Stardew Valley

 Switch
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 703 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 615 out of 703
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 703
  3. Negative: 39 out of 703
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  1. Malooga
    Feb 4, 2019
    10
    I waited on Stardew Valley when it launched, despite being a solid Harvest Moon fan and everybody telling me it was an amazing title, I just wasn't feeling it.

    When it came to Switch I figured why not? If you, like me, waited on this game - you're doing yourself an injustice. The last time I used the words "perfect game" I think it was after Witcher 3 launched. Stardew Valley is a    I waited on Stardew Valley when it launched, despite being a solid Harvest Moon fan and everybody telling me it was an amazing title, I just wasn't feeling it.

    When it came to Switch I figured why not? If you, like me, waited on this game - you're doing yourself an injustice.

    The last time I used the words "perfect game" I think it was after Witcher 3 launched. Stardew Valley is a perfect game. Perfect sound, perfect gameplay - perfect embodiment of the classic in every way and it expands on those ideas even further.

    Within about 5-10 hours, you'll feel about as accomplished as you would at any point in classic Harvest Moon - and then the floodgates open up. This is a 50+ hour campaign, and you could easily sink three times that long into completing everything.

    Add a layered and deep social system, classic adventure style segments and a literal metric ton of things to unlock, progress in or complete - you will spend about as much time searching this tiny map of Stardew Valley as you would in the world of Skyrim or any other massive playing field.

    As a long time gamer, I can value this much more in terms of achievement - making a small space feel dense and full of life some dozens of hours into an experience is a much more meaty endeavor in my opinion, and much harder to pull off.

    The fact it was all done by one man is simply incredible, and I sincerely hope he's getting the support he needs to keep doing this - but I can't see how he wouldn't after an initial game like this.

    TLDR - just buy it, especially if you're a retro/RPG/simulation/adventure/good lord this game has everything fan. 100/10    … Expand
  2. MrTusks
    Jan 12, 2021
    10
    Beautiful and addictive. Hundreds of hours don't feel like enough. Top five all-time Switch game.
  3. ricklongo
    Oct 19, 2017
    10
    Our hobby is home to a few truisms, but this is at its core: games are meant to be fun. It's a simple assertion, but the job of turning ideas and lines of code into memorable moments is everything but 'simple'. This is something I often come to when thinking about creativity, and it gets exponentially more fascinating whenever a video game manages to transcend the confines of what itOur hobby is home to a few truisms, but this is at its core: games are meant to be fun. It's a simple assertion, but the job of turning ideas and lines of code into memorable moments is everything but 'simple'. This is something I often come to when thinking about creativity, and it gets exponentially more fascinating whenever a video game manages to transcend the confines of what it apparently should be. Stardew Valley, a life simulation game inexplicably designed by a single person, gave me a lot of fun. But also so much more.

    In the game, your customizable avatar has inherited a patch of land on the countryside and, tired of the demands of modern life, decides to bring an old farm back to life. From there, it's all about buying seeds, planting crops, nurturing them. Then eventually building a coop, a barn, buying animals, selling their produce. It's a soothing cycle that can be laid-back fun, but also a fine challenge for those looking to micromanage everything and being as productive as possible. It's really up to you to approach farming life however you want.

    The first indication of something special lying beyond first impressions is how everything in the farming mechanics comes so naturally. There's no true tutorial here, not really; most of the whys and hows are presented as you go, with nothing to break the immersion. You just go about your business, figure things out, and they happen. This is why Stardew Valley is a game better experienced by not looking anything up in advance; just start a file and let it flow.

    Soon enough, you'll realize this is not simply a farm sim. You'll walk to nearby Pelican Town and get to know its characters, its locations, its wonderful idiosyncrasies. If you're anything like me, you'll be amazed at how those little pixelated beings can pack so much personality, thanks to the game's excellent writing. You may feel a little silly after turning off the console and realizing just how involved you are with virtual characters you like or dislike. That warm, persistent, almost indescribable feeling you get all the while makes it all worth it, though. Some may even call it 'fun'.

