Stardew Valley 1.7 Adds Clint and Sandy as Romance Options

On February 26, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the release of Stardew Valley, game creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone hosted a YouTube livestream that drew thousands of fans eager for updates on the beloved farming simulation. During the broadcast, Barone reflected on the game's development journey and unveiled key features for the anticipated version 1.7 update, including the addition of two new marriageable characters: Clint, the Pelican Town blacksmith, and Sandy, the Oasis shopkeeper in the Calico Desert.

The livestream, which lasted over an hour, featured archival footage from early prototypes, including the game's original working title, Sprout Valley, and insights into cut content such as underground goblin villages and an alternate farm map. Barone saved the most anticipated reveal for the end, confirming that Clint and Sandy would join the roster of romance options when update 1.7 launches. This news capped a year of teasers about the update, first announced in 2023, and addressed long-standing fan requests for expanded social interactions.

Clint, a fixture in Pelican Town since the game's 2016 debut, handles tool upgrades and geode processing at his forge. Known...