Nearly a decade after its debut, Stardew Valley has achieved another incredible milestone—becoming the highest-rated indie game in Steam’s history. The beloved farming and life simulation title continues to captivate players around the world, thanks to consistent updates and its timeless, relaxing gameplay.
A Historic Achievement on Steam
According to data compiled by SteamDB, Stardew Valley currently holds an astonishing 97.66% user rating, making it the top-rated indie title ever released on the platform. When matched with over 761,869 user reviews on its official Steam page—98% of which are positive—the game’s legacy as a fan favorite is undisputed.
This places Stardew Valley ahead of other legendary indie games such as Hades, Vampire Survivors, Balatro, and Terraria. Even outside the indie category, Stardew Valley remains among the most revered games of all time on Steam—second only to Valve’s Portal 2.
Update 1.6 Sparks New Player Surge
The arrival of the long-awaited Update 1.6 in 2024 breathed new life into Stardew Valley. The update introduced new festivals, expanded dialogue, improved multiplayer features, and fresh in-game content that drew in both veterans and new players. Peak concurrent player numbers soared, reflecting the continued demand and love for the game nearly 10 years after its release.
A Timeless Indie Phenomenon
Originally released in 2016, Stardew Valley was developed entirely by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, who single-handedly created its art, music, coding, and design. What began as a solo passion project has transformed into one of the most iconic indie games in history.
Its blend of farming, relationship-building, mining, crafting, and exploration offers a deeply fulfilling and calming experience that resonates across generations of players.
Stardew Valley’s Legacy Continues
Stardew Valley’s ongoing popularity is a testament to its community-driven spirit, free content updates, and the passion of its creator. With Haunted Chocolatier, Barone’s next project, on the horizon, fans of cozy gaming can expect more charming experiences in the future.
For now, Stardew Valley stands proud as Steam’s highest-rated indie game of all time, a landmark achievement that cements its legacy in video game history.