2026 marks the tenth anniversary of Stardew Valley, a popular farming simulator that is often credited with revitalizing the genre. Creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has been hard at work on Stardew Valley's 1.7 update, which will focus on character and social content as well as adding a new farm type.
Speaking to IGN, Barone revealed that Stardew Valley players will gain two new marriage options in Version 1.7. Pelican Town is filled with potential spouses, but these are the most likely choices to be given a romance and marriage route.
Sandy: A Desert Dweller Who Craves Connection
Stardew Valley's Sandy is probably the first name that comes to mind when considering marriage options among the existing cast. This mysterious beauty runs the Oasis shop in the Calico Desert and cannot be met until players have repaired the bus that allows them to travel there.
Developing a friendship with Sandy leads the shopkeeper to reveal that she often feels lonely and longs to visit the town—something she can only do if the player invites her to see a movie with them at the Stardew Valley theater. Her potential romance could revolve around visiting the Valley and discovering she prefers it to the desert. Young, single, beautiful, and popular with fans, Sandy's an easy choice for a bachelorette.
Clint: A Bachelor Whose Crush Does Not Reciprocate
Blacksmith Clint is not nearly as popular among fans as Sandy, but the sheer fact that he's single and likely close in age to the player increases his chances of being selected. Clint has received some criticism for being a fairly one-note character—he has a crush on the vibrant Emily, but his story ends abruptly after he successfully asks her out. A romance and marriage plot could expand Clint's story significantly, allowing him to gain more self-confidence and move past his infatuation with Emily.
If he is not one of the two new marriage candidates, ConcernedApe could still potentially add more to Clint's short character story in Stardew Valley. It would be nice to see Clint getting over Emily, moving on, and gaining some confidence and new friends. Right now, he's one of the more isolated residents of Pelican Town, and it would be nice to see him connect with others and stop uncomfortably watching Emily as she goes about her days.
The Wizard: A Mysterious Outsider And A Major Fan Favorite
M. Rasmodius, the wizard who lives in the tower at the edge of Cindersap Forest, is one of Stardew Valley's most popular characters despite his relatively minimal presence in the game. His extensive backstory is only hinted at, but the hints players do get are fascinating.
What really happened between him and the Witch, who seems to be his ex-partner? Did Caroline really have an affair with him, and is Abigail secretly his daughter rather than Pierre's? Where did he learn magic? Why did he choose to settle in Stardew Valley? How did he come to befriend the Junimo spirits? The questions are endless, and it would be wonderful to see them addressed as the player romances him.
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Stardew Valley mods have been created that allow player characters to romance and marry the Wizard, and it would be wonderful to be able to officially do so. A more fleshed-out Wizard story could further explore the magical elements of Stardew's world, which are hinted to be receiving a larger focus in Barone's next game, Haunted Chocolatier. Perhaps a Wizard marriage could also coincide with the introduction of new magical items to make life on the farm easier, such as the teleportation pillars he already sells?
Other Single Residents Are Less Likely, But Possible
Clint, Sandy, and the Wizard are the most likely options for players to marry in Stardew Valley's 1.7 update. However, there are a few other single villagers who could potentially fall in love with the player.
- Gus, the friendly bartender and chef who runs the Stardrop Saloon. A marriage path for Gus could potentially involve adding new cooking recipes to his and the player's repertoire.
- Pam, the single mother of current marriage candidate Penny. Pam is a bit of a loner who is known for her grumpy attitude and love of drinking, and a romance could allow players to get to know her beneath the gruff exterior.
- Linus, a wild man who lives in a tent. Despite being a loner who prefers nature to human companionship, Linus is one of the kindest characters in the game, and many players have expressed a desire to let him move into their farmhouse.
- Willy the fisherman probably doesn't want to leave his home on the docks, but perhaps he could marry the player and split his time between the farmhouse and his seaside shop.
- The rancher Marnie and the mayor Lewis have a secret relationship—which the player can discover while searching for Lewis' missing "lucky purple shorts" — but, if this relationship ended, either one could potentially pursue the player.
There is also a slim chance that a character who exists in the game but cannot be befriended by the player will receive a significant promotion and become a possible love interest. Options include the Witch (the Wizard's ex-wife), the mysterious casino owner and quest-giver Mr. Qi, the museum curator Gunther, or the Adventurer's Guild members Marlon and Gil.
Finally, ConcernedApe could choose to allow players to split up some of the existing marriages in Pelican Town. Rumors indicate that the builder Robin was initially conceived as a marriage candidate, with a story that would have involved breaking up her and her husband, Demetrius. If ending existing marriages is on the table, the aforementioned Robin and Demetrius, as well as Pierre, Caroline, Jodi, and Kent, could all be options for the player to marry.
Will One Or Both Marriage Options Be A New Character?
It's more than likely that existing characters in Stardew Valley will be made into marriage options. However, there is a chance that ConcernedApe could add two brand-new characters instead. The new Stardew Valley villager Leo was added as part of the major 1.5 update, so 1.7 could also bring some new faces along. However, given how attached players have become to Pelican Town's residents over the past ten years since Stardew Valley's release, fans seem more eager to romance an existing villager than someone completely new.
Luckily, fans have only a few weeks to wait before they find out who they can give a Mermaid's Pendant to in the upcoming update. Barone has stated that he will officially reveal the two new marriage candidates on the day of Stardew Valley's tenth anniversary: February 26, 2026. He might also share a release date for the 1.7 update at this time, as well as additional details, such as an early look at the new farm type. With the beloved farming game celebrating ten years since its release, one thing is certain: fans will have plenty to look forward to in Stardew Valley in 2026.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- February 26, 2016
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
