To celebrate a decade of farming, friendship, and pixel-perfect storytelling, "Stardew Valley" creator Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, released a special anniversary video packed with nostalgia and major news.
The biggest reveal confirms that Patch 1.7 will introduce two long-requested marriage candidates, Clint and Sandy, fulfilling years of community feedback and boosting excitement around the beloved farming RPG.
Clint Finally Becomes Romance-Eligible
Clint, Pelican Town's resident blacksmith, has long been a fan-favorite bachelor-in-waiting. Known for upgrading tools and cracking open geodes, Clint's storyline previously centered on his shy personality and unspoken feelings for Emily.
With "Stardew Valley" Patch 1.7, players will finally have the chance to explore a deeper narrative arc with him. Expanded dialogue, heart events, and character development promise to transform Clint from a background NPC into a fully realized romance option, tapping emotional depth and replay value for longtime players.
Sandy's Story Expands Beyond the Desert
Sandy, the charismatic manager of the Oasis in the Calico Desert, also joins the list of eligible partners. Until now, her fixed desert location limited interactions, leaving players eager for more meaningful engagement.
The upcoming update aims to make her presence more heartfelt, offering new events and character moments that integrate her more fully into Pelican Town's social ecosystem.
Decade of Development and Community Support
As IGN reported, the anniversary video also revisits early builds dating back to 2012, when the project was known as "Sprout Valley." Barone showcased scrapped ideas like the underground Goblin Village and reflected on how the Community Center became central to the gameplay loop. He also expressed gratitude to fans, recalling how the game sold nearly 40,000 copies on launch day.
For a quite similar game to "Stardew Valley," starting with "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is a good choice.
