Stardew Valley 1.7 Update: New Marriage Candidates, Child Overhaul, and What to Expect

Nearly a decade after its release, Stardew Valley remains a beloved fixture in the gaming world. Its secret isn't a live-service model, but the deep, personal connection players forge with Pelican Town—a connection that's about to grow even deeper. Creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has officially confirmed the 1.7 update, framing it not as a minor patch, but as a major content expansion designed to reinvigorate the valley.

The Headliners: New Faces and Growing Families

The most immediate and impactful news is the expansion of Stardew Valley's social core. For the first time since the 1.1 update in 2016 introduced Shane and Emily as romance options, the roster of marriage candidates is growing. Update 1.7 will add two new characters, bringing the total from 12 to 14. This represents a significant refresh of the game's relationship dynamics, offering veterans a compelling reason to start a new save file.

Barone is building the suspense strategically. The identities of these two new potential partners will remain a secret until Stardew Valley's 10th anniversary on February 26, 2026. This date is profoundly symbolic, marking exactly a decade since the game's original PC launch. The announcement transforms the anniversary into a major community event, ensuring the lead-up will be filled with theories.

Equally significant is the promised overhaul to player-raised children. Since launch, children have existed in a largely passive state. Barone’s confirmation that 1.7 will make them "a little more interesting" directly addresses one of the most consistent pieces of long-running fan feedback. Players can hope for interactions, unique dialogue, or small roles in farm life—changes that would add a meaningful new layer to the family simulator aspect.

Barone also set expectations for the update's scale, telling IGN it will be "much bigger than anyone probably expects." This serves as a warning to the community not to underestimate his ambitions.

Beyond the Announcement: The Philosophy of Update 1.7

While new characters are a major draw, Barone’s vision extends further. Intriguingly, he noted the update will include features "that no one's really asked for, but I think people will appreciate." This highlights his unique position as a developer intimately familiar with his creation's potential. It promises surprises that could expand gameplay systems or add entirely new mechanics fitting the valley's ethos.

Amidst industry-wide debates, Barone also delivered a firm stance on development tools. When asked about the use of AI, his response was unequivocal: "That's never going to happen." This commitment preserves the handcrafted, personal feel that is fundamental to Stardew Valley's charm. Every line of dialogue, sprite, and melody is the result of human intention, a quality Barone rightly refuses to compromise.

Development Insights and Future Possibilities

The development of 1.7 offers a glimpse into the evolving structure of ConcernedApe. To manage ongoing support for Stardew Valley while focusing on his next major solo project, Haunted Chocolatier, Barone has indicated he is expanding his development team. He is moving into more of a creative director role, guiding the vision for the update while leveraging additional support to implement it. This evolving model aims to ensure Stardew Valley can continue to grow without halting progress on new ventures.

One of the most exciting possibilities teased, though not confirmed for 1.7, is the addition of a farm map editor. This tool would empower the creative modding community to design and share custom farm layouts officially, dramatically extending the game's replayability. Whether this feature makes the cut for 1.7 or a future update, its consideration shows Barone's willingness to integrate community-driven ideas.

Crucially, Barone has confirmed that 1.7 is not the final update. He has hinted at "a few more updates" to come, assuring players that the future of Stardew Valley remains bright. This ongoing support model is rare and cherished, transforming the game from a static product into a living world.

What We Know (And What We Don't) About the Release

As with all things ConcernedApe, specific details are released on his own meticulous timeline. Currently, there is no announced release date for update 1.7. Barone has historically preferred to work without public deadlines, releasing updates only when they meet his exacting standards.

Furthermore, he stated that the full scale and complete feature list will remain unclear until just before launch. This approach minimizes hype cycles and allows for flexible development. The confirmed 10th-anniversary reveal for the marriage candidates provides a key anchor point in this waiting period, giving fans a concrete date to anticipate.

The 1.7 update is more than new features; it's a testament to a unique relationship between a creator and his community. It answers long-held requests while promising pure, handcrafted surprises. In an industry often focused on the next big release, Barone's commitment to steadily growing Stardew Valley ensures the valley we love is not a static memory, but a world still ripe for discovery. The journey continues, and the first stop is February 26, 2026.

Tags: Stardew Valley, Update 1.7, ConcernedApe, Marriage Candidates, Game Updates