In a surprise announcement, Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone has announced the launch of Stardew Valley: The Board Game, a co-op tabletop interpretation of the phenomenally successful and popular Stardew Valley.
The game is out now for $55, but it is unfortunately only shipping to the US at this time.
The game has been two years in the making, with Barone collaborating with board game designer Cole Medeiros. It features pretty much all of the elements you find in the video game, from managing your crops, rearing animals and fishing, to heading into town to romance villagers and heading into the Mine.
The aim of the game is to fulfil your Grandpa’s Goals and restore the Community Center. Each game will have randomised goals, in order to increase replayability, with the looming threat that the Joja Corporation will take over the Valley if you don’t. Goals include things like all players having 10 Gold, reaching the bottom level of the Mine (Level 12), having three friends per player, donating two items to the Museum per player, and so on.
Stardew Valley: The Board Game is designed for 1-4 players.
The game tracks time using the Season Deck, revealing weather and different kinds of events, giving players the chance to discuss their plans for each turn, and then putting that into action. You still have independent play, though your overarching goal is to work together.
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, but they hazard that this is not a simple or quick game to play. “While it is easy to play once you know the rules, it’s meant to be challenging,” the description reads, and they note that “If your game group or family prefers short playtimes (less than 45 minutes) with a small number of rules and components, this game might not be a good fit.” In fact, it’s estimate that the game takes 45 minutes per player, so a group of four will take around 3 hours, though the game can be adjusted for reduced playtime.
You can read the full Stardew Valley: The Board Game rulebook to get a feel for how the game works, thanks to this handy Dropbox that has been set up.
Fingers crossed the game comes to the rest of the world soon!
Source: Stardew Valley
