Stardew Valley 1.7 Adds Clint & Sandy as New Marriage Options! [Update Details] (2026)

Get ready for a major shake-up in Stardew Valley! Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), the mastermind behind the beloved farming sim, has just dropped a bombshell announcement in a 10th-anniversary video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geiTg6Z7w3A). Among the exciting reveals are two brand-new marriageable characters joining the game in the upcoming 1.7 patch: Clint and Sandy. This news has sent waves of excitement through the Stardew Valley community, as both characters have been fan favorites for years, though for very different reasons.

Clint, the valley’s blacksmith, has long been a top request for bachelor status. Players frequently visit him to upgrade tools and crack open geodes, but his appeal goes beyond practicality. His unrequited crush on Emily, another marriage candidate, has tugged at heartstrings for years. Even if players don’t pursue Emily, Clint’s awkward, often heartbreaking interactions with her have made fans root for his happiness. Giving Clint a more fleshed-out storyline—beyond his current reserved and socially awkward demeanor—feels like a long-overdue gift to the community. But here’s where it gets controversial: will Clint’s new romanceable status overshadow Emily’s storyline, or will it add a layer of complexity to their dynamic? What do you think?

Sandy, the manager of the Oasis in the Desert, has also been a highly requested addition to the marriage roster. Players typically don’t encounter her until later in the game, and her permanent residence at the Oasis limits interaction opportunities. Yet, her kindness and charm have left fans craving more. With her inclusion as a marriage candidate, players will finally get the chance to build a deeper relationship with her. However, this raises a question: will her storyline feel rushed or forced, given her isolated location? Let’s discuss in the comments!

But that’s not all—ConcernedApe took fans on a nostalgic journey through Stardew Valley’s evolution. He showcased early builds of the game (originally titled “Sprout Valley”), starting with a 2012 version that was incredibly rudimentary, reminiscent of the classic Harvest Moon. Despite its simplicity, the core design elements—like the layout of Pelican Town and the bus—were already in place. Fast forward to a 2013 build, and the game begins to resemble the Stardew Valley we know today, with updated art and a more sandbox-style approach. Interestingly, this version featured procedurally generated mines and an underground Goblin Village—ideas that were ultimately scrapped. As ConcernedApe noted, ‘Just because an idea sounds cool doesn’t mean it’s fun or practical.’ This behind-the-scenes look highlights the trial-and-error process that shaped the game into the masterpiece it is today.

And this is the part most people miss: ConcernedApe clarified that these early builds aren’t considered ‘canon’ in the Stardew Valley universe. By 2014, the Community Center had been introduced, but staples like Joja Mart and Hat Mouse were still absent. Players also couldn’t decorate their homes yet. An August 2015 build, just six months before launch, shows how many elements came together at the last minute—from the mailbox’s location to the final design of the player’s house. It’s a testament to the game’s iterative development process.

Reflecting on the game’s launch, ConcernedApe shared that Stardew Valley sold nearly 40,000 copies on its first day—a moment that solidified its success. He concluded the video with a heartfelt thank-you to the community and a recap of the game’s updates over the years. While patch 1.7’s release date remains a mystery, today’s announcement has given fans plenty to look forward to.

As we celebrate Stardew Valley’s 10th anniversary, it’s impossible not to marvel at how far the game has come. Earlier this month, we sat down with ConcernedApe to discuss topics like why there isn’t a Stardew Valley TV show (https://www.ign.com/articles/stardew-valley-creator-uses-harry-potter-to-explain-why-there-isnt-a-stardew-valley-tv-show) and the one secret the community still hasn’t uncovered (https://www.ign.com/articles/stardew-valley-still-has-1-secret-players-have-never-found-creator-concernedape-confirms). For a deep dive into our full interview, check it out here (https://www.ign.com/articles/stardew-valley-turns-10-the-big-concernedape-interview).

What are your thoughts on Clint and Sandy’s addition to the marriage roster? Do you think their storylines will enhance the game, or will they feel out of place? Share your opinions below—we’d love to hear from you!