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Stardew Valley

Far more than just a farming game, this one-man labor of love is filled with seemingly endless content and heart.
Stardew Valley Game Cover
94%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
99% User Score Based on 277,948 reviews
Critic Score 89%Based on 24 reviews

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Stardew Valley Game Cover

About

Stardew Valley is a single player and multiplayer role playing game with fantasy, romance and business themes. It was developed by ConcernedApe and was released on February 26, 2016. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

The smash hit farming RPG now on mobile!

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Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
Stardew Valley screenshot
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99%
Audience ScoreBased on 277,948 reviews
story4.9k positive mentions
grinding26.3k negative mentions
  • grinding
    26,633 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews for "grinding" in Stardew Valley highlight a mix of opinions, with many players appreciating the repetitive nature of farming and resource management as a relaxing and satisfying experience. While some find the grind tedious, especially in the early game, others enjoy the depth it adds to gameplay, allowing for various playstyles such as farming, fishing, and mining. Overall, the grind is often seen as a core aspect of the game that contributes to its charm and replayability, making it a beloved title among fans of the farming simulation genre.

    • “Entertaining, not tedious with a lot of things you can work on.”
    • “Absolutely love this game, many different things to do and not grindy like most games.”
    • “The progression in the game is quick enough that it isn't tedious but not too quick as to make the game boring.”
    • “It's a very good game, i never liked the farming sim genre until i picked this game up.”
    • “The farming aspect of the game is incredibly addictive.”
    • “The farming is relaxing, social interactions are refreshing, and a little monster slaying to break up a long growing season.”
  • story
    13,135 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in *Stardew Valley* is rich and engaging, featuring a charming narrative that unfolds as players interact with the diverse townsfolk, each possessing their own unique backstories and quests. While the main plot revolves around inheriting and revitalizing a farm, the game allows for significant player agency, enabling them to choose how deeply they wish to engage with the story and its characters. The blend of farming, exploration, and character development creates a relaxing yet immersive experience, making it a standout title in the farming simulation genre.

    • “Drawing inspiration from other farming simulation RPGs, Stardew Valley establishes a unique world and story with hundreds of hours of content to explore: interactive townspeople each with their different backstories and secrets, breathtaking locations and environments to discover, and much more.”
    • “The story and gameplay are addicting and very satisfying, perfect for getting lost and detaching from the stressors life may provide.”
    • “The story is so interesting and can be a challenging game depending on your objectives.”
    • “The main story is very basic, but I feel like for a game like this it's better that way.”
    • “The quests are also extremely boring.”
    • “The story runs out kind of fast and becomes less of a focus every time I replay, but the gameplay never gets old.”
  • gameplay
    10,534 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Stardew Valley is widely praised for its depth, variety, and engaging mechanics, allowing players to immerse themselves in farming, mining, fishing, and social interactions at their own pace. While some players find certain mechanics, like fishing, challenging or frustrating, the overall experience is described as relaxing and addictive, with a strong sense of progression and community. The game's charming pixel art, soothing soundtrack, and continuous updates from the developer further enhance its appeal, making it a beloved title among fans of the genre.

    • “The gameplay is so fun and easy, my non-gamer wife learned it on Switch in 30 minutes and then played 30 hours over the course of a few weeks.”
    • “It's a perfect combination of engrossing and complex gameplay with a world that feels vibrantly alive and interactive.”
    • “The core mechanics and relaxing aesthetic merge so well together that players will sink into the experience and never want to leave.”
    • “Despite the praise it has received from fans and critics alike, I found the gameplay to be tediously repetitive and lacking in any real depth.”
    • “The limited variety of enemies and the simplistic combat mechanics make these sections of the game feel like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the experience.”
    • “The gameplay can be somewhat repetitive, which may not appeal to those who prefer faster-paced gameplay.”
  • music
    9,513 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in *Stardew Valley* is widely praised for its charm and ability to create a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many players highlight the soundtrack's soothing qualities, noting that it complements the game's pixel art style and seasonal changes beautifully. Composed by the game's creator, Eric Barone, the music is considered one of the standout features, often described as nostalgic and memorable, making it a favorite among fans who enjoy listening to it even outside of gameplay.

    • “The music is so wholesome as well as the NPCs.”
    • “Stardew Valley's soundtrack, composed by ConcernedApe himself, is a masterpiece that complements the game's relaxing atmosphere.”
    • “The music gives a nice peaceful nostalgic feel.”
    • “The music is very calming and you can take the game many different directions.”
    • “The music can start to feel a bit recycled after you've played as long as i have, but it stays fresh enough to not become annoying.”
    • “The music is charming and adds to the atmosphere, but that is where the benefits of the game end for me.”
  • graphics
    7,834 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Stardew Valley are characterized by charming pixel art that evokes nostalgia for classic 16-bit games, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. While some players initially find the graphics simplistic or dated, many appreciate their aesthetic appeal and how they complement the game's relaxing gameplay and engaging storylines. Overall, the visuals are well-received for their ability to enhance the immersive experience, despite being less advanced than contemporary titles.

