Stardew Valley is set to receive one of its biggest social updates yet. During a recent interview with IGN marking the game’s 10th anniversary, creator Eric Barone confirmed that the upcoming 1.7 update will introduce two brand-new marriage candidates and meaningful improvements to how in-game children behave .
Two New Marriage Candidates Coming in Update 1.7
Barone confirmed that Stardew Valley 1.7 will expand its romance system by adding two new marriageable characters. This marks the first major expansion to the game’s romance roster since Shane and Emily became eligible partners in the 1.1 update.
Barone chose not to reveal who the new candidates are just yet. Instead, he said the official reveal will happen on February 26, Stardew Valley’s anniversary. The announcement timing suggests fans will not have to wait long to learn which characters—or possibly new faces—are joining Pelican Town’s dating pool.
This confirmation directly addresses one of the longest-running community requests, as players have asked for new romance options for years.
Children Will Become “More Interesting”
The update will also address another frequent criticism: the limited role of children in the game. Barone acknowledged that in their current form, children feel underdeveloped and lack meaningful interaction.
With update 1.7, he aims to change that. While he avoided revealing exact mechanics, he confirmed the update will make children more interactive and engaging, responding to what he described as a “popular fan request.” He deliberately kept details vague to preserve the surprise for players when the update launches.
This signals a deeper family system that could add more life and long-term progression to married playthroughs.
More Features Players Didn’t Ask For — But Will Appreciate
Beyond romance and family changes, Barone hinted at additional features that players may not have explicitly requested but are designed to enhance the overall experience. This approach follows the pattern of previous major updates, which often introduced unexpected additions that blended seamlessly into the core gameplay.
As with earlier updates, Barone stressed that these changes will not disrupt Stardew Valley’s relaxed pace or charm.
No Release Date Yet, Anniversary Reveal Confirmed
At the moment, Stardew Valley 1.7 does not have a confirmed release date. Barone continues to follow his long-standing development style of avoiding fixed timelines until features are ready.
What is confirmed is that the identities of the two new marriage candidates will be revealed on February 26, aligning with the game’s anniversary celebration.
Stardew Valley Still Evolving After 10 Years
A decade after launch, Stardew Valley continues to grow in meaningful ways. With new romance options, improved family systems, and unannounced surprises on the way, update 1.7 shows that Barone remains deeply invested in expanding the game’s world while respecting what made it beloved in the first place.
More details are expected to surface later this month as the anniversary approaches.
