After almost a decade since its release, Stardew Valley has climbed to the top of Steam’s list of highest-rated games, edging out Valve’s favorite Portal 2. This cozy farming sim has maintained its charm with steady updates and a passionate community, proving that longevity in gaming isn’t just about hype.
Initially launched in 2016 by solo creator ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley has expanded over time with new NPCs, multiplayer, and other features that keep players coming back for more. Believe it or not, it’s now more popular than ever, and in July 2025, it officially claimed the crown from Portal 2, a Valve classic that held the top spot for 14 years.
Portal 2, first released in 2011, has been praised for its clever puzzles, humor, and memorable gameplay. It’s impressive that it stayed Steam’s highest-rated game for so long. But Stardew’s rise to number one—with a score of 8.87 from 899,309 votes on Steam250—shows just how much the farming sim has resonated with players.
Portal 2 still sits close behind with an 8.85 rating from 436,510 votes, so the competition is tight. Rounding out the top spots are games like Terraria, People Playground, Left 4 Dead 2, and even the drug-dealing title Schedule 1.
Since these rankings are based on user reviews, this list can change at any time. Will Stardew Valley keep its spot at the top? Only time will tell.
Fans eager for a sequel might get lucky someday, as ConcernedApe has mentioned he might eventually make one. Until then, he’s busy working on a new project called Haunted Chocolatier. Kinda interesting, right? What do you think—will Stardew stay king, or will another game swoop in?
