaming / Watch
SteamGOGEpic Games StoreConsole stores

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