How To Mod Stardew Valley

While the recent *Stardew Valley* 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 modding *Stardew Valley*.

How to Mod Stardew Valley on Windows

Step One: Back Up Your Save File (Recommended)

Protecting your progress is crucial. While unnecessary for new games, backing up your save ensures hours of farming, friendship-building, and artisan endeavors aren't lost. It's a simple process:

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 computer.

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 the mods folder.

Related: How To Get Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley

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 additional steps to maintain playtime tracking and achievements. Further configuration details can be found here.

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 requiring extraction. Once extracted, simply move the files into the Mods folder (automatically created after SMAPI installation). 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 over 1000 mods available on Nexus alone, there's plenty to explore for both seasoned and new players.

*Stardew Valley is available now.*