Stardew Valley 1.7 Update & 10th Anniversary — Everything We Know
Stardew Valley 1.7 update (2026): the two new marriage candidates, the 10-year anniversary celebration, what else 1.7 adds, and everything announced for the future of the game.
Stardew Valley 1.7 Anniversary Update — New Marriage Candidates and Everything Revealed
Stardew Valley 1.7 is the 10-year anniversary update — announced at the game's 10th birthday (February 26, 2026) with two headline features: two new marriage candidates and a children rework. If you're searching "stardew valley 1.7," you want to know what's coming, who the new spouses are, and what else the update packs. Here's everything revealed so far.
The 10-Year Anniversary Context
Stardew Valley turned 10 years old on February 26, 2026 — and developer ConcernedApe (Eric Barone) marked the occasion with a retrospective video that did two things:
- Celebrated the journey: from "Sprout Valley" (the original working title) to one of the best-selling indie games of all time
- Revealed 1.7: the anniversary update, with a special message to players
The anniversary framing matters because it sets expectations: this is a passion update for the community, not a monetization event. 1.7 is free, like every Stardew update in the game's history.
The Two New Marriage Candidates
The headliner of 1.7 — the update adds 2 new marriage candidates to the roster (currently 12 spouses: the original 10 plus Emily and Sandy, and the two from... the bachelor/ette set). The anniversary video confirmed the additions but kept specific names largely under wraps (teased silhouettes/announcements around the anniversary period).
What's known:
- They're completely new characters — not reworked existing NPCs
- They'll join the existing 12 marriageable villagers
- The community is speculating heavily on which teased NPCs (long-standing fan favorites) will finally become spouses — the anniversary video's silhouettes are being analyzed frame by frame
As of this writing, the specific names/details of the new candidates are teased but not fully detailed in official materials. Treat specific names in community posts as speculation until ConcernedApe confirms. This guide will be updated when the full reveal lands.
What Else 1.7 Adds
Beyond the marriage candidates, the anniversary video confirmed:
- Children rework: "make children more interesting" — the update touches the child mechanic (children currently age to toddler and stay static; 1.7 makes them more involved)
- More anniversary content: the update is described as a celebration — expect quality-of-life polish and community-requested fixes alongside the features
- Free, like always: no paid tier, no DLC — the 1.7 update ships free for all owners
How 1.7 Compares to 1.6
For context, 1.6 (March 2024) was a massive content update: new crops (carrots, summer squash, broccoli, powdermelon), two new giant crops, a new farm type, new festivals, and multiplayer improvements. 1.7 is framed as smaller in scope but more "heart" — focused additions (spouses, children) rather than a content flood.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Stardew Valley 1.7 coming out?
A 2026 release was signaled at the 10-year anniversary (February 26, 2026) — no exact date announced yet. ConcernedApe typically releases updates when they're done; the anniversary video implies 2026.
What does Stardew Valley 1.7 add?
Two new marriage candidates, a children rework ("more interesting children"), plus anniversary-themed polish and quality-of-life fixes. All free.
Who are the new marriage candidates in Stardew Valley 1.7?
Official details are teased but not fully revealed — two completely new characters join the 12 existing spouses. Community speculation on names is not confirmed.
What is the 10-year anniversary update?
The 1.7 update, announced at the game's 10th anniversary (Feb 26, 2026) — a free passion update with new spouses and a children rework.
Is Stardew Valley 1.7 free?
Yes — every Stardew Valley update has been free, and 1.7 continues that.
Related guides: Stardew Valley Beginners Guide · Stardew Valley Farm Guide · Stardew Valley Multiplayer
Last updated: August 11, 2026.