How To Mod Stardew Valley

While *Stardew Valley*'s recent update generated significant buzz, 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 with modding *Stardew Valley*.

How to Mod Stardew Valley on Windows

Step One: Back Up Your Save File

This is highly recommended, especially if you've invested significant time building your farm. Losing your progress would be devastating! While unnecessary for new games, backing up your save ensures peace of mind.

To back up your save:

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 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 SMAPI directly from their official website. Remember, SMAPI itself isn't a mod; it's the tool that enables modding. Therefore, do not extract the downloaded ZIP file into your mods folder.

After downloading, extract the SMAPI ZIP file (your desktop or downloads folder works well). Run SMAPI and select "Install on Windows," following 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 documentation 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. Mods are typically downloaded as ZIP files; extract them and place the contents into the Mods folder (automatically created after installing SMAPI). 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

That's it! With thousands of mods available on Nexus Mods alone, there's endless fun for both veteran and new players.

Stardew Valley is available now.