Fans of Stardew Valley have been eagerly awaiting the much-teased 1.7 update, and creator Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, recently dropped tantalizing hints about what’s in store. While details remain scarce, Barone has hinted at a fresh farm type and enhanced character interactions on the horizon.
Exciting New Features Await
In a recent social media exchange, when prompted for insight into the anticipated update, Barone replied with a cryptic yet thrilling message: “there will be some more character/social stuff, it’s also traditional to add a new farm type. Lots more but I don’t want to reveal much yet.”
there will be some more character/social stuff, it’s also traditional to add a new farm type. Lots more but I don’t want to reveal much yet
— ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) December 17, 2025
While the specifics remain under wraps, the mention of a new farm type aligns with the game’s tradition of introducing innovative farm maps with each major update. From its inception with a single farm map, Stardew Valley now boasts a diverse array—each catering to unique playstyles like fishing, foraging, and combat. What new direction the upcoming farm type will take remains a mystery, sparking much speculation among players.
What Could “Character/Social Stuff” Entail?
The vague term “character/social stuff” opens up endless possibilities, potentially involving new storylines, events, or even the introduction of brand-new characters. Enthusiasts are left to ponder what social enhancements await in this beloved farming simulator.
Common fan desires for future game expansions include a wider array of NPCs, additional romantic options, enriched dialogue, and expanded lore. Beyond this, players are dreaming of more animals, crops, decor, and even adversaries to challenge. Although Barone has shared little about the 1.7 update’s content or release timeline, it might not arrive until after the release of his other project, Haunted Chocolatier. The mantra seems to be: it will be ready when it’s ready.
Potential Switch 2 Edition News
Barone hinted at another exciting development, teasing an announcement about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 edition “very soon.” First revealed in September, this edition is set to include features such as mouse controls, four-player split-screen multiplayer, and Game Share multiplayer, though its release date remains unannounced.
In light of its numerous updates since its 2016 debut, Stardew Valley was re-evaluated in 2024. Originally rated 8.8/10, the re-review elevated it to a 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. 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.”
Fans of Stardew Valley have been eagerly awaiting the much-teased 1.7 update, and creator Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, recently dropped tantalizing hints about what’s in store.