Stardew Valley Creator Confirms Update 1.7, Cautions on Hype

Stardew Valley creator Eric 'Concerned Ape' Barone has cautioned fans that it will "be a while" before the eagerly awaited Stardew Valley 1.7 update is complete.

Barone confirmed last month at the Stardew Valley concert that a 1.7 update is in the works, though he emphasized there was "no release date, no estimate, but it's happening."

Now, Barone is managing expectations, responding to fans requesting a sneak peek by stating, "more will come, I just don't want too much hype at this point."

While PC players got early access to the free 1.6 update months ahead of console and mobile users, Barone aims to "do my best to minimize the delay between [releasing on PC and other platforms]" for version 1.7 to avoid a repeat scenario. He also intends to keep development of Haunted Chocolatier on schedule.

In May, Barone explained he "didn't want to just be the Stardew Valley guy," which is why he's focusing on Haunted Chocolatier. A release date isn't imminent, however, as he recently admitted there's "still a lot to be done," especially since he believes the new game must be "better than Stardew Valley."

We praised the farm simulator in our original 2016 review, giving it an 8.8 "Great" score. Upon revisiting the game in 2024, we elevated our rating to a perfect 10/10 "masterpiece," noting: "Stardew Valley is not only the best farming game I’ve played, it is one of my favorite games of all time. The fact that players keep returning to this eight-year-old gem with every minor update underscores its status as a defining masterpiece of the genre."

There's still plenty of time to dive in before Update 1.7 arrives. Our fully updated Stardew Valley Beginner's Guide covers all the 1.6 additions, including new crops, fish, and the Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a new shop and valuable rewards. For seasoned farmers who have maxed their skills, our Mastery Points guide offers next-step advice. If you're exploring Ginger Island, our guide shows where to find all the Golden Walnuts.