Stardew Valley Former Dev Sets 2026 Release Window For Sunkissed City

There is no denying that Stardew Valley is considered one of the best video game releases of all time and definitely waved the flag for the cosy gaming community.

That is why fans were over the moon to learn that ex-Stardew Valley developer Arthur 'Mr. Podunkian' Lee was making a brand-new game which would bring us the perfect life-sim complete with sun, sea, and sand.

The game in question is Sunkissed City, a life-sim “set in an upbeat, sun-kissed, seaside metropolis full of funky vibes and quirky characters”.

As you build your new life in the city, you will need to tend to DIY gardens, learn new skills, and perhaps most importantly, make lifelong friends and help bring life to the once-vibrant streets.

“Welcome to your new life in Apollo City, a sun-kissed seaside metropolis that's pumping with funky vibes and quirky characters,” the Steam synopsis reads.

“As a fresh hire for the monolithic Pico corporation's new 'Peco Pioneer' pilot program, you've been tasked with fostering a relationship with Apollo's vibrant community and putting in a good word for Pico's new eco-focused initiatives.

“But all is not well in these bustling streets. The local wildlife has begun to behave more aggressively, the waters are devoid of life, monsters are pouring out from the sewers, and that's not to mention the constant migraines everyone's been having lately.”

Mr. Podunkian

Originally planned for a late 2024 PC release, Mr. Podunkian announced that Sunkissed City would be delayed with its Steam page now showcasing a 2026 release.

However, there was once a time when Sunkissed City was scheduled for a 2025 release but in a recent social media post, the developer revealed that was not the case.

A Further Delay

"I think it's time I have to admit to myself that SKC's 2025 release window's slipped," Lee shared on Twitter.

“I've been working very hard on the game, but generally, this year was more taxing on my mood than I thought it'd be.”

When asked if a 2025 release was still possible, Lee replied, “All I can really say is that I'm working as hard as I can towards getting it out by then. I'm a bit of an idealist when it comes to deadlines, so take it with a heap of salt, but I'm still aiming for 2025, as absurd as it might seem at this point."

Over the past year, Lee has been sharing regular updates from Sunkissed City, as well as videos highlighting some of the features players can expect to find in the game.

As a result, the hype has been building which makes news of a delay all the more disappointing.

However, there is no denying that Sunkissed City is a life-sim that cosy gamers will patiently wait for, especially with its inspiration taken from Stardew Valley itself.