Stardew Valley fans don’t have to wait for update 1.7 to get a new adventure. The official prequel, Stardew Valley: Before the Farmer, is available to claim now.
The 144-page graphic novel, created by Chihiro Sakaida, explores life in Stardew Valley before the farmer arrives. It follows the townsfolk through their daily lives, challenges, and celebrations, including the arrival of the Joja Corporation.
The hardcover edition is high-quality, with a woodgrain-style, gold-foil embossed cover. Inside, the book features gentle creme-colored pages with brown ink and bilingual dialogue in Japanese and English.
The dust jacket doubles as a poster, and fans also receive a hand-sealed letter from Grandpa with a Pelican Town seal sticker and a beautiful illustration of a farmhouse.
The prequel gives players a closer look at the village and its characters, adding more depth to the world of Stardew Valley. It’s designed to enrich the experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Update 1.7 is still in development, with new marriage candidates like Clint and Sandy confirmed. While ConcernedApe hasn’t shared an exact release date, fans expect it in 2026 based on the timeline of previous updates.
Meanwhile, Stardew Valley: Before the Farmer is available for just under $30 USD on FanGamer. It’s a perfect way to explore the valley and its stories while waiting for the new update.
With both the prequel and update 1.7 on the horizon, Stardew Valley enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this year.