Stardew Valley Sales Numbers 2016 – 2025

Stardew Valley sales have skyrocketed over the years, making it one of the most successful indie games of all time. What started as a passion project by Eric Barone, has grown into a most played farming RPG with millions of dedicated players worldwide.

With its charming pixel art, relaxing gameplay, and deep mechanics, Stardew Valley has remained a fan favorite across multiple platforms.

But just how successful has this indie gem been?

In this article, we’ll break down Stardew Valley sales, including its total copies sold, revenue earned, and what has fueled its record-breaking growth over nearly a decade.

How Many Copies of Stardew Valley Have Been Sold in Total?

This number reflects its steady growth since launch, with major sales milestones along the way.

Stardew Valley Sales by Year (2016 – 2025)

Since its release, Stardew Valley has grown from an indie success story to one of the best-selling indie games of all time. Below is a breakdown of Stardew Valley sales over the years:

The sales growth of Stardew Valley has been nothing short of incredible. Initially, it took nearly four years to reach 10 million copies, but after that, the momentum picked up dramatically.

From 2020 to 2022, the game’s sales doubled from 10 million to 20 million copies, thanks to continued updates, the success of its Nintendo Switch port, and the rise of the multiplayer mode, which made the game even more appealing.

The biggest leap happened between March 2022 and December 2024, when the game skyrocketed from 20 million to 41 million copies sold. This means over half of its total lifetime sales came in just the last three years. A few key factors likely contributed to this surge:

• Stardew Valley’s reputation as a “comfort game” grew, especially with more people looking for relaxing, wholesome games.
• New updates kept long-time fans engaged while drawing in new players.
• Ongoing popularity on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, where influencers showcased new gameplay mechanics, mods, and creative farm builds.
• Expanding to mobile helped bring in a fresh wave of casual players.

At 41 million copies sold as of December 2024, Stardew Valley is now one of the best-selling indie games in history, standing alongside titles like Minecraft, Terraria, and Hollow Knight. And with Eric Barone confirming future updates and a new game in the works, it’s safe to say Stardew Valley’s legacy is far from over.

How Much Money Did Stardew Valley Make?

Since its release, Stardew Valley has generated an estimated $518 million in gross revenue.

However, after deductions like regional pricing adjustments, discounts, refunds, platform cuts, and taxes, the estimated net revenue stands at $152.8 million.

Breakdown of Stardew Valley Revenue

For a game developed by one person, these numbers are staggering. Stardew Valley is among the highest-earning indie games of all time, proving that a passion project with no microtransactions, no in-game ads, and no paid DLC can still be a massive financial success.

A big factor in its long-term sales and revenue growth is the constant free updates, strong community engagement, and the expansion to multiple platforms, ensuring a steady stream of new players.

With future updates and potentially a new game from ConcernedApe in the works, Stardew Valley’s earnings are likely to continue growing in the years to come.

Who Is Stardew Valley Creator?

Stardew Valley was created by Eric Barone, an American indie game developer known professionally as ConcernedApe. Originally, the game was called Sprout Valley, but as the project grew, Barone refined both the name and the concept into what became one of the most successful indie games of all time.

Was Stardew Valley Made by One Person?

Yes, Eric Barone developed Stardew Valley entirely by himself.

He handled the programming, art, music, and game design over the course of four years. He originally started the project as a way to improve his computer skills while job hunting after graduating from the University of Washington Tacoma with a degree in computer science in 2011.

Unable to find a job in the gaming industry, he worked as an usher at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle while developing the game in his spare time. His passion for pixel art, storytelling, and game mechanics led him to create an experience that resonated with millions of players worldwide.

Much of Stardew Valley’s visual and environmental design was inspired by Barone’s upbringing in the Pacific Northwest, which influenced the lush forests, cozy towns, and seasonal changes seen in the game.

ConcernedApe Net Worth

Thanks to the massive success of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. Unlike many game developers, he has remained independent, choosing to self-publish and personally handle future updates instead of selling his rights to a larger company.

Even with his financial success, Barone remains deeply involved in the gaming community, regularly interacting with fans and working on his next highly anticipated project.

What Engine Does Stardew Valley Use?

Stardew Valley was written in C# and originally built using Microsoft’s XNA framework. While XNA isn’t technically a full game engine, it provides high-level APIs designed for game development.

