Yes, you can play Stardew Valley FOR FREE!

The game Stardew Valley has been a hit since it's release back in 2016. Even developer Eric Barone (better known as his alias ConcernedApe) couldn't have predicted the immense success his game has achieved.

Millions of players world wide enjoy the game he - and only he - created. Stardew Valley is available on multiple platforms, has it's own line of merchandise as well as inspired creators all over the world. How about this spot on mug, a typical Stardew Valley t-shirt or these cute indoor planters?

And there are even live concerts with an actual orchestra playing the music! Music Eric actually composed himself too... This man is a miracle. 

Available platforms

Back to the game then. Stardew Valley is available on multiple platforms. Actually, it is available on basically every platform you can think off. 

On PC, you can play it through Steam, HumbleBundle or GOG. You can get it on either of these platforms for €13,99  / $14,99  which is a great deal if you ask me. 

If you get it through Steam, you've got the added bonus of being able to play it on a Steamdeck. According to Steam itself, Stardew Valley is one of the most played games on the Steamdeck! Honestly, I'm not surprised. 

Other handheld devices you can play Stardew Valley on are the Nintendo Switch, or basically any phone or tablet! The game is available for both iOS or Android devices for the meagre price of €4,39 / $4,99. 

Playing on console? ConcernedApe has got you covered with both XBox and Playstation versions of Stardew Valley. On these consoles, prices are the same as on PC: €13,99 / $14,99

Honestly, there is no way you are not able to play this addictive game...

Play Stardew Valley for free (with subscription)

So I promised you a free Stardew Valley experience. How about those prices I mentioned?

While it is true that Stardew Valley is in essence a paid to play game, there are 3 ways you can get this game for free.

Stardew Valley included in Xbox Game Pass

If you have an Xbox, you surely have heard about the Game Pass. It comes in several options for PC, Console or Both. 

Stardew Valley is included in the Game Pass for PC, so you can play the game on your PC if you have the Xbox app installed. 

For consoles, Stardew Valley is included in all Game Pass subscriptions, so you can even play Stardew Valley on the Game Pass Core, the cheapest Microsoft subscription for Game Pass!

Stardew Valley included in Google Play Pass

If you are an avid Android gamer, you might have subscribed to the Google Play Pass. This subscription based model by Google is offers over a 1000 games and apps with no ads or in-app purchases. New offers for top games are added every month. All of this for the low price of €4,99 / $4,99. 

Stardew Valley is one of the games which are included in the Play Pass. If you have the Play Pass subscription, you can get Stardew Valley on your Android devices for free!

Is it worth getting the Google Play Pass just for Stardew Valley? No, of course not. For the price of 1 month, you can actually buy the game outright. But if you happen to play some more games, like Clash Royale, Raid Shadow Legends or the amazing Layton games, you might find some worth.

If not, there's a third way of getting Stardew Valley for free. And this option is actually free!

Play Stardew Valley for free (actually free, no money!)

So we've already found out Stardew Valley is available on your Android devices. That includes your phones, tablets and Chromebooks. 

The price is ridiculously cheap, so you should just pay for it. If you can't or just don't want to, here's a way to get Stardew Valley for free. 

Download an app called Google Opinion Rewards. This is an app from Google itself, so it's safe in that regard. It is Google though, so be mindful about how much of your data you want to share.

After installing and getting through the sign up and profile, you will receive surveys or receipt tasks at random times. Especially when you've been out and about, like at work, shopping or meeting a friend in the mall or browsing the internet. Once you come back, you'll receive a notification to share your opinion. 

In Europe, these surveys are usually "did you go into this or that shop" and if so "did you buy something and how did you pay". If you bought something at a shop, they might ask you to upload your receipt for that transaction. 

If you viewed YouTube videos and were presented with commercials, Google Opinion Rewards might ask you if you saw the ad and if so, some follow up question. 

Do you use Google as your search engine? In that case, you might also be asked about sponsored results you were shown. 

Don't get me wrong, you won't be paid massive amounts. It's not a gold mine. But if you are on the move a lot, you might be able to get enough rewards to pay for Stardew Valley on the Play Store. In my history, I've got an average of €0,15 per survey and €0,08 per receipt task. The 1 cent in the screenshot seems like a bad deal, but these are receipts I choose not to upload (because I didn't get a receipt in the shop I went to).

For a full list of available countries in which Google Opinion Rewards is available, check out support.google.com.

So there you have it! I promised you a way to play Stardew Valley for free. I gave you 3 ways, of which 2 might be cheating... but the 3rd option is actually free!