Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley game image

Overwhelmingly Positive

Total: 781 ThousandPositive: 769 ThousandNegative: 11.9 Thousand
98%
2%
Steam review score: 9
Community rating

92.05 %

Stardew Valley is placed at number 1 under 20 analysed games!
Toxicity rating

6.38 %

The Community toxicity rating was calculated by evaluating the most 1548 impactful steam game reviews
Currently playing

provided by steam

Community review

Stardew Valley is a charming indie RPG and farming simulation game where you inherit an overgrown farm and turn it into a thriving homestead. With its open-ended gameplay, you can grow crops, raise animals, mine for resources, fish, and build relationships with over 30 unique townsfolk. The game’s cozy, pixel-art graphics and relaxing soundtrack create a warm, immersive atmosphere. With an AI Community Rating of 91.66%, players praise its addictive, chill, and charming nature, calling it a perfect escape from stress. However, some note the grind and repetitive tasks can feel tedious, especially for perfectionists. Multiplayer support for up to 8 players adds a fun co-op dimension, though synchronization issues occasionally arise. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing solo experience or a shared farming adventure, Stardew Valley offers endless opportunities to create, explore, and connect.

Gameplay & Mechanics Feedback

The game's core mechanics have been widely praised by players for their fluidity and responsiveness, particularly in combat and movement. Many reviewers highlight the satisfying weight of attacks and the intuitive control scheme, which makes mastering combos feel rewarding. However, some players criticize the AI for being inconsistent, with enemies occasionally behaving predictably or failing to pose a significant challenge. Level design receives mixed feedback—while some appreciate the intricate layouts that encourage exploration, others find certain areas repetitive or lacking in variety. Difficulty scaling is a point of contention, with some players feeling the game becomes too easy after mastering its systems, while others struggle with sudden spikes in challenge. Replayability is another debated topic; some praise the depth of build customization and side content, while others argue the main campaign feels too short or lacks meaningful post-game incentives. The tutorial system is generally well-received for its clarity, though a few players note that certain mechanics could be explained more thoroughly. Pacing is mostly smooth, but some criticize late-game sections for feeling rushed. Overall, if you value tight, responsive gameplay with room for experimentation, this game delivers—but be prepared for occasional AI quirks and uneven difficulty.

Performance & Technical Issues

Performance & Technical Issues in this game have been a mixed bag according to player reviews. Many users report smooth gameplay with stable FPS on mid-to-high-end hardware, but others experience frequent stuttering and frame drops, even on powerful systems. Some players highlight optimization issues, particularly in crowded scenes or during intense action sequences, leading to noticeable lag. Load times vary—while some find them reasonable, others criticize excessively long waits between levels or after deaths. Several players mention encountering crashes, especially during extended play sessions or specific in-game events. A few report corrupted save files, though these instances appear rare. Minor bugs like texture pop-ins, clipping, and occasional physics glitches are noted but don’t significantly disrupt gameplay for most. Online performance is divisive; while matchmaking works well for some, others face disconnections or latency spikes in multiplayer modes. Compatibility issues are occasionally reported, with certain GPU/CPU combinations struggling despite meeting recommended specs. Overall, the game’s technical state seems playable for most, but performance inconsistencies may frustrate those with lower-end setups or high expectations for optimization.

User Experience, UI, and Accessibility

The game's User Experience (UX) and UI design have received mixed feedback from the community, with some praising its intuitive controls while others highlight accessibility shortcomings. Players appreciate the responsive keybinding and smooth controller support, making it easy to jump into gameplay. However, some note that menu navigation feels clunky, with inventory management described as overly complex by a subset of users. The HUD is generally well-received for its readability, though a few players suggest customizable UI scaling for better visibility. Accessibility options are limited—missing features like colorblind modes and granular difficulty settings have drawn criticism. Subtitles are present but lack customization, and non-English translations occasionally suffer from poor localization. Despite these flaws, the core UX remains solid for most players, offering a functional, if not flawless, experience. If accessibility and UI polish are top priorities, undecided gamers may want to weigh these community insights before diving in.