    • “The pixel art style exudes nostalgia, and the changing seasons bring the farm and its surroundings to life with vibrant colors and subtle details.”
    • “The graphics are charming and the soundtrack is so soothing that it puts me in a trance-like state, where I forget that I'm just staring at a screen for hours on end.”
    • “With its charming graphics and endless possibilities, this game offers a serene and captivating experience.”
    • “It's like an adult made the game and let their kids make the GUI (graphical user interface)... absolutely ruins any enjoyment when I end up screaming at how unusable every single menu is!”
    • “Watching this game literally hurt the eyes - the graphics are from the early 1990s and the resolution is non-existent.”
    • “I always said that graphics aren't important in these kinds of games, but I think I just found my limit for just how ugly they can be.”
  • emotional
    3,679 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Stardew Valley" is widely praised for its heartwarming storytelling and character development, creating deep connections between players and the game's diverse cast. Many players report feeling a genuine emotional investment in the lives of the villagers, with touching narratives that explore themes of friendship, love, and personal struggles, often leading to moments of joy and sadness. The game's relaxing atmosphere, combined with its charming visuals and music, enhances the overall experience, making it a comforting escape that resonates with players on a personal level.

    • “Stardew Valley is a heartwarming journey that invites players to slow down, appreciate the beauty of simple joys, and build a virtual life filled with meaningful connections.”
    • “The characters' relationships are great, and there's some genuinely emotional moments if you invest time in befriending the other citizens of Stardew Valley.”
    • “The heartfelt moments and genuine interactions make the town of Pelican Town come alive, and I often found myself looking forward to engaging with the diverse cast of characters.”
    • “My main issue with this game is the animations and the really boring storyline.”
    • “It is, of course, not perfect as I think a lot of the villagers have boring stories that made me not very interested in befriending them, but I still had a lot of fun playing, and it gave me the love for Harvest Moon-type games back.”
  • replayability
    1,850 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Stardew Valley is widely praised for its immense replayability, with players highlighting the encouragement to start new save files, explore different farm layouts, and pursue various romantic relationships. The game's charm, coupled with a vibrant modding community and regular updates, ensures that each playthrough can feel unique, making it a favorite for both solo and multiplayer experiences. While some players note a decline in replay value after extensive play, the overall consensus is that the game offers countless hours of engaging content and replay opportunities.

    • “Stardew Valley is one of my ultimate comfort games; it has a great deal of replayable value in that you don't ever get the exact same events each playthrough. Odd things happen, you can choose different companions or routes, and each game has its own unique playthrough, making it wonderful every time.”
    • “The game is endlessly replayable and great for gaming in short or long bursts of time. The modding community makes its replayability endless.”
    • “This game has so much replayability. You can customize the farm to your liking, and each playthrough would be different, so there's great replay value.”
    • “Once you've played it all the way through once, it loses most of its replay value, but the game has enough content even in the one playthrough that it's worth it.”
    • “I replay it a lot, but again it's for the same reason as the gameplay score I had just before this one. I constantly make new farms to play on, but there are not many changes in game style other than doing the natural route vs the Joja route. So if you don't like the repetition, then I'd say there's really no replayability once you finish all the achievements for your farm and everything else.”
    • “The only problem I have with it is that it's not super replayable; too many times without the addition of mods.”
  • atmosphere
    1,336 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of *Stardew Valley* is widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhanced by a soothing soundtrack and charming pixel art. Players appreciate the game's ability to transport them to a peaceful rural setting, where they can engage in farming, build relationships with quirky NPCs, and enjoy the changing seasons. This inviting atmosphere serves as a perfect escape from the stresses of daily life, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a relaxing gaming experience.

    • “Stardew Valley's soundtrack, composed by ConcernedApe himself, is a masterpiece that complements the game's relaxing atmosphere.”
    • “With its captivating charm and tranquil atmosphere, this pixelated haven offers a therapeutic escape that beckons players into a calming embrace.”
    • “The tranquil melodies seamlessly meld with the game's calming atmosphere, turning routine tasks like tending to crops into a euphoric experience.”
    • “The music and atmosphere is charming, but that is where the benefits of the game end for me since it simply doesn't have the perfect atmosphere and geometry that Minecraft or Animal Crossing has.”
    • “The gameplay is actually really solid and will keep you busy for as long as you allow it to, but the game suffers in terms of endgame events and items for you to indulge in, after a while the game really starts to become a repetitive cycle of planting and attending the same social events over and over again until you get bored.”
    • “While the gameplay and progression are good, what really makes Stardew stand out is the atmosphere, which can feel shallow and repetitive after extended play.”
  • humor
    1,162 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, with players enjoying the quirky interactions and funny dialogues with NPCs. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer settings, where friends can share amusing experiences and mishaps. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gameplay, making it both entertaining and heartwarming.

    • “This game is incredibly peaceful and relaxing when playing on your own, and absolutely hilarious to play with friends; don't ask me why, it just is.”
    • “The game has such a funny charm and is so great to play solo or with friends, and there is so much you can do.”
    • “The characters are funny and unique, the art style is adorable, and it is an easy game to learn to play.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “Shame she married to not funny store man.”
    • “In this game I made friends, went on dates, and got married to the love of my life. It's fun but unrealistic because I'm an annoying, unfunny loser who looks like a foot with eyes.”
  • character development
    372 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in Stardew Valley is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players appreciating the unique backstories and personalities of each NPC. Many reviews highlight the engaging heart events that reveal character growth, making interactions feel meaningful and rewarding. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to create a rich narrative experience that enhances the farming simulation gameplay.