    And then it goes on. Months pass, bringing new events, local holidays, quests. Seasons come and go, meaning you have to change crops. You go foraging, fishing, mining. You meet mystical beings, you join an adventurer's guild to fight wild creatures and monsters. You realize there is so much more to everything in the game, to the point that there's secrets to uncover and new things to see dozens of hours in. There are new areas and gameplay mechanics you never even imagined when you started a modest farm so long ago. You feel so much joy for helping Pelican Town be the best it can be, you start feeling genuine camaraderie towards this or that character (yes, pixel characters on a pixel town).

    Suddenly you're not just midlessly experiencing a recreational activity, but also feeling immersed, enthralled by a certain sense of wonder that only the best works of art can bring about. This is further enhanced by the absolutely phenomenal music, from upbeat spring songs to ydillic summer tunes to melancholy winter ballads. And I guess I mentioned all of this was made by a single person?

    TL;DR:
    Stardew Valley is one of those special treats that make me such a believer in the independent game scene. It's overflowing with passion and care, and those are the only factors that can explain how a single person managed to develop such a deep and involving title. By taking the farming sim genre and adding large helpings of exploration and combat, as well as a cast of characters that feel extremely real in spite of their pixellated origins, this is a game that has etched itself into my gaming life in a very precious way. At the end of the day, my time in Pelican Town is (not 'was', as it's still ongoing for the foreseeable future) the very definition of fun. But also so much more.

    Rating: 10.0    … Expand
  4. Tila90
    Dec 30, 2017
    10
    The perfect fit for a game genre ever. Stardew Valley is the best harvest moon we never got, with the amount of depth, costomization, exploration and writing and considering this game was made by one single man. This game is something special, and if there is a platform you can invest more than 100 hours with it it is the Nintendo Switch.
  5. rub10
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    Un juego precioso, se nota que fue realizado con mucho cariño, y el port a switch perfecto, no pierde nada de calidad respecto a PC. Como contra decir que tarda demasiado en guardar, pero poder jugar de manera portátil es una delicia.
  6. danielmmy
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    What can I say other than Stardew Valley portable? The game came out yesterday and i already sank over 10 hours in it. Even if you have already played it on multiple consoles and the PC the portability of the Switch is a match made in heaven for Stardew.
  7. Labrynna
    Jul 31, 2019
    10
    The "Harvest Moon" I always dreamed off.

    The growth of your farm itself is a bit slow because additional buildings and animals are quite expensive compared with the money you make. On the other side, it really feels like you have accomplished something whenever you managed to get a step closer to your dream farm. The villagers are lovely and especially the bachelors/bachelorettes    The "Harvest Moon" I always dreamed off.

    The growth of your farm itself is a bit slow because additional buildings and animals are quite expensive compared with the money you make. On the other side, it really feels like you have accomplished something whenever you managed to get a step closer to your dream farm.

