Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone, the brilliant mind behind the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has delivered an important message to his fans: while the highly anticipated 1.7 update is definitely on its way, it will “be a while” before it’s truly ready for release.
Barone initially confirmed the existence of a Stardew Valley 1.7 update last month during a Stardew Valley concert. At that time, he was careful to emphasize that there was “no release date, no estimate, but it’s happening.”
Now, he’s actively working to manage fan expectations. In response to eager players asking for “maybe a sneak peak,” Barone stated that “more will come,” but he doesn’t “want too much hype at this point.” This suggests he’s keen to avoid overpromising or setting unrealistic timelines.
Recalling the previous update, PC players received the free 1.6 update several months before console and mobile users. For the upcoming 1.7 update, Barone has expressed his commitment to minimizing this delay between the PC launch and releases on other platforms. He also aims to keep his other exciting project, Haunted Chocolatier, progressing smoothly alongside Stardew Valley’s development.
Back in May, Barone shared that he “didn’t want to just be the Stardew Valley guy.” This desire is a key reason he’s also pouring his creative energy into Haunted Chocolatier. However, fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a release date on that title either, as Barone recently noted there’s “still a lot to be done.” He famously stated that Haunted Chocolatier “got to be better” than Stardew Valley, setting a high bar for his next creation.
Stardew Valley has clearly stood the test of time. When it was originally reviewed in 2016, the farm simulator earned a solid 8.8, praised as “Great.” However, a revisit to the game in 2024 saw its rating soar to a perfect 10/10, hailed as a “masterpiece.” Reviewers lauded it, saying: “Stardew Valley is not only the best farming game I’ve played, it is one of my favorite games of all time. That myself and others keep returning to this eight-year old gem each time it gets even the smallest update speaks to how it’s truly a masterpiece in the genre it both reinvigorated and has come to define.”
If you haven’t yet embarked on your farming adventure, it’s not too late to dive in before Update 1.7 arrives. Many guides are available, fully updated for the 1.6 release. This update brought a wealth of new content, including fresh crops, new fish species, and engaging Raccoon Family Quests that unlock a special shop and valuable rewards. For experienced farmers who have already mastered all their skills, resources exist to guide them on next steps, like understanding Mastery Points. And for those exploring Ginger Island, comprehensive guides can help locate all the elusive Golden Walnuts.
Vikki Blake is a dedicated reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant with over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry.