Stardew Valley dethrones Portal 2 as Steam’s highest-rated game after 14 years

For nearly a decade and a half, Portal 2 reigned as the highest-rated game on Steam, holding an untouchable spot in the platform’s Top 250 user-rated rankings. But in July 2025, that changed. A humble indie title released in 2016, Stardew Valley, has officially surpassed Valve’s puzzle masterpiece, marking a major moment in gaming history.

Stardew Valley is now Steam’s top-rated game

According to Steam Top 250, Stardew Valley currently holds a score of 8.87/10 with nearly 900,000 user reviews, 98% of which are positive. In comparison, Portal 2 sits just behind with a score of 8.85/10 and around 436,000 reviews, also with a 98% positive rating.

The ranking algorithm weighs both the approval percentage and the volume of reviews, meaning Stardew Valley’s massive review count helped push it ahead, even though its percentage of positive reviews is slightly lower.

What makes this achievement remarkable is that Stardew Valley was created by a single developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone. The game blends farming, life simulation, dungeon crawling, and relationship-building into a relaxing yet deeply engaging experience. Its success is a testament to the power of player-first design, free from microtransactions, battle passes, or time-gated events.

Barone’s attention to detail and commitment to post-launch updates have kept the game thriving for nearly a decade. Features like multiplayer, seasonal events, and mod support have helped build a passionate community that continues to grow.

Available platforms and pricing

Stardew Valley is currently available on:

As of July 2025, the game is on sale for $6.99 on Steam, a 50% discount that makes it an ideal time to jump in.

A quiet revolution in game design

Stardew Valley’s rise to the top isn’t just about numbers, it’s about values. It proves that you don’t need a massive budget to create a beloved game. You need heart, vision, and respect for your players. In an era dominated by monetization strategies, Stardew Valley offers a complete experience with no strings attached.

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