Stardew Valleyis one of the top dogs of the indie genre, and its influence has been felt ever since its launch back in 2016. With nearly a decade of success under its belt, the future ofStardew Valleyis still looking bright. Last year, the game got one of its most significant updates with patch 1.6, and there is still plenty of room for the game to grow.
WhileStardew Valleymay have influenced other indie developersover the years, it now may be time for more recent indie hits to influence the former.BalatroandDave the Diverhave featured plenty of fun crossovers, and if there is any game that would benefit greatly from adding crossover content, it would definitely beStardew Valley.
Stardew Valley is the Perfect Game to Take Note of Balatro and Dave the Diver’s Love of Crossovers
Balatromade some serious waves last year. Just likeStardew Valley, the delightful indie card game was developed by just a single person. DespiteBalatro’s developer, LocalThunk, being a solo dev, they have managed to rope in a wide variety of great franchises to feature in the game. From small games, likeCult of the LambandAmong Us, to major AAA titles, likeCyberpunk 2077andThe Witcher 3,Balatrooffers a cornucopia of great options.
Dave the Divertakes the exact same approach. A recent DLC collaboration withLike a Dragonand crossovers with fellow indie hits, likePotioncraft, continue to bring players great content.Dave the Diveralso plans to expand in the futurewith spin-offs, but right now, the game’s embrace of crossovers makes its current world even more charming than the base version.
BothDave the DiverandBalatrohave featured crossovers with one another. Also,Balatroeven featuredStardew Valleyin the Friends of Jimbo 2 pack.
Stardew Valley Could Bring Indie Crossovers to Greater Heights
As great asBalatroandDave the Diverare,Stardew Valleystill remains the indie king. A scenario whereStardew ValleybringsDave the Diverto Pelican Town is easy to imagine. ABaltaro-inspired jester’s hat or a scuba suit outfit would simply be the tip of the iceberg. It’s both surprising and impressive that solo developer Eric Barone has gone so long without bringing a treasure trove of crossover content. However, if Barone wanted to giveStardew Valleyan extra kick, opening the door to collaborations, whether it be with other indie games or AAA titles, could be the best way to do so.
Stardew Valleyhas now sold over a whopping 41 million copies.
Stardew Valley Crossovers Would Be Great, But Barone’s Energy May Be Best Used Elsewhere
WhenStardew Valley’s 1.6 updatearrived last year, Barone confessed that the update had kept him away fromHaunted Chocolatier. If major crossovers were to come toStardew Valley, this would undoubtedly take more time away from the highly-anticipated follow-up.
If Barone wanted to giveStardew Valleyan extra kick, opening the door to collaborations, whether it be with other indie games or AAA titles, could be the best way to do so.
Stardew Valleytaking inspiration fromBalatroandDave the Diverwould be incredibly exciting for a lot of players, but on the other hand, it could makethe wait forHaunted Chocolatierthat much longer. Only time will tell ifStardew Valleyopens the crossover floodgates, but if that ever happens, it will be a monumental moment for the indie darling.