Story & Narrative

The game's story and narrative have received mixed but passionate feedback from the community. Many players praise its deep world-building, describing the lore as immersive and thoughtfully crafted. The dialogue is often highlighted as a strong point, with characters feeling authentic and well-developed. Some reviewers compare the storytelling to classic RPGs, appreciating its branching paths and meaningful choices that impact the narrative. However, criticism centers on pacing issues—some players feel the story drags in certain sections, while others argue that key plot twists feel rushed. A recurring positive note is the emotional weight of certain character arcs, with players citing memorable moments that resonate long after finishing the game. On the flip side, a subset of the community finds certain plot elements predictable or clichéd, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these critiques, the narrative’s ambition and depth keep players engaged, making it a standout for those who value rich storytelling in games. If you enjoy intricate world-building and character-driven plots but can overlook occasional pacing flaws, this game’s narrative may be worth your time.

Multiplayer & Community Feedback

The game's multiplayer experience has been a major talking point among players, with many praising its engaging co-op and PvP modes. Community feedback highlights seamless matchmaking and well-balanced team dynamics, making it easy to jump into matches with friends or randoms. However, some players report occasional issues with server stability, leading to frustrating disconnects during critical moments. The social features, including in-game voice chat and guild systems, are frequently commended for fostering teamwork and camaraderie. On the flip side, a segment of the player base has raised concerns about toxic behavior and griefing, particularly in competitive modes. While moderation efforts exist, some feel they aren’t stringent enough. Cheating remains a sporadic but notable problem, with players calling for stronger anti-cheat measures. Despite these challenges, the game’s vibrant community and frequent updates keep many players invested. If you value teamwork and competitive play but can tolerate occasional toxicity, this might be a solid pick. For those sensitive to online harassment, proceed with caution.

Monetization & Business Model

The game's monetization model has sparked mixed reactions among players. While some appreciate the fair pricing of expansions and season passes, others criticize aggressive microtransactions that feel pay-to-win. Many players praise the base game as a solid value for its price, offering substantial content without requiring additional purchases. However, loot boxes and cosmetic microtransactions have drawn backlash, with some calling them overpriced or unnecessary. Community feedback highlights that while the core experience is worth the cost, optional purchases can feel exploitative. If you dislike paywalls or excessive monetization, this might not be the best fit—but if you're okay with optional extras, the game delivers decent value.

Feature Requests & Suggestions

Players have shared a variety of feature requests and suggestions to enhance the game experience. Many are asking for expanded customization options, including deeper character customization, more weapon skins, and additional UI tweaks to improve accessibility. Several reviews highlight the need for new maps or modes to keep gameplay fresh, with suggestions ranging from competitive ranked play to cooperative PvE scenarios. Community feedback also points to quality-of-life improvements, such as better in-game communication tools and streamlined menu navigation. Some players express frustration with limited settings for controls and graphics, urging developers to add more granular options for optimization. While the core gameplay is praised, the consensus is that these additions could elevate the experience further. A recurring request is for more frequent content updates to sustain long-term engagement. The community’s mixed but constructive feedback reflects a strong desire for evolution, making this game a promising candidate for players who enjoy titles that grow with player input.

Developer Engagement & Support

Developer engagement and support play a crucial role in shaping player experiences, and community reviews highlight mixed sentiments. Many players praise the developers for their responsiveness, frequent patches, and transparent communication. Regular updates addressing bugs and balancing issues demonstrate a commitment to improving the game post-launch. Some reviewers highlight detailed roadmaps and active engagement on forums, fostering trust in long-term development. However, criticism arises regarding slow fixes for major issues or lack of clarity on future content in early access titles. A few players express frustration over promised features still missing after prolonged development cycles. Despite these concerns, the majority agree that the developers listen to feedback, with many citing direct interactions through Discord or social media as a positive. For gamers valuing strong developer support, this game shows promise—though patience may be required for unresolved concerns.

