Stardew Valley, which has sold over ten million copies since its release in February 2016, is currently ranked second on SteamDB, just behind Portal 2.

The game's success can be attributed to its charming pixel-art graphics, engaging story, and open-ended gameplay, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.

As of July 4, 2025, Stardew Valley boasts nearly 896,000 reviews, with an impressive 98.4 percent positive feedback, reflecting its strong community support.

It has achieved an overall score of 8.87 based on 895,800 ratings, further solidifying its status as the highest-rated game on Steam.

A recent price reduction during a Steam sale, bringing the game down to $7.49, has led to an influx of new reviews, boosting its rating.

The game has topped ratings against other popular titles such as Terraria, Hades, and The Witcher 3, showcasing its competitive edge.

Portal 2 remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its engaging puzzle gameplay and iconic characters, influencing the gaming community since the 2000s.

Developer ConcernedApe has been proactive in updating Stardew Valley to address gameplay issues and add new content, contributing to its sustained popularity.

Despite some recent gameplay difficulties due to patches, the developer's quick responses have helped maintain player satisfaction.

The rise of Stardew Valley and similar sandbox games indicates a shift in gamer interests towards non-linear and evolving gaming experiences.

Unlike Portal 2, both Stardew Valley and Terraria receive regular content updates, enhancing gameplay without relying on microtransactions or paid DLC.

Stardew Valley has inspired various spin-off projects, including a cookbook, a symphony tour, and a board game, further solidifying its status as a classic in gaming.