Stardew Valley 1.7 will add two new marriage candidates for the first time in years, alongside major social updates, as the game celebrates its 10th anniversary.
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Stardew Valley is about to get a big update with a big surprise. As the game nears its tenth anniversary, on February 26, creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has confirmed that the long-awaited 1.7 update will finally introduce two entirely new marriage candidates.
Okay, I revealed this at the concert last night and now the cat's out of the bag, so I will confirm for everyone: There will be a Stardew Valley 1.7 update. No release date, no estimate. But it's happening pic.twitter.com/RnNgc3ERER
— ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) August 30, 2025
Speaking in a recent interview, Barone discussed what’s next for the game and gave us some much-appreciated insights into how he develops the game. And while he’s keeping most of the details for 1.7 under wraps, the little that we know is enough to hype us up.
Stardew Valley Is Finally Getting Two New Marriage Candidates
During a recent interview with IGN for Stardew Valley’s 10-year milestone, ConcernedApe confirmed that the 1.7 update will introduce two additional marriage candidates. It’s big news, but the developer didn’t reveal who these two characters would be. He clarified that he would announce the details at the game’s anniversary on February 26.
In case you haven’t followed the game for a while, this will be the first time since version 1.1, which was released years ago, that the marriage pool has expanded. Until now, Shane and Emily were the last characters to be added as marriage and romance options. And so this update feels long overdue for many players.
in light of the stardew valley 1.7 update having two new marriage options… 👀 pic.twitter.com/RHBAOorWWN
— rea 🌟 (@aw3zom3zauc3) February 3, 2026
We also don’t know if these new options will be completely new characters or familiar ones that finally become romanceable. As you’d expect, fans have already begun speculating, with popular guesses including Sandy from the Calico Desert and the Wizard, Rasmodius, both of whom have been fan options for a while. In fact, there are even mods out there that make them romanceable.
What is certain is that these characters will get all the bells and whistles that come with being a romance option. As with existing spouses, we can expect them to come with unique heart events, new dialogue, and post-marriage interactions that integrate them into your farm life.
Update 1.7 Is Bringing Big Changes to the Game
The romance news wasn’t the only thing Barone shared. He also confirmed that one of the most requested changes involving the game’s child system is finally being addressed. Up until now, children in Stardew Valley haven’t had a purpose and have minimal interaction or growth. But in1.7, Barone says he’s aiming to make them “a little more interesting.”
Besides that, Barone also teased that the update includes features players haven’t explicitly asked for, but ones he believes the community will appreciate. For now, Stardew Valley 1.7 still doesn’t have a release date, and Barone has been clear that he doesn’t want to rush it.
Stardew Valley turns 10 this month and has now sold close to 50 million copies. And considering that the game still pulls in hundreds of thousands of daily players, our hopes and expectations are high for the 1.7 update. But if the game’s history is any indication, the wait will likely be worth it.
Will you be trying out the update when it comes out? Let us know in the comments!
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