History

58 events
34 SmallUpdateEvent3 MajorUpdateEvent17 NewsEvent3 PreAnnounceMajorUpdateEvent1 GameSalesEvent
  • August 02, 2025
    7 months since last event
    Today
  • December 20, 2024
    about 18 hours after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.6.15 Patch now available
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    38494
    Downvotes
    912
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    10.52 %
    Toxicity after
    5.42 %
  • December 20, 2024
    22 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley up for "Labor of Love" Steam Award
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    59409
    Downvotes
    1693
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    10.96 %
    Toxicity after
    5.51 %
  • November 27, 2024
    9 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley up for "Labor of Love" Steam Award Nomination
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    51472
    Downvotes
    710
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    5.48 %
    Toxicity after
    10.42 %
  • November 19, 2024
    7 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley x Fangamer Merch Holiday Sale
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    17647
    Downvotes
    387
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    7.73 %
    Toxicity after
    5.45 %
  • November 12, 2024
    4 days after previous event
    1.6.14 Update
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    10735
    Downvotes
    407
    Voting score
    96%
    Toxicity before
    4.35 %
    Toxicity after
    5.75 %
  • November 08, 2024
    about 23 hours after previous event
    Minor update 1.6.13
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    5974
    Downvotes
    263
    Voting score
    96%
    Toxicity before
    3.86 %
    Toxicity after
    5.71 %
  • November 07, 2024
    1 day after previous event
    1.6.12 Update
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    5275
    Downvotes
    162
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    3.0 %
    Toxicity after
    7.27 %
  • November 06, 2024
    1 day after previous event
    Update 1.6.11
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    5248
    Downvotes
    158
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    2.88 %
    Toxicity after
    6.54 %
  • November 05, 2024
    about 6 hours after previous event
    1.6.10 Bug Fix Patch
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    6462
    Downvotes
    188
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    3.64 %
    Toxicity after
    7.08 %
  • November 04, 2024
    6 months after previous event
    1.6.9 Update Now Available
    Event
    PreAnnounceMajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    23390
    Downvotes
    215
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    3.67 %
    Toxicity after
    7.2 %
  • April 28, 2024
    1 day after previous event
    1.6.7 -- Fixes a bug in 1.6.6
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    17185
    Downvotes
    832
    Voting score
    95%
    Toxicity before
    13.1 %
    Toxicity after
    8.53 %
  • April 26, 2024
    4 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.6.6 Patch Notes
    Event
    PreAnnounceMajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    32237
    Downvotes
    613
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    14.49 %
    Toxicity after
    8.71 %
  • April 23, 2024
    3 days after previous event
    A message to Stardew Valley's Chinese players
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    8495
    Downvotes
    76
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    13.68 %
    Toxicity after
    11.53 %
  • April 19, 2024
    about 9 hours after previous event
    1.6.5 patch notes
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    10010
    Downvotes
    277
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    13.89 %
    Toxicity after
    8.03 %
  • April 19, 2024
    about 13 hours after previous event
    1.6.4 hotfix 1
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    5527
    Downvotes
    161
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    14.29 %
    Toxicity after
    7.82 %
  • April 18, 2024
    22 days after previous event
    1.6.4 Patch
    Event
    PreAnnounceMajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    19227
    Downvotes
    214
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    14.41 %
    Toxicity after
    8.47 %
  • March 27, 2024
    7 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.6.3 Patch
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    16895
    Downvotes
    297
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    9.32 %
    Toxicity after
    5.93 %
  • March 21, 2024
    1 day after previous event
    Patch 1.6.2
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    15515
    Downvotes
    280
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    3.0 %
    Toxicity after
    10.63 %
  • March 20, 2024
    1 minute after previous event
    Patch 1.6.1 -- Bug fixes
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    13024
    Downvotes
    163
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    2.88 %
    Toxicity after
    10.63 %
  • March 20, 2024
    about 8 hours after previous event
    Patch 1.6.1 -- Bug fixes
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    7698
    Downvotes
    97
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    2.88 %
    Toxicity after
    10.63 %
  • March 19, 2024
    22 days after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.6 Update Available now!
    Event
    MajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    65845
    Downvotes
    505
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    3.0 %
    Toxicity after
    10.63 %
  • February 26, 2024
    5 months after previous event
    1.6 Release Date Announced!
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    81503
    Downvotes
    722
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    4.79 %
  • September 28, 2023
    4 months after previous event
    A Sneak Peek into the upcoming 1.6 update
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    110657
    Downvotes
    963
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • June 08, 2023
    3 months after previous event
    World Ocean Day Sale & Pledge
    Event
    GameSalesEvent
    Upvotes
    9863
    Downvotes
    56
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 26, 2023
    about 1 year after previous event
    Stardew Valley 7 year Anniversary
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    82725
    Downvotes
    916
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 21, 2021
    21 days after previous event
    1.5.6 -- Minor Update
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    19905
    Downvotes
    1191
    Voting score
    94%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • November 30, 2021
