Stardew

Stardew, commonly referred to as Stardew Valley, is an indie farming simulation and role-playing game developed by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) and published by Chucklefish. Released in 2016, the game has been ported to multiple platforms. The player arrives in Stardew Valley to revive a farm inherited from their grandfather and to integrate with the local community after years away.

Gameplay combines crop cultivation, animal husbandry, mining, fishing, foraging, and town life. Time passes with seasons that bring different crops and events. Players customize and expand their farm, maintain energy resources, and pursue activities at their own pace. A central feature is the social system: villagers have schedules, and relationships can be developed through conversation, gifts, and quests, potentially leading to marriage and family.

Two progression paths exist: restore the Community Center by completing bundles that reflect the town's needs, or complete the Joja Mart route by purchasing upgrades from the Joja Corporation. The game also includes cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to share a single farm.

Stardew Valley received widespread acclaim for its depth, charm, and accessible depth of content. It spawned a large modding community and inspired ongoing updates and platform expansions. The game has sold millions of copies and remains a prominent example of independent game development and peaceful, long-term play.