Stardew Valley

ConcernedApe · Chucklefish

Stardew Valley is a farming and life simulation game created by Eric Barone, who works under the name ConcernedApe. It came out in 2016 and has since become one of the most beloved indie games of all time. You inherit your grandfather's old farm near Pelican Town and start a quiet new life: planting crops, raising animals, fishing, mining and getting to know the townspeople. The game is relaxing but deeply satisfying. Each day has limited time and energy, and you decide how to spend it. Seasons change every 28 in-game days, bringing different crops, festivals and events. There is a hidden depth too: a mine full of monsters, a mysterious community centre to restore, and relationships with dozens of characters. Stardew Valley supports co-op multiplayer, letting friends share a farm. On PC and consoles, you can play online, and on PC, Switch and other consoles, local split-screen is supported too. It is a lovely, low-pressure game to play side by side with a partner or friend. Setup PC is a great choice, with keyboard and mouse or a controller. It runs on almost anything. Consoles work well too. Tips for the first season Plant parsnips early; they grow fast and give you money. Water your crops every day, unless it is raining. Check the town notice board for quests. Do not spend all your energy on the first day; save some for the mines later. Give gifts to villagers you like; relationships unlock new events and rewards. Time A single in-game day takes around 15 minutes. An hour lets you progress through several days. For co-op, two hours is great for setting up a shared farm. Who should play Players who want something calm, couples and friends who like co-op, and anyone who has had enough of competitive games for one day. It is rated E10+.