Stardew Valley is officially nine years old today, and the milestone has led players to celebrate the impact that it's had since its release. Completely taking over the life-sim and farming genre, this indie gem delivered an entire world for players to explore and quickly became a favorite for many. With plenty of crops to grow, secrets to discover, and relationships to build, the solo developer ConcernedApe truly built a respite for players everywhere.
On Reddit, a fan named erskol shared that February 26, 2025 marks the ninth anniversary of Stardew Valley, somehow making this incredible indie game nearly a decade old. They added that it "continues to be a beacon of hope for those who feel alone and helpless", showcasing just how important this game has become for many. The post and an included screenshot of ConcernedApe's message from the original launch have led players to reflect on just how much things have changed.
After 9 years, Stardew Valley has grown and changed massively, selling over 41 million copies and reaching players worldwide. With this emotional reflection on where it began, many players shared their own experiences and struggles, with cocoapods declaring that "Stardew Valley saved me from...