How To Mod Stardew Valley

While *Stardew Valley's* recent updates have garnered much attention, players have long leveraged the power of mods to enhance their experience. From expanding NPC storylines to adding unique cosmetic items, modding unlocks a world of creative possibilities. Here's how to get started.

How to Mod Stardew Valley on Windows

Step One: Back Up Your Save File (Recommended)

Protecting your farm is crucial, especially if you've invested significant time. While unnecessary for new games, backing up your save ensures you won't lose progress. Here's how:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type %appdata% and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the Stardew Valley folder, then the Saves folder.
4. Copy and paste the contents to a safe location on your PC.

Step Two: Install SMAPI

SMAPI is the essential mod loader, seamlessly integrating mods into your game. Download it directly from their website. Remember, SMAPI itself isn't a mod; it's the tool that enables modding. Therefore, don't extract it into your mods folder.

1. After downloading, extract the SMAPI ZIP file to a convenient location (desktop or downloads folder is fine).
2. Run SMAPI and select "Install on Windows."
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step Three: Configure Your Game Client (If Necessary)

If you play Stardew Valley through Steam, GOG Galaxy, or the Xbox app, you might need extra steps to maintain playtime tracking and achievements. Refer to the SMAPI website for detailed instructions on configuring your specific game client.

Step Four: Installing Mods

Now for the fun part! Nexus Mods is a popular source for Stardew Valley mods, offering a vast selection.

1. Download mods (typically as ZIP files) from Nexus Mods or other reputable sources.

2. Extract the downloaded ZIP files.

3. Move the extracted mod folders into the Mods folder (automatically created after SMAPI installation). The Mods folder location depends on your game client:

   • Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Stardew Valley
   • GOG Galaxy: C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Games\Stardew Valley
   • Xbox App: C:\XboxGames\Stardew Valley

With thousands of mods available, there's something for every player.

*Stardew Valley* is available now.