Stardew Valley, the iconic indie farming simulator, marked a major milestone on February 26, 2026: its 10th anniversary. As fans around the world celebrated a decade of virtual farming, fishing, and romance, creator Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone delivered a heartfelt retrospective video—and a much-anticipated surprise about the game’s future. The announcement? The upcoming 1.7 update will introduce two new marriage candidates, Clint and Sandy, expanding the beloved cast of Pelican Town in meaningful ways.
For many longtime players, Stardew Valley is more than just a game. Since its original launch on February 26, 2016, the title has sold millions of copies, evolved through a steady stream of updates, and cultivated a passionate community. Despite not being a live service game, Barone has kept the experience fresh with new content, bug fixes, and even major gameplay expansions. According to PC Gamer, this latest anniversary video was both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a look ahead to what’s next for the valley.
Barone’s video, premiered on YouTube at 2 PM ET, opened with a touching look at Stardew Valley’s earliest days. He shared never-before-seen footage of “Sprout Valley,” the project’s original title back in 2012, revealing just how much the game has changed since those humble beginnings. “Just because an idea sounds cool doesn’t mean it’s fun or the right idea in practice,” Barone reflected, as he showcased scrapped features like underground goblin villages and procedurally generated mines. As IGN notes, these early builds provided fascinating insight into the creative process and the tough decisions that ultimately shaped the final game.
The retrospective didn’t just dwell on the past. Barone also recapped Stardew Valley’s meteoric rise, recalling the moment he realized the game would be a hit: “The game sold just under 40,000 copies in the first day alone.” That instant success, coupled with the community’s enthusiasm, fueled years of updates and improvements. As the video transitioned to the present, Barone thanked fans for their unwavering support and teased, “Patch 1.7 is coming at a later date.”
The real showstopper arrived at the end of the video, when Barone revealed the new marriage candidates for the 1.7 update: Clint and Sandy. For those new to the valley, Clint is Pelican Town’s resident blacksmith, a somewhat awkward but hardworking villager known for upgrading tools and cracking geodes. He’s also infamous for his unrequited crush on Emily, one of the original marriage candidates—a storyline that’s sparked plenty of discussion (and memes) among fans. As IGN puts it, “Giving Clint more of a storyline than his current tactiturn, awkward lines is a much-needed change.”
Sandy, on the other hand, is the friendly proprietor of the Oasis store in the Calico Desert. While she’s less frequently encountered by new players—since the desert is unlocked later in the game—Sandy has long been a fan favorite. According to PC Gamer, she topped a recent community poll as the most desired romance option. “She’s kind to the player, leaving the fandom hungry for more Sandy storyline and more interactions with her, which they’ll certainly get now,” notes IGN.
The addition of Clint and Sandy as marriage candidates marks the first time in years that new romanceable characters have been added to Stardew Valley. The move is already generating excitement and speculation within the community. Some fans had hoped for other candidates, like Robin or the mysterious Wizard, but as TheGamer observes, “Unless they’re coming in some massive 1.8 update, fans will have to stick to fanfic and mods.” Still, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to see how these new heart events will unfold.
Beyond the headline romance options, the 1.7 update promises even more content. As Nintendo Everything reports, Barone previously teased a new farm type and improvements that aim to “make the children a little more interesting.” Details remain scarce, but the prospect of expanded gameplay has players speculating about what’s in store. The update does not yet have a release date, but Barone assured viewers it’s actively in development—alongside his next major project, Haunted Chocolatier, a confectionery-themed adventure that’s already generating buzz despite its own mysterious timeline.
Meanwhile, Stardew Valley continues to find new audiences. The game’s recent Nintendo Switch 2 update introduced split-screen co-op and mouse controls, making the farming experience even more accessible. As TheGamer points out, “If you haven’t played Stardew Valley in a while, you can check out its Switch 2 update.” The enduring appeal of the game is a testament to Barone’s commitment and the community’s enthusiasm.
The anniversary video also offered a rare glimpse into the game’s evolution over the years. From the rudimentary pixel art of Sprout Valley to the polished charm of modern-day Stardew, the journey has been marked by creativity, iteration, and a willingness to listen to feedback. Barone highlighted key milestones, such as the introduction of the Community Center in 2014, the overhaul of the art style in 2013, and the final tweaks that brought the game together just months before launch. “How much of this came together at the last moment,” Barone marveled, underscoring the challenges and triumphs of solo development.
For many, Stardew Valley represents the gold standard of indie game success. Its blend of farming, friendship, and small-town drama has inspired countless imitators and a thriving modding scene. Yet, as Barone’s anniversary message made clear, the heart of the game lies in its community. “He ended the video with a recap of the game’s updates over the years, and by thanking the community for its support over the years,” IGN reports. That gratitude is mutual—players continue to celebrate the game’s longevity and eagerly await each new update.
As Stardew Valley enters its second decade, the addition of Clint and Sandy as marriage candidates signals both a nod to fan wishes and a commitment to keeping the experience fresh. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to return to Pelican Town—or to fall in love all over again.