Stardew Valley is a farming simulation RPG developed solo by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), released in 2016. Players inherit a rundown farm and rebuild it at their own pace — planting crops, raising animals, mining, fishing, and building relationships with townsfolk — a self-sufficient world of quiet joy that became one of the best-selling indie games ever made.
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation role-playing game developed and published by ConcernedApe — the solo work of developer Eric Barone — released in February 2016. Inspired by the Harvest Moon series, players inherit their grandfather's neglected farm in Pelican Town and gradually restore it over in-game years, balancing agriculture, crafting, combat, and community life.
Each in-game day presents choices: tend crops, forage the forest, descend into the mine for resources and combat, fish in the river or ocean, or spend time with the town's residents. Relationships with villagers deepen through gifts and conversation, unlocking cutscenes and eventually marriage. The game runs on a seasonal calendar with distinct crops, festivals, and events each season, giving structure to the open-ended progression. A later update added cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.
Stardew Valley was developed entirely by one person over four years and released with virtually no marketing — its success spread almost entirely by word of mouth. It sold over 30 million copies across platforms and became a touchstone of the indie renaissance, demonstrating that a single developer with vision and persistence could build a world that rivalled studio productions. Its design philosophy — calm, generous, anti-anxiety — resonated with players seeking an alternative to competitive or high-stakes gaming.
Stardew Valley is ranked #25 on Rolling Stone's 2025 list of the 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time. It continues to receive free updates from its sole developer years after release.