Eric Barone, aka ConcernedApe, the mastermind developer behind Stardew Valley has announced a new board game based on the beloved farming sim RPG.
The board game is available now, printed and assembled by Delano Games in Michigan and shipped via Quartermaster Logistics in Florida but unfortunately, it is currently sold out but you can still watch the adorable launch trailer below:
Stardew Valley: The Board Game is for 1 to 4 players, ages 13 and up. To play through a full year in the game (which is the standard experience) takes about 45 minutes per player. This can be adjusted if you want a shorter game. The game has a lot to it but there are rules to make it easier or harder depending on your preferences. Just like the video game, the creators want you to be able to adjust the gameplay to suit your personal style.
Players work together to protect the Valley and if they succeed, the Valley is brought back to life, and Joja Corporation is driven from town. The way to do this is by completing Grandpa’s Goals and restoring the Community Center, just like in the video game. Your goals for each game are randomized, which adds to the game’s replayability.
Time is tracked using the Season Deck. Each round a Season card is drawn. This tracks the weeks of the year, revealing weather and different kinds of events. Players can discuss their plans for the round and place their pawn in the part of the Valley they want to focus on for that period of time. Maybe they want to visit the Mine or fish at the Beach, or maybe they spend their time watering crops or tending animals. It’s up to the group to try and work together to coordinate their actions, but ultimately each player chooses what they want to do.
As you play, you’ll advance your starting tool, gain new professional skills, find items and gather resources. Making friends will unlock unique gifts and reveal the Community Center Bundles. Completing the goals seem very difficult, to begin with but as your abilities grow your farm will become more and more capable, making Grandpa’s Goals more easily achievable before the end of the year.
According to Barone, the game is designed to be complex without being overwhelming. It’s easy to play once you understand the rules but difficult to master and as such, he doesn’t consider it a casual board game. If you’re interested, you can check out the official rule book here to see if it’s a good fit for you and your board gaming buddies.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on Australian pricing or shipping at this stage but we’ll be sure to keep you up to date as soon as we know more. Stardew Valley: The Official Boardgame is currently available exclusively from the new Stardew Store right here for USD$55 (roughly AUD$71).