Enhance your Stardew Valley experience with mods! This guide explains how to easily add mods to your game, expanding gameplay and adding cosmetic features. Let's get started.
Modding Stardew Valley on Windows:
Step One: Backup Your Save (Recommended)
Before installing any mods, back up your save file to protect your progress. This is especially crucial if you've invested significant time in your farm. To back up:
- Press Win + R.
- Type
%appdata%and press Enter. - Navigate to the
Stardew Valleyfolder, then theSavesfolder. - Copy the contents to a safe location. (New game saves don't require this step.)
Step Two: Install SMAPI
SMAPI is a mod loader, essential for integrating mods into your game. Download it from the official SMAPI website.
Related: Unlocking Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley
Extract the downloaded ZIP file to your desktop or downloads folder. Important: Don't place it in the Stardew Valley mods folder. Run SMAPI and select "Install on Windows," following the on-screen instructions.
Step Three: Game Client Configuration (If Necessary)
If you play Stardew Valley through Steam, GOG Galaxy, or the Xbox app, you might need additional steps to maintain achievement tracking and playtime recording. Consult the SMAPI documentation for client-specific instructions.
Step Four: Installing Mods
Now for the fun part!
Nexus Mods offers a vast library of Stardew Valley mods. Download mods (usually as ZIP files), extract them, and place the extracted folders into the Stardew Valley Mods folder. The Mods folder location varies depending 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, explore and enhance your Stardew Valley adventure.
Stardew Valley is available now.
