Stardew Valley's creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has revealed that the upcoming update 1.7 will add two new marriage options to the game for the first time since 2016. This expansion comes as the farming simulation title approaches its 10th anniversary. Barone plans to disclose the identities of these new candidates on February 26.
Stardew Valley, developed by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has continued to receive updates nearly a decade after its initial release in 2016. The game's marriage feature, introduced in that year, has allowed players to romance and marry from a pool of 12 villagers—six men and six women. Now, with update 1.7, Barone is set to broaden this aspect by introducing two additional marriage candidates.
In an interview with IGN, Barone explained his decision to keep details under wraps for now. “I’m trying to not reveal too much because I like for it to be a surprise,” he said. “I’m going to be adding two more marriage candidates, but I’ll reveal who it is on the anniversary day.” This announcement aligns with the game's milestone, as February 26 marks 10 years since Stardew Valley's launch.
While no specific release date has been set for update 1.7, fans can expect more details during the anniversary event. Previous updates have enriched the experience with features like new farm layouts, pets, and co-op multiplayer, demonstrating Barone's ongoing commitment to the title. Meanwhile, he is also developing Haunted Chocolatier, another project without a confirmed launch window, though progress updates continue to be shared.
This addition to the romance system highlights Stardew Valley's enduring appeal, maintaining its status as a beloved indie farming simulator.
