What it is
Stardew Valley is a farm game. On a phone or tablet you pay once in the store. After that, the crops, tools, and seasons do not cost real money. There is no season pass sitting on top of the game.
What it costs: the download. What it does not cost: coins, extra energy, or a monthly fee. Playing with a friend is optional. A public room full of strangers is not required.
What to look out for
- A saved card left over from the purchase.
- Mods or “free items” that ask them to download a file from a random site.
- A second account they are using to play with people you have not heard of.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Stardew Valley. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Do not put your card details on their device. Not in the App Store, Google Play, the game, or PayPal. If you choose to pay, type the card in yourself for that purchase, then remove it.
- Pay once, yourself, and remove the card.
- Younger children play in their own farm, or with friends you know.
- If someone sends a link “so you can join”, it waits until you have looked at it.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Games that sell random prizes are getting higher age ratings The BBC piece is about repeat spending inside games. Stardew Valley is a one-time purchase. Do not leave the card on the phone after you buy it.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "We paid for this one already. It should not ask for my card again. If it does, or if someone online wants you to download something, you show me."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.