The Untold Origins: Unveiling the Potential of a Stardew Valley Prequel

Highlights

Stardew Valley has a rich and mysterious history that could be explored in a prequel, offering answers, context, and a new perspective on the game.

Pelican Town holds numerous enigmas, with one of them being the mysterious background of the player's grandfather's farm. This makes it an ideal backdrop for a prequel, wherein the origins of Pelican Town can be explored. Players would have the opportunity to delve into the town's history, forging connections between their family farm's inception and the establishment of the town itself.

Rather than hoping for a sequel, many believe that Stardew Valley would benefit greatly from a prequel that delves into its rich and mysterious history. Stardew Valley became a beloved game in the world of indie gaming, thanks to its unique style, open-ended gameplay, and homage to cult classics like Harvest Moon. While the developer, ConcernedApe, is currently working on Haunted Chocolatier, fans are still intrigued by the idea of a Stardew Valley sequel and the potential for a long-term series.

While a sequel could build upon and enhance the existing world of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe also has the option to take players on a journey through time to explore the origins of the game. With a wealth of lore and iconic characters and locations, a prequel would provide the opportunity to answer lingering questions about Pelican Town, such as why the Community Center was abandoned and the untold history of the player's grandfather's farm. Not only would a prequel offer answers and context, but it would also offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the world of Stardew Valley itself.

Stardew Valley Has Plenty of History to Explore

The history of Stardew Valley is often hinted at but remains unclear throughout the game. Mayor Lewis claims to have held his position unchallenged for twenty years, while George's past as a coal miner dates back thirty years. This suggests that there is a significant amount of unaccounted time within Stardew Valley, as the player's inheritance of the family farm implies a deeper heritage that has yet to be explored. Many other characters in Pelican Town also allude to more complex backstories, such as Kent's deployment in the Gotoro Empire and the millennia-long Elemental War between Dwarves and Shadow People.

Exploring the known histories alluded to by various characters, books, and notes would provide more than enough material for a potential Stardew Valley prequel. While it is important to acknowledge that not every mystery in Stardew Valley needs to be solved, it can be frustrating to realize how little is known about the in-game history. For example, the role of the enigmatic Junimos in completing the Stardew Valley Community Center is never explained, and the reasons behind the derelict state of the building, as well as the abandonment of other areas like the Train Platform, Quarry, and Spa, remain unknown.

A Prequel Could Explore Pelican Town's Founding

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To ensure a more focused and captivating Stardew Valley prequel, it is essential for the game to choose a specific point in its vast and uncertain history to center the narrative on. Considering Pelican Town's central role in the game's history, the prequel could begin with its initial establishment and subsequent growth into the bustling town known in Stardew Valley. This would provide players with an opportunity to experience the town's history firsthand, interact with younger versions of familiar characters or their predecessors, and gain insights into life before Stardew Valley. Additionally, this approach could establish a connection between the player's family farm and the foundation of Pelican Town.

Setting the prequel during this time period would have the advantage of avoiding the need to create entirely new environments. If the player assumes the role of the ancestor who founded the family farm, Stardew Valley could draw inspiration from Animal Crossing by allowing the player to become the first-ever mayor of Pelican Town. This would involve actively participating in the establishment of the entire town and its community, rather than solely focusing on the Community Center. By incorporating this idea, the prequel would maintain the core themes of community and rural life that Stardew Valley embodies, while also embracing the Western aesthetic specific to Pelican Town. The narrative could explore various aspects of the new frontier, such as the construction of the railroad, the gold rush in the mines, and traditional farming practices.

Stardew Valley is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.