Disney Dreamlight Valley has been going strong since its release in August 2022. Combining elements of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, the game tasks players with repopulating a Valley using fan-favorite Disney characters after a cataclysmic event called "The Forgetting." Fans have received multiple updates since the game's launch, each adding new characters and clues to unraveling the Valley's past. Last week, Disney revealed the early 2023 roadmap for Dreamlight Valley, giving players a glimpse at the characters and content taking center stage this year.

Updates to Disney Dreamlight Valley have been released steadily since fall 2022, adding context to the games' world. When it launched, all areas of the Valley were unlockable, despite much of its content having not been released. Because of this, Dreamlight Valley launched with pacing issues, as those who played for too long found themselves without any quests or levels to progress. Disney has done a good job of providing updates that add considerable content to the game, and 2023's roadmap looks to promise significant story and gameplay additions - but there might be more waiting in the wings.

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Disney Dreamlight Valley Has a History of Surprising Fans

Disney Dreamlight Valley Player, Mickey, and Merlin lookng at the castle

Before Dreamlight Valley's Winter Update, players were told that Toy Story content would be added to the game. The Winter Update was going to add a Toy Story realm to the Dream Castle, and allow Woody and Buzz to join players' Valleys. When the update's December 2022 release date got closer, Disney unveiled a surprising addition with a cryptic tweet on Disney Dreamlight Valley's official Twitter page, eventually revealing that Stitch would be joining the game too.

The last-minute addition of Stitch to Dreamlight Valley came as a surprise to fans, even though the character's involvement was hinted at since its first loading screen. When the Winter Update's title was revealed to be "Missions in Uncharted Space," fans knew that Stitch would feature a unique quest line too. Once the update launched, that quest line proved to be quite the endeavor, as Stitch's recruitment mission required up to 5 real-world days between objectives.

Dreamlight Valley's 2023 Roadmap Leaves Room For More Surprises

Disney Dreamlight Valley Roadmap

The 2023 Content Roadmap details updates into the early summer. The roadmap is divided into four categories: February, April, Early Summer, and "More to Come in 2023," each including a character reveal with detailed text. In addition to the specific characters, the 2023 roadmap for Dreamlight Valley announces major future additions such as multiplayer, new realms, and a host of decorative content. It also teases planned surprises for the game in the same vein as Stitch, with Olaf's arm visible in the February image and "...more surprises" listed in April's text.

The nature of these surprises remains to be seen, but fans can begin to speculate by building on the information revealed by the roadmap. Across these four sections, players are told that the February update will feature Mirabel and a Frosted Heights quest line, presumably focused on Olaf. In April, a realm based on The Lion King will be added alongside additional characters. Early summer looks to complete the game's main quest before the rest of the year opens the title up for multiplayer and a deeper Animal Crossing-esque gameplay loop. This transition makes sense, as Dreamlight Valley recently announced expanded inventory space is coming in a future update.

Dreamlight Valley Could Be Setting the Stage for Phase 2

where to find oyster in disney dreamlight valley

There is plenty of room for last-minute additions in Dreamlight Valley's 2023 Content Roadmap. With the addition of a The Lion King realm, players may see additional characters like Timon and Pumba join their valley. Scar featured heavily in Disney Dreamlight Valley's last update, so an entire realm afterward could bring more than just Simba to the game. Perhaps they will feature in a quest reminiscent of Mickey's efforts to remember Minnie, with Simba bringing this popular duo to the Valley by the quest's completion.

Future surprise reveals may center on elements that have been observed since day 1, like Stich in the first loading screen. Early summer's conclusion to "The Forgetting," presumably featuring the orb of the Forgotten Lands, could bring Cinderella to the game as a pumpkin carriage is featured in the area. Other characters from past loading screens may be added as well, such as Belle or Rapunzel, whose tower can be seen in the background. Until Gameloft and Disney officially reveal these details, fans are left to speculate. However, the ending to the game's first mainline story quest is likely only the beginning. Dreamlight Valley features surprisingly deep lore, and players have just begun to uncover the mysteries of Disney's adventure-filled life simulator.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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