    The villagers are lovely and especially the bachelors/bachelorettes have quite unique personalities that make them more dimensional and look like true human beings.    … Expand
  8. mefzeldernx
    Feb 21, 2018
    10
    Impresionante creación de una sola persona, "Stardew Valley" recrea y supera a todos los juegos de farming. Es impresionante la cantidad de actividades que hay dentro del juego, desde cosas simples como plantar y cosechar hasta exploración de calabozos y la posibilidad de relacionarte con un NPC. Sin lugar a dudas un indie de sobresaliente.
    Quizás los controles más cómodos sean los del    Impresionante creación de una sola persona, "Stardew Valley" recrea y supera a todos los juegos de farming. Es impresionante la cantidad de actividades que hay dentro del juego, desde cosas simples como plantar y cosechar hasta exploración de calabozos y la posibilidad de relacionarte con un NPC. Sin lugar a dudas un indie de sobresaliente.
    Quizás los controles más cómodos sean los del PC. pero en Switch las distintas formas de jugar le añaden muchos puntos a favor, al final es cuestión de acostumbrarse. Sobretodo se agradece la chance de poder jugarlo en modo portátil, ya que es un juego que devora el tiempo.    … Expand
  9. Joshw4603
    Oct 10, 2017
    10
    A simply fantastic game, incredibly fun to play and along with the portability feature as well as the exciting, upcoming multiplayer feature, this game is simply a must have for all Switch owners!
  10. b00lpr0p
    Dec 17, 2018
    10
    A fantastic relaxing game with a lot of stuff to do, and a fair price. A must have for Nintendo Switch.
  11. Leo_Manzano
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    I was looking for something that could remind me of Harvest Moon, so I found stardew valley that not only reminded me of its predecessor but managed to overcome it.
    I was surprised by a game made with love in every detail with charismatic characters and a wide variety of items and mecanicas that make every day the opportunity to do something different. Soon found myself immersed in this    I was looking for something that could remind me of Harvest Moon, so I found stardew valley that not only reminded me of its predecessor but managed to overcome it.
    I was surprised by a game made with love in every detail with charismatic characters and a wide variety of items and mecanicas that make every day the opportunity to do something different. Soon found myself immersed in this amazing game easily spending over 100 hours in a relaxing and pleasurable daily life.    … Expand
  12. mandoreen
    Jun 11, 2018
    10
    I waited ages for this game to come out to a handheld console. I sold my Vita months ago since it didnt seem like it would ever come out (I know is out for Vita or coming soon now though). Needless to say I was a huge fan of the original Harvest Moon games for Gameboy years ago and really don't like the direction the Harvest Moon series has taken in recent years with the basic tacky 3D artI waited ages for this game to come out to a handheld console. I sold my Vita months ago since it didnt seem like it would ever come out (I know is out for Vita or coming soon now though). Needless to say I was a huge fan of the original Harvest Moon games for Gameboy years ago and really don't like the direction the Harvest Moon series has taken in recent years with the basic tacky 3D art style and low production value. Its a shame what has happened to the Harvest Moon series but ALAS this is a review of Stardew Valley. Stardew Valley is everything the original Harvest Moon games were to me in the 90s and far more. I absolutely love it. If this was the only game I had on switch I would be fine with that. I have a hard time putting it down. There are so many options and so much to do and its just beautiful in every way. I love meeting all the characters in the town, taking care of my dog and animals and learning how to grow my crops and mine ore and craft equipment. Its like a hybrid of Harvest Moon with strong RPG elements sprinkled in with a bit of handheld Legend of Zelda flavoring and a good pinch of Animal Crossing. This game wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeves and does them all justice. If I could give this game an 11 out of 10 I would. This game is so relaxing and I love discovering how to do everything in the game on my own and very rarely look at wikis for help. Theres so much to discover and you can play it anyway you like. I cannot recommend this game highly enough. I just can't wait for them to add multiplayer!… Expand
  13. Buzzz
    Feb 5, 2018
    10
    I have put in over 100 hours into this amazing game. It is highly addictive, and at times, overwhelming in its varied gameplay. It is hard to believe a game with this much depth was designed by one person.
  14. deadDaddy
    Nov 19, 2017
    10
    What can I say other than Stardew Valley portable? The game came out yesterday and i already sank over 10 hours in it. Even if you have already played it on multiple consoles and the PC the portability of the Switch is a match made in heaven for Stardew.
  15. NintendoGamer1
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    A beautiful game in the vain of harvest moon that doesn't just meet but surpasses my expectations and there are so many things to do in the experience. The presentation is also perfect with beautiful graphics and music.
  16. MMullen223
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    I have played this for both the PC and PS4 and I have to say that the Nintendo Switch version is the definitive version to play. It has all the features of it's counterparts with two very distinct features that make it a must-have:
    1. The ability to pick it up and take it on the go is perfect! I can foresee many long commutes flying by thanks to this little gem.
    2. The Switch version    I have played this for both the PC and PS4 and I have to say that the Nintendo Switch version is the definitive version to play. It has all the features of it's counterparts with two very distinct features that make it a must-have:
    1. The ability to pick it up and take it on the go is perfect! I can foresee many long commutes flying by thanks to this little gem.
    2. The Switch version will be the first console to have the new multiplayer mode when it releases in 2018.
    Aside from those two obvious things, this version plays like a dream, looks great and remains one of the best farming sim/RPGs in the market.