    10 months after previous event
    1.5.5 update
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    16641
    Downvotes
    560
    Voting score
    97%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 23, 2021
    7 days after previous event
    1.5.4 Patch Out Now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    16527
    Downvotes
    233
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 15, 2021
    7 days after previous event
    1.5.3 Patch Out Now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    10566
    Downvotes
    121
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 08, 2021
    15 days after previous event
    1.5.2 Patch Out Now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    11393
    Downvotes
    96
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 25, 2020
    3 days after previous event
    1.5.1 Patch Out Now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    16343
    Downvotes
    166
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 21, 2020
    10 months after previous event
    1.5 Content Update -- Now Available!
    Event
    MajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    56951
    Downvotes
    235
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 11, 2020
    11 days after previous event
    1.4.5 Patch available now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    11682
    Downvotes
    240
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 31, 2020
    about 2 months after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.4.4 patch out now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    8414
    Downvotes
    69
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 13, 2019
    9 days after previous event
    1.4.3 Patch Out Now
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    5499
    Downvotes
    88
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 05, 2019
    2 days after previous event
    1.4.2 Patch Now Out
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    4328
    Downvotes
    61
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • December 03, 2019
    6 days after previous event
    1.4.1 Post-Launch Patch Now Available
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    2486
    Downvotes
    20
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • November 26, 2019
    9 months after previous event
    1.4 Content Update -- Now Available!
    Event
    MajorUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    23112
    Downvotes
    70
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • March 01, 2019
    about 1 month after previous event
    Update 1.3.36 now live
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    3137
    Downvotes
    26
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 24, 2019
    16 days after previous event
    Open beta for new langauges: French, Italian, Turkish, Hungarian, and Korean
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    1335
    Downvotes
    19
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • January 08, 2019
    about 2 months after previous event
    Patch Notes -- 1.3.33
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    2022
    Downvotes
    18
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • November 19, 2018
    4 months after previous event
    Patch Notes -- 1.3.32
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    1472
    Downvotes
    19
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • August 01, 2018
    3 months after previous event
    Stardew Valley 1.3 (Multiplayer Update) is now available!
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    3245
    Downvotes
    14
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • April 30, 2018
    about 1 year after previous event
    Stardew Valley Opt-In Multiplayer Beta now available
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    2317
    Downvotes
    9
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • April 25, 2017
    7 months after previous event
    Stardew Valley available to play in 7 languages!
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    2713
    Downvotes
    62
    Voting score
    98%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • October 07, 2016
    4 days after previous event
    v1.11
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    1740
    Downvotes
    16
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • October 03, 2016
    2 months after previous event
    Stardew v1.1 is here!
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    2554
    Downvotes
    3
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • July 29, 2016
    4 months after previous event
    Stardew Valley is now available for Mac and Linux!
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    1837
    Downvotes
    11
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • April 04, 2016
    15 days after previous event
    New Build -- 1.07
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    1773
    Downvotes
    13
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • March 20, 2016
    16 days after previous event
    New Build -- 1.06
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    2008
    Downvotes
    10
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • March 05, 2016
    3 days after previous event
    New Build -- 1.05
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    1553
    Downvotes
    9
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • March 02, 2016
    1 day after previous event
    New Build -- 1.04
    Event
    SmallUpdateEvent
    Upvotes
    942
    Downvotes
    6
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 29, 2016
    about 17 hours after previous event
    Note From The Developer
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    2063
    Downvotes
    3
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 29, 2016
    about 22 hours after previous event
    New Build -- 1.03
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    679
    Downvotes
    5
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 28, 2016
    1 day after previous event
    New Build -- 1.02
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    673
    Downvotes
    2
    Voting score
    100%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 27, 2016
    about 8 hours after previous event
    New Build -- Version 1.01
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    648
    Downvotes
    6
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 26, 2016
    about 22 hours after previous event
    Stardew Valley Is Now Available!
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    644
    Downvotes
    5
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A
  • February 26, 2016
    27 days after previous event
    Game was released
  • January 29, 2016
    Release Date & Trailer!
    Event
    NewsEvent
    Upvotes
    1120
    Downvotes
    9
    Voting score
    99%
    Toxicity before
    N/A
    Toxicity after
    N/A