Eric Barone, the game’s creator, has been open about the challenges of using a custom-built engine. While it gave him full control over the game’s mechanics, he later admitted that it might not have been the most efficient choice.

In his own words:

“I’ve been coding Stardew Valley mostly from the ground up, using my own custom engine. There are certain features of the game that I’ve started to use 3rd party code for, however… for example, the low-level network functions for multiplayer. Also, XNA is kind of like a mini-engine, as it does take care of a lot of low-level stuff that would be a pain to do yourself (like taking an image you drew, importing it and turning it into an object you can work with in your code)… although it is all extremely general and could form the groundwork for any kind of game you’d imagine.

Unless your game cannot be made otherwise, definitely use something like GameMaker. I know there might be an urge to prove oneself as a ‘real programmer’ by making everything from scratch, but in the end it’s not really worth it and it will drain months of your life for no good reason.

Of course, some projects are just too grand or unconventional and could not be made using GameMaker. I’m still not quite sure if I could’ve made Stardew using something like that, but it’s too late now anyway… and true, now that I spent all the effort to do it myself the extra control and flexibility is nice. But if you are just starting out in game development you should probably be making small, simple games anyway.”

Barone’s experience highlights an important lesson for indie developers: while building a custom engine can offer more flexibility, it also requires a massive time investment that may not always be necessary.

How Long Did It Take to Make Stardew Valley?

Stardew Valley was in development for four and a half years. Eric Barone began working on the game in 2012, initially as a way to sharpen his programming skills while searching for a job in the game industry. However, as he kept refining the game, it turned into a full-time passion project.

During this period, he worked completely solo, handling coding, art, music, writing, and game design on his own. He didn’t have a team, publisher, or external funding—just a vision of creating the ultimate farming RPG inspired by Harvest Moon.

Finally, after years of development, Stardew Valley launched on February 26, 2016, and quickly became one of the most successful indie games ever.

Stardew Valley Overview

Imagine leaving behind the daily grind to start fresh on a farm of your own. That’s exactly what happens in Stardew Valley, a charming country-life RPG that’s captured the hearts of millions since its release. You inherit your grandfather’s old farm in the peaceful valley, but when you arrive, it’s clear that things aren’t quite as idyllic as you imagined. The land is overgrown, the community center has fallen into ruin, and the once-thriving town has been overshadowed by the looming presence of Joja Corporation.

Armed with nothing but a few old tools and a handful of coins, you set out to revive your farm, befriend the townsfolk, and bring Stardew Valley back to life. There’s no single path to success—you can grow crops, raise animals, mine for resources, fish, or even dive into mysterious caves filled with monsters and treasures. The game is all about freedom, letting you shape your farm and relationships however you want.

But Stardew Valley isn’t just about farming. The game is packed with stories, secrets, and surprises. You can get married, raise a family, complete quests, restore the town, and uncover hidden lore that deepens the world around you. And with the multiplayer update, you can now team up with friends on PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. Even mobile players on iOS and Android can enjoy farming life on the go!

Stardew Valley has grown far beyond just a game—it’s a beloved experience that keeps players coming back for more. Whether you’re here for the farming, the friendships, or the adventure, there’s always something new to discover in the valley.

Stardew Valley Price

One of the best things about Stardew Valley is that it offers a ton of content for an affordable price. Whether you’re playing on PC, console, or mobile, you get endless hours of farming, adventuring, and community-building for a one-time purchase—no subscriptions, no hidden fees.

Here’s the current pricing across different regions:

Considering how much there is to do in the game, this is a steal compared to many other modern RPGs.

And the best part?

All major updates are free—meaning you don’t have to pay extra for new content or multiplayer access. Once you buy it, you own the full experience, with all its improvements and additions over the years.

Stardew Valley Platforms

No matter how you prefer to play, Stardew Valley is available on nearly every platform. Whether you want to relax on your couch with a console, play on the go with a handheld device, or dive into the modding community on PC, there’s an option for you.

You can get Stardew Valley on:
Steam
GOG
Humble
Xbox One
Playstation 4
Nintendo Switch
Playstation Vita
iOS App Store
Android

It’s rare to find a game that plays equally well across so many devices, but Stardew Valley’s simple yet engaging gameplay makes it perfect for both short and long play sessions.

