Like many other college students, I need a break from the business of school and the stress with upcoming assignments. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, listening to music, or indulging in my 2022 hyperfixation: Stardew Valley
WHAT IS STARDEW VALLEY?
Stardew Valley is a farming simulator (mobile, console, or PC) developed by ConcernedApe, or Eric Barone, in 2016. You start out with a customizable character and a quaint plot of land. There are many types of farms you can choose that have specific benefits. Throughout the game, you meet new characters, develop relationships, and expand your farm. The end goal of the game is to complete all of the achievements and goals to achieve a perfect farm, but it is not required. Stardew Valley is an open-ended farming game that has something for everyone! It is perfect if you love mindlessly collecting stuff, completing tasks, and decorating. It is the perfect combination of Minecraft, HayDay, and Animal Crossing, so if you are a fan of those types of games, you may like Stardew Valley!
RECENT UPDATE
ConcernedApe has updated this game a few times, adding a variety of secrets and achievements. On March 19th, the 1.6 update was released for PC users, while the mobile/console update is yet to be released. Some new items added into the update are:
- Winter outfits for the villagers NPCs (non-playable characters)
- Additional farm type
- New pets/multiple pet ownership
- Multiple new festivals
- Mystery boxes
The full list of changes can be read in the changelog on the Stardew Valley Wiki.
Although I have been playing Stardew Valley for 2 years, there are still so many achievements, secrets, and goals to complete. Stardew Valley is the perfect escape from stress while completing fun little tasks. It is a great way to feel productive without actually doing anything, and I highly recommend!