What the community wishes

Add Ukrainian localization support
The game lacks Ukrainian localization, which would make it more accessible and enjoyable for Ukrainian-speaking players. Adding this feature would enhance inclusivity and broaden the game's appeal.
Improve marriage quality mechanics
The new update promises to improve marriage quality, but players report it doesn't work as expected. Enhancing the mechanics of marriage interactions and events would make relationships more engaging and rewarding.
Expand endgame content variety
While the game has extensive content, some players feel the endgame lacks variety. Adding more diverse activities, challenges, or storylines for late-game players would keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Reduce time dilation effect
Players often lose track of time while playing, leading to unintended long sessions. Introducing features to better manage in-game time or provide reminders could help players balance gameplay with real-life responsibilities.
Enhance character depth and interactions
While the characters are charming, some players feel they lack depth. Expanding character backstories, dialogue options, and unique interactions would make relationships more meaningful and immersive.
Add more diverse fishing events
Fishing is a popular activity, but players suggest adding more diverse events or challenges related to fishing. This would make the fishing experience more dynamic and rewarding.
Improve multiplayer synchronization
Multiplayer is a great addition, but some players experience synchronization issues. Enhancing the stability and synchronization of multiplayer gameplay would improve the co-op experience.
Add more customization options
Players enjoy personalizing their farms but want more customization options for buildings, decorations, and character appearance. Expanding these features would enhance creativity and player expression.
Introduce more seasonal events
Seasonal events are a highlight, but players suggest adding more unique events for each season. This would increase replayability and make each season feel more distinct.
Optimize grind for perfectionists
Achieving perfection in the game can feel overly grindy. Balancing the grind for completionists by reducing repetitive tasks or adding shortcuts would improve the experience.
Expand modding tools and support
Modding is popular, but players want more robust tools and official support for mod creators. Enhancing modding capabilities would foster a stronger community and extend the game's lifespan.
Add more diverse animal options
Players enjoy raising animals but suggest adding more diverse species or breeds. This would add variety and new challenges to animal husbandry.
Improve inventory management
Inventory management can become cumbersome, especially in late-game. Adding features like expanded storage or better organization tools would streamline gameplay.
Add more dynamic weather effects
Weather effects are minimal and could be expanded to include more dynamic events like storms or droughts. This would add realism and challenge to farming.
Introduce more challenging difficulty options
Some players find the game too easy and suggest adding more challenging difficulty options. This would cater to players seeking a more hardcore farming experience.
Expand mining and combat mechanics
Mining and combat are enjoyable but could be expanded with more diverse enemies, tools, or mechanics. This would add depth to these aspects of gameplay.
Add more diverse crop options
While farming is central, players suggest adding more diverse crops with unique growth requirements or benefits. This would make farming more strategic and engaging.
Improve NPC gift preferences
NPC gift preferences can feel arbitrary or inconsistent. Refining these mechanics to make them more intuitive or rewarding would improve relationship-building.
Add more interactive town events
Town events are fun but could be more interactive or impactful. Adding more player-driven events or choices would make the town feel more alive.
Expand lore and hidden secrets
The game has rich lore, but players want more hidden secrets or storylines to uncover. Expanding the lore would add depth and intrigue to the world.

Reviews

Toxicity trend

N-Grams

helped to groundtrue escape intocharming pixel artretains its magicalfantastic addition addedcozy blanket withirresistible charm andso fun andfeels like comingsignificant part offeels so relaxingbest games tomeditative calmness tomost fun andfun and peacefulescape from stressimmersive you willlove this gamepure relaxation inbeautiful game please

Keywords

What the community loves
fun
72
relaxing
64
love
50
cozy
48
recommend
40
great
27
addictive
25
good
23
best
22
chill
21
charming
21
cute
20
amazing
19
friends
19
music
17
Where the community is undecided
farming
92
fishing
41
farm
34
hours
32
game
28
time
21
mining
20
play
19
mods
17
animals
11
gameplay
11
friends
10
developer
10
money
10
update
10
What the community dislikes
boring
52
repetitive
20
grind
17
slow
15
recommend
15
stressful
14
frustrating
12
annoying
11
time
11
chore
9
awful
9
lost
9
crashes
9
stress
9
chores
8

Whats the data quality we are looking at

Persons who wrote a Stardew Valley review on Steam have:

written on average 7.12 gaming reviews in total
own an average of 44.62 steam games
have an average playtime of 124.15 hours on submitting the review

While looking at 1613 reviews we have sorted them into following categories:

