Stardew Valley 1.7 is Officially Coming
Stardew Valley fans have another reason to return to the valley. Creator Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, has confirmed that update 1.7 is on the way. What started as a simple improvement patch is already shaping up to be a much bigger update than expected.
Barone has admitted that it is hard for him to stop improving the game when there are still things that can be polished or expanded. That is exactly how previous updates grew from modest patches into huge content drops, and 1.7 looks like it is following the same pattern.
In a recent post on X, Barone strongly hinted that Stardew Valley 1.7 will not just be a small touch up. Instead, players can expect new content that changes the way you interact with the world and its characters.
New Content Teases: Farm Types and Social Features
While Barone is keeping most details secret for now, he did share a few key hints about what is coming in 1.7.
- More character and social content: Barone confirmed that there will be additional character and social features. That likely means more heart events, new dialogue, or extra ways to build relationships with villagers. For a game built around community and daily routine, even small additions here can make a big difference to replay value.
- A new farm type: It has become a tradition for major Stardew updates to introduce new farm layouts, and 1.7 will continue that trend. A new farm type usually changes your starting terrain and encourages new playstyles. Previous layouts have focused on things like fishing, combat, or foraging, so players are already speculating what theme the next one will bring.
- Plenty more under wraps: Barone has said there is “lots more” coming but he does not want to reveal much yet. If history is any guide, expect surprises dropped close to release or even discovered by players after launch.
Fans might remember the rollout of update 1.6 earlier in 2024, where Barone shared one patch note per day as a tease. The full list of changes only became clear once the update went live, and it turned out to be a substantial refresh for the game. Do not be surprised if 1.7 follows a similar pattern of mystery and slow reveals.
Despite Barone previously asking fans not to generate “too much hype” for 1.7, the internet has done what it always does. The simple confirmation post for the update has already drawn well over one hundred thousand likes on X. For what is arguably one of the most popular indie games ever made, excitement is unavoidable.
What This Means for Haunted Chocolatier
There is another side to the 1.7 story. Many players are also eagerly waiting for Haunted Chocolatier, Barone’s next game that mixes cozy life sim elements with a spooky chocolate shop theme.
Originally, Barone said he wanted to get Stardew Valley to a good stopping point with update 1.6, then move fully onto Haunted Chocolatier and avoid returning to Stardew development for a while. For a time, that was the plan: finish 1.6, then give all attention to the new project.
However, that stance has softened. With 1.7 now in development, Barone has acknowledged that the new Stardew update will probably slow down work on Haunted Chocolatier. He has also said it may not delay it as much as fans fear, because he is trying to be less intensely hands on than in the past.
That balance will be interesting to watch. On one hand, Stardew Valley continues to grow with each update, keeping the existing community happy and bringing in new players. On the other hand, every extra bit of work in Stardew means Haunted Chocolatier takes a little longer to reach us.
Barone is known for his perfectionist streak and for working very closely on the details of his games. Whether he can truly step back and let development move more smoothly without his constant direct input is something fans will find out over the coming years. For now, it is clear that he still cares deeply about Stardew Valley and is not ready to walk away from it completely.
Why This Update Matters for Players
Even though we do not yet have a full feature list, update 1.7 already looks like another great reason to reinstall Stardew Valley or start a fresh save. A new farm type alone can completely change your early game strategy and give veterans a new challenge. Extra social and character content means your favorite villagers will feel more alive and your relationships with them can evolve in new ways.
Barone’s history with past updates suggests that quality of life improvements, balance tweaks, and small hidden features are also likely to be part of the package. Players can expect the kind of thoughtful, player friendly changes that have kept Stardew Valley relevant long after most games would have stopped receiving updates.
For now, details are limited and there is no firm release date, but one thing is certain. Stardew Valley 1.7 is not just a tiny patch. It is shaping up to be another meaningful chapter in a game that has already earned a place in indie history. Whether you are a longtime farmer or planning your very first trip to Pelican Town, it might be worth keeping an eye on ConcernedApe’s posts as we get closer to the update’s launch.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/eric-barone-doesnt-want-to-reveal-much-yet-but-stardew-valleys-1-7-update-is-starting-to-sound-like-another-big-one/
