The latest update to *Stardew Valley* has certainly captured the community's attention, but the world of modding has been a playground for players looking to enhance their experience for even longer. Whether you're looking to delve deeper into NPC stories or to adorn your game with new cosmetic items, modding *Stardew Valley* can truly bring out your creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mod *Stardew Valley* on Windows:
How To Mod Stardew Valley For Windows:
Step One: Back Up Your Save File
This step is highly recommended. Backing up your files ensures your farm remains safe and secure, no matter what happens. While this is unnecessary if you're starting a new game, it's crucial if you've invested hours making friends and expanding your artisanal horizons. Losing all that hard work would be devastating.
To back up your save file, follow these steps:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter.
- Open the ‘Stardew Valley’ folder.
- Open the ‘Saves’ folder.
- Copy and paste the contents to a safe location on your laptop or PC.
Step Two: Install SMAPI
SMAPI is a Mod Loader that seamlessly integrates your chosen mods into the game. You can download SMAPI directly from their website.
Related: How To Get Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley
Image via SMAPI.io
After downloading SMAPI, extract the SMAPI ZIP file to a convenient location on your computer (such as the desktop or downloads folder). Remember, SMAPI is not a mod itself but a mod loader that helps you manage your game's mods. Do not extract the file into the mod folder.
Once extracted, run SMAPI and select “install on Windows.” Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.
Step Three: Configure Your Game Client
If you run *Stardew Valley* through game clients like Steam, GOG Galaxy, or the Xbox App, you may need to take additional steps to continue tracking playtime and achievements. You can find detailed instructions on configuring your game client here.
Step Four: Installing Mods
Now comes the exciting part: installing mods.
Image via Nexus Mods
Nexus Mods is the go-to site for downloading *Stardew Valley* mods, offering a vast selection to keep players engaged. Mods are typically downloaded as ZIP files, which you'll need to extract. After extracting, move the mod files into the Mods folder, which is automatically created during SMAPI installation. The Mods folder can be found in these locations:
- 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
And that’s how you can mod *Stardew Valley*. With over 1000 mods available on Nexus alone, there's plenty to keep both new and veteran players busy.
Stardew Valley is available now.