1460x
Gameplay & Mechanics Feedback
  • Praise for core mechanics, combat, movement, level design, controls.
  • Criticism of mechanics, AI, movement, balance, or game feel.
  • Complaints or praise about difficulty, lack of challenge, or poor scaling.
  • Game is too short, too long, repetitive, or lacks replayability.
  • Feedback on slow or rushed pacing.
  • Praise or criticism of tutorial or onboarding.
71x
Performance & Technical Issues
  • FPS drops, lag, stuttering, long load times.
  • Crashes, corrupted saves, softlocks, major blockers.
  • Small bugs (visual glitches, physics issues, pop-ins).
  • Online or matchmaking issues, disconnections.
  • Poor performance despite good hardware.
  • Not working on specific GPUs, CPUs, or OS versions.
72x
User Experience, UI, and Accessibility
  • Praise or complaints about responsiveness, keybinding, controller support.
  • Menus, HUD, inventory management, readability.
  • Colorblind modes, subtitle issues, difficulty options.
  • Poor translations, missing subtitles, regional content.
924x
Story & Narrative
  • Praise for writing, dialogue, characters, world-building.
  • Criticism of pacing, writing, characters.
  • Contains major plot spoilers.
204x
Multiplayer & Community Feedback
  • Co-op, PvP, social features, matchmaking quality.
  • Cheating, griefing, harassment, toxic behavior.
300x
Monetization & Business Model
  • Microtransactions, loot boxes, paywalls.
  • Praise or criticism of expansions or season passes.
  • Is the game worth the price? Good/bad value.
102x
Feature Requests & Suggestions
  • Suggestions for new modes, characters, weapons, maps.
  • Suggestions for UI improvements, better customization, settings tweaks.
183x
Developer Engagement & Support
  • Praise or criticism of dev responsiveness, patches, communication.
  • Feedback on progress, roadmap, or missing features in early access.
198x
Trash Reviews
  • Random, spam-like, or nonsensical; no meaningful feedback.
  • Not related to the game.
  • Pure jokes, memes, or ASCII art with no substantive feedback.
  • Hateful, harassing, or explicit language.

In-depth analysis of most impactful community reviews

Positive

I play a lot of games you would call "rage inducing". I love the hack and slash thrill from DMC, the gore fest from Doom Eternal, the unbearable challenges of Souls-Like games. My wife introduced me to this game and its a game I didn't know I needed. I deal with a lot of anxiety and PTSD from my military service and other stressors in my life, but there's something about harvesting crops and petting your duck named "Howard" that just feels so relaxing. This game is an escape from the everyday stress and I can't recommend it enough. And it was developed by a one man army?! Like damn this man earned his flowers.

  • Sentiments

    • I love playing rage-inducing games like DMC, Doom Eternal, and Souls-Like games because they provide a thrilling and intense experience.
    • I was introduced to this game by my wife, and it turned out to be something I didn’t know I needed, which made me feel grateful and surprised.
    • This game helps me cope with my anxiety and PTSD from military service and other life stressors, providing a much-needed escape.
    • Harvesting crops and petting my duck named 'Howard' in the game feels incredibly relaxing and therapeutic.
    • The game serves as a perfect escape from everyday stress, and I find it highly recommendable.
    • I am amazed that the game was developed by a single person, which makes me appreciate the developer’s dedication and talent.

Positive

Stardew Valley feels like coming home. I can't remember which playthrough I'm on, which is a rarity for me. I've revisited childhood favorites like Zelda and Mario countless times, cherishing each experience. However, as an adult, this happens less frequently. Maybe it's because modern games don't resonate with me as deeply, or maybe my gaming habits have simply changed over time. Yet, whenever I boot up Stardew Valley, it hits all the right notes. Whether I've talked with the residents of Pelican Town dozens of times or played through its events repeatedly, the game retains its magical allure. It feels like a nostalgic return to childhood gaming, a comforting experience I can enjoy every time of the year. What's truly remarkable is the developer's commitment to continually expanding the game with substantial updates and expansions, all provided for free. Stardew Valley brims with passion and love. Despite its status as one of the most successful indie games of all time, the developer continues to pour his heart into it, enriching the experience for players. I deeply respect and appreciate this dedication, which unfortunately is no longer a given in today's gaming industry. And after all these years, I've finally reached the summit ❤.

