A gorgeous Stardew Valley board game is out now (if you live in the US)

Well, this is a lovely surprise for all the Stardew Valley fans out there.

Eric Barone, the creator of farming sensation Stardew Valley better known by his screen name of ConcernedApe, today announced and launched Stardew Valley: The Board Game.

Like the video game it's based on, it looks absolutely gorgeous.

In collaboration with board game designer Cole Medeiros, whose previous tabletop games include Web of Spies and GUBS: A Game of Wit and Luck, Barone has worked for the past two-and-a-half years to bring the Stardew board game to life.

Designed for up to four players aged 13 and above, the cooperative game sees you play an in-game year completing many of the farming-related tasks as seen in the video game.

Here's what the official Stardew Valley: The Board Game description has to say:

"Stardew Valley: The Board Game is a cooperative game where players work together to restore the Valley. They accomplish this by growing crops, raising animals, expanding their farm and collecting resources from across the Valley.

By befriending the local villagers, players earn hearts that allow them to reveal hidden goals. Only by working together will they keep Joja Corporation from moving in and spoiling everything.

So choose your profession and pick up your starting tool; Stardew Valley needs you!"

There's a PDF copy of the rulebook online as well, so you can check out whether the board game is your style.

While the surprise board game is technically out now, it's only available in the US currently, offering no international shipping options.

Sure, parcel-forwarding options exist, but they only add another step and an extra layer of cost many of us might not be able to afford right now.

According to the online shop listing, work is underway to bring the game internationally "but because of the complexity involved at the moment we're still figuring out the details."

Hopefully, we can get our hands on Stardew Valley: The Board Game soon, as it sounds like a great time. Even for fans of the OG Stardew Valley, this would make a great addition to the merch collection.

Soon, my partner will be able to swoon over Sebastian in card form, while I'll be left to work in the mines.