On PC, players can enjoy mods that expand the game even further, adding everything from new crops and characters to entirely new mechanics. Meanwhile, console and mobile versions bring touchscreen controls and controller support, ensuring a smooth experience no matter how you play.

Stardew Valley Features

One of the biggest reasons Stardew Valley is so beloved is the sheer number of things you can do. Whether you want to focus on farming, socializing, adventuring, or crafting, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what makes the game so special:

Build the Farm of Your Dreams

At its core, Stardew Valley is a farming game, but it’s far from one-size-fits-all. You can choose from five different farm layouts, each designed for a different playstyle. Whether you prefer fishing, mining, or growing massive fields of crops, there’s a map that suits you. Over time, you’ll clear land, plant crops, build barns, and create a farm that reflects your personality.

Master Ranching and Agriculture

Farming isn’t just about growing crops—you can also raise animals, plant orchards, and craft useful machines to improve your farm’s efficiency. From cows and chickens to more exotic animals like pigs and dinosaurs (yes, dinosaurs!), there’s always something new to try.

Join the Pelican Town Community

Pelican Town is full of quirky, interesting residents, each with their own personalities, schedules, and stories. There are over 30 characters to befriend, and as you get to know them, they’ll share their struggles, dreams, and even gifts with you. You can attend seasonal festivals, complete quests, and even restore the old community center to bring life back to the town.

Customize Your Character

Your farmer isn’t just a blank slate—there are hundreds of customization options for hair, clothes, and accessories. Whether you want to look like a rugged rancher, a casual gardener, or something totally unique, there are plenty of ways to express yourself.

Find Love and Start a Family

Looking for romance? You can date and marry one of 12 eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, each with their own personalities and storylines. Once you settle down, you can even have children and raise a family on your farm. And if you ever have second thoughts… well, there’s a way to undo your marriage (but it’s not exactly cheap!).

Explore Dangerous Caves and Find Treasure

If farming isn’t enough excitement for you, venture into the mines, where you’ll battle monsters, collect valuable ores, and uncover hidden secrets. The deeper you go, the greater the rewards—but also the more dangerous the creatures lurking in the dark.

Relax with Fishing

If you prefer something more peaceful, Stardew Valley offers one of the most satisfying fishing mechanics in any game. Different fish appear depending on the season, weather, and location, and you can craft bait, bobbers, and crab pots to improve your skills. Completing the Fish Tank bundle in the community center is a fun challenge that rewards you with a special surprise.

Cook, Craft, and Create

With over 100 cooking and crafting recipes, you can create everything from delicious meals to powerful tools. Cooking gives temporary buffs like increased speed or combat abilities, while crafting lets you make machines like furnaces, beehives, and even a crystalarium that produces free gems.

Play with Friends (Multiplayer)

Want to farm with friends? The game lets you invite 1-3 players to join you in Stardew Valley. You can share resources, build relationships, and even adjust the profit margin to balance the challenge. Multiplayer is available on PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, though it’s not currently on mobile or PS Vita.

Mobile-Specific Features

On mobile, Stardew Valley offers the full single-player experience with some extra features. The game has tap-to-move controls and redesigned menus to make gameplay smoother on touchscreens. It’s a great way to farm on the go without missing out on any content!

History of Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is the passion project of Eric Barone, better known by his online alias ConcernedApe. Unlike most modern games, which are built by large teams, Stardew Valley was developed entirely by Barone alone. Over the course of four years, he taught himself everything from coding and game design to pixel art and composing music—all to bring his vision of the perfect farming RPG to life.

The Launch and Early Success

The game was officially released on PC on February 26, 2016, and quickly became a massive hit. Within just two months, it sold over a million copies, surprising even Barone himself. The game’s success wasn’t just about numbers—players fell in love with its relaxing gameplay, deep storytelling, and nostalgic charm.

Expanding to More Platforms

As demand grew, Stardew Valley was ported to more systems, allowing more players to enjoy the game:

• Mac & Linux: Released a few months after the PC launch
• Xbox One & PlayStation 4: Released in December 2016
• Nintendo Switch: Released in late 2017
• iOS: Released in October 2018
• Android: Released in March 2019

The game’s arrival on Switch was particularly notable because its pick-up-and-play style fit perfectly with handheld gaming, making it one of the platform’s best-selling indie titles.