  • Sentiments

    • Stardew Valley feels like a nostalgic return to childhood gaming, offering a comforting experience that I can enjoy at any time of the year.
    • The game retains its magical allure even after multiple playthroughs, which is rare for me as an adult gamer.
    • The developer's commitment to continually expanding the game with substantial updates and expansions, all provided for free, is truly remarkable.
    • Stardew Valley brims with passion and love, which I deeply respect and appreciate, especially in today's gaming industry.
    • The game hits all the right notes for me, making it feel like coming home every time I play it.
    • I can't remember which playthrough I'm on, which is a rarity for me, as I usually don't revisit games as frequently as an adult.
    • Modern games often don't resonate with me as deeply as childhood favorites, which might explain why I revisit games less frequently now.
    • The developer continues to pour his heart into Stardew Valley, enriching the experience for players, which is no longer a given in today's gaming industry.
    • After all these years, I've finally reached the summit, which feels like a significant personal achievement in the game.

Positive

i am 57 years old and my son got me a steam account and bought this game for me, I didnt know if i would play it but I really like it and it has been a big stress relief to me. great game... love it.

  • Sentiments

    • I am 57 years old and my son got me a Steam account and bought this game for me, which made me feel appreciated and excited to try something new.
    • I didn't know if I would play it, but I ended up really liking it, which surprised me in a good way.
    • The game has been a big stress relief for me, helping me relax and enjoy my time.
    • I think it's a great game and would recommend it to others.
    • I love the game and find it very enjoyable.

Positive

There isn't much to be said that hasn't already been said for this amazing game if you enjoyed the classic harvest moon type games you will absolutely 100% enjoy this. The game play seems fresh and fun even after clocking in over 60 hours, You won't want to quit, “Just 1 more day” then you realize that turned into 5 days and it's 4am and you have to sleep sometime. This game, takes the old harvest moon concepts and tosses in a bit of Rune factory and a sprinkle of animal crossing leaving you with a sensational experience. Each day brings something fresh, There is over 25 different Npc's to interact with each day and each one brings their own charm and dialogue options depending on if you take the time to build up your friendships. Your farm can be whatever you make it, You design what it looks like, how it runs, what you plant and what animals you choose to raise. The fishing can be a bit difficult to begin with but very rewarding and relaxing once you get the hang of it. On days you want something a bit different you can hop into the mine and find some rare gems, ores and minerals, Some that you can donate to the game's huge museum or use to upgrade your tools! I can't praise this game enough, if your on the fence about purchasing this game or you think you should wait for a sale, Don't wait! This game was made by a single developer who deserves every single penny for all the obvious hard work and dedication. So go and farm your butt off!!!!

  • Sentiments

    • I feel that this game is absolutely amazing and highly enjoyable, especially for fans of classic Harvest Moon-style games.
    • I find the gameplay to be fresh and fun, even after spending over 60 hours playing it.
    • I often find myself wanting to play 'just one more day,' which turns into several days and late nights.
    • I appreciate how the game combines elements from Harvest Moon, Rune Factory, and Animal Crossing to create a sensational experience.
    • I enjoy the variety each day brings, with over 25 NPCs to interact with, each offering unique charm and dialogue options.
    • I love the freedom to design my farm, deciding its layout, operations, crops, and animals, which makes the experience highly personalized.
    • I find the fishing mechanic challenging at first but very rewarding and relaxing once mastered.
    • I enjoy mining for rare gems, ores, and minerals, which can be donated to the museum or used to upgrade tools.
    • I believe the game is worth every penny and that the single developer deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication.
    • I strongly recommend purchasing the game without waiting for a sale, as it is a must-play experience.

Positive

Fun and peaceful game. It never gets boring with all the additions. I am 58 and have tried to play other games but often get stressed out but I feel quite calm and relaxed playing Stardew Valley, it is better than all the others! Thank you.

  • Sentiments

    • I find the game fun and peaceful, which makes it enjoyable to play.
    • I feel that the game never gets boring because of all the additions and updates.
    • I have tried other games but often get stressed out, which contrasts with my experience with Stardew Valley.
    • I feel quite calm and relaxed while playing Stardew Valley, which is a significant positive aspect for me.
    • I believe Stardew Valley is better than all the other games I have tried, which shows my strong preference for it.