    If you own a Switch then this deserves a spot in your game collection.    … Expand
  17. PadeKdo
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    This game is one of the best gaming experience I have ever had. The only problem is that it doesn't support the french language (wich is not realy a problem) it is harder to play but it's still of curse a extremly good game. It is a mature game wich is really good for the switch, I think the switch really need more games like that.
  18. Pookytookybaby
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Wow, just wow. This game is cute, has an amazing farm and dating sim. Also has RPG elements. Oh not to mention the dungeon crawling that is also fun. Countless secrets and lots to do. Good music. I like fishing and collecting all the museum items.
  19. Tortor
    Aug 29, 2023
    10
    'beat' in around 75 hours.

    This game in a way could be endless though if you have wanted it to. There is however a background narrative and a plateau on how much more you can progress though that was noticeable right around 50 hours. When I started reaching the plateau I mostly was just waiting around for a certain season to finish some quests and the community center. With that time I    'beat' in around 75 hours.

    This game in a way could be endless though if you have wanted it to. There is however a background narrative and a plateau on how much more you can progress though that was noticeable right around 50 hours. When I started reaching the plateau I mostly was just waiting around for a certain season to finish some quests and the community center. With that time I was able to engage a lot with getting to know the community, so it still felt fun. When I was making $1 million+ in income and never really felt struggling anymore and anything extra felt like fluff, maxed out all my stats, finished a good chunk of relationships, I definetly knew the end was in sight.

    I really enjoyed my time with this and honestly so glad I finally got around to playing. I knew there was hype about this game and I can see why now. It's really the ultimate farming/social sim game and has everything I could have asked for.

    I really enjoyed managing and designing my farm. It was the ultimate cozy game for me to zone out to when listening to an audiobook. I also enjoyed the locals and getting to know them. Although I wish some more story beats were given to them all, some felt kinda pointless to level up and even a bit tedious.