Major Post-Release Updates

Since launch, Stardew Valley has received five major updates, adding new content, features, and quality-of-life improvements:

1. The first update introduced new farm layouts, marriage options, and additional content, giving players even more ways to customize their experience.
2. The second update expanded language support to include German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese, making the game more accessible worldwide.
3. The third update (late 2018) introduced multiplayer functionality, allowing players to farm together online. The network code was developed by Tom Coxon, a programmer from Chucklefish (the game’s original publisher).
4. The fourth update marked the first time Eric Barone formed a small team to assist with development. This update introduced new farm buildings, events, and expanded gameplay mechanics.
5. The fifth and sixth updates added huge amounts of new content, including new NPC interactions, endgame challenges, quality-of-life improvements, and additional customization options.

Despite its indie origins, Stardew Valley has remained relevant for nearly a decade, thanks to continuous support, community-driven feedback, and a passionate developer who still actively works on the game.

Even now, Stardew Valley continues to evolve, with Barone confirming more updates and even a brand-new game in development. Fans eagerly await what’s next for both the game and its talented creator.

Stardew Valley Mods

One of the reasons Stardew Valley has remained so popular over the years is its thriving modding community. Players have created thousands of mods that add everything from new characters and expanded storylines to visual overhauls and quality-of-life improvements.

One of the most popular mods is Stardew Valley Expanded, which has been downloaded over 3 million times. This massive mod adds new locations, characters, events, and farm layouts, essentially giving players an even bigger world to explore.

Other popular mods focus on cosmetics and customization, allowing players to change the game’s art style, tweak character portraits, or introduce new animal designs. Whether you want a total gameplay overhaul or just a fresh look for your farm, there’s a mod for almost everything.

The majority of these mods are only available on PC, since modding isn’t officially supported on consoles or mobile. However, later updates to the game have included features to make modding easier, which has helped the community continue to grow.

How to Mod Stardew Valley?

Modding Stardew Valley is easier than ever, thanks to a dedicated community and tools that simplify the process. Here’s how you can start modding the game on PC:

1. Install SMAPI (Stardew Modding API)

SMAPI is the mod loader required for most Stardew Valley mods. It ensures that mods work correctly and allows them to interact with the game without breaking anything.

• Download SMAPI from the official Stardew Valley Modding Wiki or Nexus Mods.
• Follow the installation instructions for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
• Once installed, launch the game through SMAPI instead of the regular Stardew Valley launcher.

2. Find and Download Mods

The best places to find safe and well-tested mods are:

• Nexus Mods – The largest collection of Stardew Valley mods, including gameplay changes, cosmetic updates, and total expansions.
• Stardew Valley Modding Discord – A great place to ask questions and get recommendations from experienced modders.

Download your chosen mods and extract them into the “Mods” folder located in your Stardew Valley directory.

3. Run the Game and Enjoy

Once your mods are installed, launch the game using SMAPI, and all of your mods should be active. If a mod isn’t working, double-check that:

• It’s compatible with the latest version of Stardew Valley.
• You’ve installed all required dependencies (some mods need additional files to function).
• You placed it in the correct “Mods” folder.

For more advanced modding, players can also edit game files, create custom content, or even script their own mods. Stardew Valley’s modding community is incredibly welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to experiment and personalize their gameplay.

Final Thoughts on Stardew Valley Sales

Few indie games can claim the level of long-term success that Stardew Valley has achieved. With over 41 million copies sold as of December 2024 and $518 million in gross revenue, it stands as one of the most profitable and beloved indie games ever made.

Unlike many modern titles, it has thrived without microtransactions, paid expansions, or major corporate backing, proving that a well-crafted, player-focused game can achieve incredible success.

Even after nearly a decade, Stardew Valley shows no signs of slowing down. New updates keep bringing fresh content, and its passionate player base ensures it remains a top choice for farming sim fans. With developer Eric Barone working on future projects, fans eagerly await what’s next—but one thing is certain: Stardew Valley’s legacy in gaming is already firmly cemented.

Data Sources

1. Statista (2025). Lifetime unit sales of Stardew Valley worldwide
2. PlayStarBound (2013). Game development and engine decision
3. Steam Revenue Calculator (2025). Stardew Valley