Negative

i'm sure this game is great when you really get into it; unfortunately, i just can't. time-based mechanics are very stressfull for me, and my impression is that stardew valley has a LOT of those. how could i possibly feel relaxed when i have to remember to water the crops, talk to everyone in town, figure out what gifts they like, and check out whatever seasonal thing is going on at the moment, every single day, and find whatever i need for the community center?! if i want a game to relax to, i boot up celeste, because a having a simple, predictable wall to repeatedly mash your face against is relaxing to me. evidently though, a lot of people aren't like me. but if you are, stay clear of this game

  • Sentiments

    • I find the time-based mechanics in Stardew Valley very stressful, which makes it hard for me to relax while playing.
    • I feel overwhelmed by the need to remember to water crops, talk to everyone in town, and figure out what gifts they like every single day.
    • I find the seasonal events and community center tasks in Stardew Valley to be too demanding and stressful.
    • I prefer playing Celeste for relaxation because its simple, predictable challenges are more calming to me.
    • I acknowledge that Stardew Valley is likely a great game for those who enjoy its mechanics, but it doesn't suit my preferences.
    • I feel that Stardew Valley requires too much multitasking and planning, which detracts from my enjoyment.
    • I find the repetitive nature of Celeste's challenges to be more relaxing compared to the constant demands of Stardew Valley.
    • I believe that Stardew Valley is not a good fit for players who, like me, prefer simpler and less stressful gaming experiences.
    • I feel that the game's mechanics create a sense of urgency that prevents me from enjoying it as a relaxing experience.
    • I recognize that many people enjoy Stardew Valley, but it doesn't align with my personal gaming preferences.

Negative

As you can see from my hours I very much tried to enjoy this game but in practice I just often didn't. Many people do love it though, the question you'll have to figure out is if that will be you or not. There is not much I'd even point to as a particular objective "problem" with the game. I'm not a fan of only being able to save when I sleep, as if I play a day it often feels like a massive chore to finish the day before stopping. And also, there's just a lot of tedium walking around. Days feel both too short and too long somehow. (It's supposed to be a chill cozy game but the short time on days makes it feel faster paced) But those are all rather inconsistent feelings. There were a few times I found myself having some fun with the game and jamming out a bit to the music (especially in summer) but those feelings don't last long or hold over long period of time for me, and before I know it I'm either waiting for day to end or just running to bed early so I can close the game. I may still try again at some point, but for the moment I've probably played enough to at least have a decently informed opinion. I will update this review if I ever come around.

  • Sentiments

    • I very much tried to enjoy this game but in practice I just often didn't.
    • Many people do love it though, the question you'll have to figure out is if that will be you or not.
    • I'm not a fan of only being able to save when I sleep, as it feels like a massive chore to finish the day before stopping.
    • There's just a lot of tedium walking around.
    • Days feel both too short and too long somehow.
    • There were a few times I found myself having some fun with the game and jamming out a bit to the music (especially in summer).
    • Those feelings of fun don't last long or hold over long periods of time for me.
    • Before I know it, I'm either waiting for the day to end or just running to bed early so I can close the game.
    • I may still try again at some point, but for the moment I've probably played enough to have a decently informed opinion.

Negative

i actually love this game but i intentionally misclicked for some reason. you should def buy it and support the creator tho

  • Sentiments

    • I actually love this game, which shows a strong positive sentiment towards the game.
    • I intentionally misclicked for some reason, which seems like a neutral or slightly negative sentiment about my own actions but not the game itself.
    • You should definitely buy it and support the creator, which expresses a strong positive sentiment and recommendation for the game and its creator.

Negative

Listen, I tried for 50 hours. The relationship building is quite mechanical - you're essentially "filling a meter" by giving gifts and having brief conversations, rather than having dynamic or branching interactions. Each character only has a limited set of dialogue that changes seasonally or based on heart events, which can feel repetitive over time. This would be fine if I thought the main game loop was enjoyable.

  • Sentiments

    • I found the relationship building in the game to be quite mechanical, as it involves filling a meter by giving gifts and having brief conversations, which lacks dynamic or branching interactions.
    • I noticed that each character has a limited set of dialogue that changes seasonally or based on heart events, which felt repetitive over time.
    • I tried playing the game for 50 hours, indicating a significant investment of time and effort to engage with its mechanics.
    • I felt that the main game loop was not enjoyable enough to compensate for the repetitive relationship mechanics.

Negative

Bad game.

  • Sentiments

    • I feel that the game is of poor quality and does not meet expectations.

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