While the latest update of *Stardew Valley* has certainly turned heads, the modding community has been enhancing the game for years. From expanding NPC storylines to introducing unique cosmetic items, modding offers a canvas for your creativity. Here's how to mod *Stardew Valley* on Windows and dive into a world of endless possibilities.
How To Mod Stardew Valley For Windows:
Step One: Back Up Your Save File
Consider this step a safety net. Backing up your save file ensures your farm remains secure, no matter what happens. If you're starting anew, this might not be necessary, but if you've invested countless hours befriending villagers and expanding your artisanal empire, the last thing you want is to lose it all.
To back up your save file, follow these steps:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter.
- Navigate to the 'Stardew Valley' folder.
- Open the 'Saves' folder.
- Copy and paste the contents to a safe location on your PC.
Step Two: Install SMAPI
SMAPI is your gateway to integrating mods seamlessly into *Stardew Valley*. Head over to their official website to install it directly.
Related: How To Get Multiple Pets in Stardew Valley
Image via SMAPI.io
After downloading, extract the SMAPI ZIP file to a convenient location on your computer, such as your desktop or downloads folder. Remember, SMAPI is a mod loader, not a mod itself. It facilitates the integration of mods into your game, so don't extract it into the mod folder.
Once extracted, run SMAPI and choose "install on Windows." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Step Three: Configure Your Game Client
If you're playing through platforms like Steam, GOG Galaxy, or the Xbox App, you might need to tweak a few settings to ensure you can still track playtime and earn achievements. For detailed guidance on configuring your game client, click here.
Step Four: Installing Mods
Now, let's get to the fun part—installing mods.
Image via Nexus Mods
Nexus Mods hosts a vast array of *Stardew Valley* mods to keep you engaged for hours. Mods are usually downloaded as ZIP files, which you'll need to extract. Once extracted, move the files into the Mods folder, automatically created during SMAPI installation. You can find the Mods folder 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
With over 1000 mods available on Nexus alone, there's no shortage of content to explore and enjoy in *Stardew Valley*.
*Stardew Valley is available now*.
