Years Later, Stardew Valley is still Outstanding
Although it is not always a good formula, I often will base whether a game was “worth it” on how long I’ve played it, matched against how much I paid for it. Using that formula, Stardew Valley is my most “worth it” game, and it’s not even close. With hundreds upon hundreds of hours played on my Nintendo Switch, the 14.99 CAD I paid for the game is looking like a pretty good investment. Thanks to some multiplayer with a friend, I’m diving back into Stardew Valley in 2026, and it has highlighted three things for me.
First, how excited should we all be for Haunted Chocolatier. This is the next big project from the creator of Stardew Valley, using a similar art style and gameplay loop. There hasn’t been a ton of information about this game, but as we get closer to the launch of it, rest assured it will be a day one purchase for me, no questions asked. The developer has earned that right.
Second, Stardew Valley is still such a fantastic game in 2026. I love a great farming game, which is why you’ll see a lot of videos on my YouTube channel for games like Story of Seasons, Rune Factory, and Harvest Moon. The cozy nature of those games always gets me excited, and building up my farm slowly over time is such a relaxing experience. Despite all the games that have released over the past decade, none have lived up to what Stardew Valley was for me. It is the near perfect Harvest Moon clone game, and is likely the best farming simulation game ever made.
Finally, I cannot wait for Super Zoo Story to launch on Nintendo Switch. I backed this project a while ago through Kickstarter, and the developer is hard at working craft a Stardew Valley-esque experience, but in a zoo. There will be animals to get and take care of, farming to do for food, rebuilding the local area, and so much more. The game looks like it will be real hit, and while some have called it a direct rip-off of Stardew Valley – and it might have been at one point – I don’t see a problem with it. Great things inspire other great things. And if Stardew Valley inspires Super Zoo Story, then I’m OK with that! Call it what you will.
Are you still playing Stardew Valley in 2026?
Article By Adam