    • “The character development in this game is better than many movies I've seen.”
    • “The character development is deep and was unexpected when I first started playing this game.”
    • “The storytelling and character development is top notch.”
    • “Character development stops abruptly when you max your relationship and your spouse will never feel as connected to you as when you were working to that point.”
    • “Interactions and conversations with non-player characters (NPCs) can feel repetitive and limited, with minimal depth in character development or meaningful storylines associated with each NPC.”
    • “While the character development is pretty decent, it's not as fully in-depth as I'd have liked.”
  • stability
    357 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the stability of the game is mixed, with many players reporting a generally smooth experience and minimal bugs, particularly in single-player mode. However, multiplayer functionality tends to be more problematic, with frequent disconnections and glitches noted by several users. While some minor graphical issues and occasional freezes occur, the developer's active engagement in addressing these problems has been positively highlighted, contributing to a mostly stable gameplay experience.

    • “Runs great on all platforms, and the developer is working solo, so he listens to all feedback and places hilarious easter eggs for the detectives among the player base.”
    • “The game runs great, it's been updated at least four times already, and the developer is very active and responsive to feedback.”
    • “I have only encountered one crash and no glitches in my 195 hours of playing this game.”
    • “The only problem I've really encountered is that multiplayer can get really buggy and lag at times; my friends and I tried troubleshooting this and really didn't come up with many solutions.”
    • “The multiplayer is so buggy, you get kicked every 15-30 minutes.”
    • “The only downside is multiplayer is a little buggy but that's about it.”
  • optimization
    207 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many users noting that it runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including low-end systems. While some players experienced minor performance issues or stuttering, the majority found the game to be well-optimized for both casual and competitive play, allowing for a relaxing experience or intense optimization challenges. The graphics are simple yet charming, contributing to its low resource demands and accessibility.

    • “The gameplay is smooth, graphics and music are cozy, the game itself is very well optimized to run on any potato.”
    • “It's charming, easy to play but with a lot of room for strategic optimization for those interested in it, and provides a decent amount of variety nestled snugly into a well-designed core gameplay loop.”
    • “The game is well-optimized and runs smoothly on various platforms and systems.”
    • “The attack animations are stunted and frustratingly imprecise, the enemies are all variations of the same annoying basic creatures, and the inventory system is not optimized for combat.”
    • “I had some unexpected performance issues, which was surprising given that I didn't have the issues with some other games that had more advanced graphics.”
    • “My review is my submitted bug report because ever since the last couple updates the game is unplayable for me on my system due to stuttering, soft locking, crashing, and in-game bugs galore.”
  • monetization
    118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is highly praised, with users emphasizing the absence of microtransactions, DLC, loot boxes, and ads, which sets it apart from many modern titles. Players appreciate the one-time purchase model that grants full access to the game without any additional costs, making it a refreshing experience in an industry often criticized for exploitative monetization practices. Overall, the game's commitment to a fair pricing structure and ongoing free updates has garnered significant admiration from the community.

    • “Excellent work from the developer; in an age where games are overcommoditized with microtransactions, ConcernedApe has created a marvel.”
    • “The effort, dedication, and love poured into this game can, in my opinion, put certain AAA titles to shame, and that without DLC content, without addons, season passes, and in-game purchases.”
    • “In a gaming industry filled with bloat, hype, and over-monetization, Stardew Valley enters as a multi-generational masterpiece and a welcome breath of fresh air that we all deserve.”
    • “The effort, dedication, and love poured into this game can, in my opinion, put certain AAA titles to shame, and that without DLC content, without add-ons, season passes, and in-game purchases.”
    • “The amount of content packed into this game is unreal, and there is no DLC or microtransactions of any kind, which is far too rare these days.”
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89%Critics’ scoreBased on 24 critic reviews
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65h Median play time
149h Average play time
53h Main story
157h Completionist
20-200h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,836 analyzed playthroughs
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Dave the Diver DLC adds a little Stardew Valley time management and relationship building to the formula when In the Jungle releases in June

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March 3 on escapistmagazine.com

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March 2 on rockpapershotgun.com

"Clint this, Sandy that": Stardew Valley fans have bigger things on their mind than the 1.7 marriage candidates, like the goblin villages ConcernedApe "completely scrapped"

March 2 on gamesradar.com

Stardew Valley's soundtrack is the game's unsung hero, and nails the surprisingly difficult task of making a cosy game's music memorable

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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Stardew Valley is a role playing game with fantasy, romance and business themes.

Stardew Valley is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 53 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 157 hours to finish. On average players spend around 149 hours playing Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley was released on February 26, 2016.

Stardew Valley was developed by ConcernedApe.

Stardew Valley has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Stardew Valley is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Slime Rancher, Littlewood, Garden Paws, My Time At Portia, Dinkum and others.