    Overall though I'm super satisfied with this entire experience. When I finally felt like I reached the end and plateaued, in my head I roleplayed that my job was done, the big bad was kicked out, grandpa was happy and my character sold off everything I saved up throughout my play through. By the end I had around 30 million, so my character could leave into the sunset rich and fulfilled.    … Expand
  20. AdamAzzaoui
    Feb 14, 2018
    10
    that a great independent game with beautiful 16 bits graphics a great ost and interesting characters
  21. kiank
    Feb 18, 2018
    10
    This is one of the cutest games I've ever played and it is so fun to play on the Nintendo Switch! Whenever I'm having a tough day I'll play some Stardew to calm me down. The game is visually pretty and it reminds me of the days that I played Animal Crossing. The pace of the game is slow as it takes money to do things but I think that's what keeps the appeal of it. 30+ hours in and IThis is one of the cutest games I've ever played and it is so fun to play on the Nintendo Switch! Whenever I'm having a tough day I'll play some Stardew to calm me down. The game is visually pretty and it reminds me of the days that I played Animal Crossing. The pace of the game is slow as it takes money to do things but I think that's what keeps the appeal of it. 30+ hours in and I keep enjoying this game. Overall, I'd give it a 9.9.… Expand
  22. megamuffin1969
    May 6, 2018
    10
    Easily one of the best games on my switch, including the big three (Mario kart 8 deluxe, Mario odyssey and breath of the wild) and is just insanely fun and relaxing to play, and once you start to feel like you are a good player and a competent farmer, there is nothing more satisfying than waking up one day and just having a field full of crops ready to harvest. Another amazing thing aboutEasily one of the best games on my switch, including the big three (Mario kart 8 deluxe, Mario odyssey and breath of the wild) and is just insanely fun and relaxing to play, and once you start to feel like you are a good player and a competent farmer, there is nothing more satisfying than waking up one day and just having a field full of crops ready to harvest. Another amazing thing about the whole game is how fun the story is, as it is almost completely optional, it won't get in your way if you don't want it to, but filling in the community center bundles are amazingly calming, and make you feel like you have achieved something. Probably my favorite part of the game is the characters, although some people say they are bland and repetitive, I find their heart events to be very endearing, with some characters only opening up to you once you become friends, and the interactions after marriage are just incredibly sweet. 10/10… Expand
  23. SappyNoypi
    Apr 17, 2018
    10
    To be able to play this game on the Switch is a dream. I was addicted as soon as I played it. It's what Harvest Moon should've been. And I applaud the developer that he included being able to date the same sex as yours. I and we from the LGBT community need more games like this. Thank you for this game.
  24. Snaggyjoker
    Feb 27, 2018
    10
    This game combines the best from crafting adventure games and Harvest Moon style games. In fact it would be the blanketies blank if Natsume would take notes from this masterpiece and learn how to get good again.
  25. TheSpicedLemons
    Mar 30, 2018
    10
    Stardew Valley is a treat to play. I got it before a long road trip and I played it for the whole ride there and back. It took me around 25-30 hours to get to my second year. Lots of stuff to be uncovered too!
  26. FightTina11
    Nov 29, 2019
    10
    Gorgeous game. The amount of things you can do are quite a lot. This is the type of game that is intended to have several (huge) amounts of hours dedicated. Is not a farming game. It is more than that. Excellent job, Eric.
  27. PandaMaster360
    Jun 18, 2019
    10
    Life is life. Can that be changed? Unfortunately, no. However, we can include this game in life and make it a whole lot better. Stardew Valley is an amazing game which will keep you intrigued for hours with its interesting characters and fun gameplay.
  28. ImChaos02
    May 8, 2018
    10
    AWESOME! The game itself is HUGE containing variety of content to do, fishing all types of fish, planting a ENORMOUS variety of seeds, mining and fighting over more than 100 floors of a mine, socializing with villagers, etc

    RECOMMENDED AND INCREDIBLE PORT YOU CAN TAKE YOUR FARM ANYWHERE
  29. Grunty
    May 5, 2018
    10
    I didn't know the game on PC, wasn't really into the whole idea of grow your farm / relationship thingie, and discovered it on Switch : by far, the best investment, a blast, could be time consuming, kind of relaxing game where you are doing a day to day routine with a lot of other things going on. Impressive work from a single developer and its own spirit which makes it unique.
  30. runeasgar
    Jun 1, 2018
    10
    I had no clue what I was getting myself into with this game. I did not expect to spend so much time playing it. I'm still drawn to replay it. There's something for everyone in this game.. farming, combat, fishing, romance, relationships, that feeling of achievement from managing things. The polish and complexity is remarkable and unexpected. The music is great, too.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Switch Game of 2017
9
#9 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
19
#19 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Cubed3
    Jan 2, 2018
    90
    The portability of the Nintendo Switch makes this undoubtedly the best way to play Stardew Valley. Unless you are really keen on modding the game, the combination of easy portability and excellent controls makes this a staple in any well-rounded Switch library. It's still the same great farm simulator it was on PC - robust, full of secrets, and comes with an inescapable charm that will keep pulling you back in, season after season.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 30, 2017
    95
    Run, don't walk. Visit the valley and lose yourself in nature like millions of other fans have! [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 26]
  3. Switch Player
    Oct 20, 2017
    90
    The farming simulator genre is back and better than ever! Stardew Valley provides you an experience that just grows more and more as you play. Every little thing, from planting to befriending the community, becomes surprisingly meaningful as your hard works comes to life in front of you. With tons of content, it’ll keep you hooked into living this calm, pleasurable and magical second life, all made better with Switch’s portability.
    Read full review
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