In a special 10th-anniversary video, Stardew Valley developer Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, announced that two new marriage candidates will join the game in the upcoming patch 1.7: Clint and Sandy. This news has excited fans who have long requested these characters as romance options.
Clint, the valley's blacksmith, has been a popular bachelor choice among players. Known for upgrading tools and opening geodes, he's a frequent stop for many. His awkward, unrequited crush on Emily, an existing marriage candidate, has fueled player interest, especially with scenes where he appears hurt if the player marries her. Adding Clint as a romance option promises to expand his storyline beyond his current quiet and clumsy demeanor.
Sandy, who runs the Oasis in the Desert, has also been a fan-favorite for marriage. Players typically encounter her later in the game, and since she never leaves the Oasis, interactions have been limited. Her kind nature has left the community eager for more depth in her character, which this update aims to provide.
The video also featured a nostalgic look back at Stardew Valley's development. ConcernedApe shared early builds from 2012, when the game was called "Sprout Valley" and resembled a basic version of Harvest Moon. By 2013, the art style had evolved closer to the current game, with a more sandbox-focused design that included procedurally generated mines and a scrapped Goblin Village—ideas deemed too ambitious for the final scope.
In 2014, the Community Center was introduced, though staples like Joja Mart and Hat Mouse were absent, and house decoration wasn't yet possible. A build from August 2015, just months before launch, showed near-final elements with minor tweaks to details like mailbox placement and character design.
Reflecting on the game's release, ConcernedApe recalled selling nearly 40,000 copies on the first day, confirming its success. He thanked the community for their ongoing support and highlighted the game's updates over the years.
Patch 1.7 is set for a later release, with no additional details yet. This announcement comes on Stardew Valley's 10th anniversary, following recent interviews with ConcernedApe about topics like the absence of a TV adaptation and undiscovered secrets in the game.
