This Ultimate Stardew Valley Mod Guide by ModdedGaming explains everything you need to know about how to download and use mods in Stardew Valley. Furthermore, we will provide a list of the must-have mods you need!
How to Download and Install Mods in Stardew Valley
Welcome to a quick guide on how to install mods into Stardew Valley as simply as possible. This guide is for the Steam version, not for any console versions. Remember, always back up your saves before proceeding.
- Backing Up Saves
- Installing SMAPI
- Downloading SMAPI and Extracting Files
- Installing SMAPI in Steam
- Downloading and Installing Mods
- Adding Mods to the Mod Folder
- Troubleshooting and Additional Help
Backing Up Saves
To back up your saves, go to Steam, right-click on Stardew Valley in your library, click properties, and head to the local files tab. Click “Backup game files” and select Stardew Valley. This will back up the saves in the location you choose.
Installing SMAPI
To run any mod, you will first need SMAPI (Stardew Modding API). It runs Stardew Valley with installed mods and alerts you if something isn’t working properly.
Use Nexus Mods, the hub for Stardew Valley mods, to download SMAPI. Nexus Mods scans mods for viruses and offers a way to donate to mod makers.
Downloading SMAPI and Extracting Files
Search for SMAPI on Nexus Mods, click “manual download” in the top right, and use the slow download option.
…once downloaded, use a program like WinRAR to extract the files. Open the extracted folder and double-click the installer for your system. A dialog box will open.
Installing SMAPI in Steam
Press 1 and enter for the Steam installation, then press 1 and enter again for installation. Copy the provided link with Ctrl+C, paste it into Steam, and play Stardew Valley through SMAPI. This ensures Steam achievements are still accessible while using mods. Alternatively, you can run the Stardew Modding API.exe directly.
Downloading and Installing Mods
As an example, we’ll install the Content Patcher mod. Many mods require Content Patcher to be installed. Follow these simple steps: manual download, slow download, and then check for any additional files required.
Download those first to ensure your mod works. Open the downloaded file in WinRAR and locate your Stardew Valley mod folder.
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Adding Mods to the Mod Folder
Drag the file from WinRAR into the mod folder, and it will automatically load when you open Stardew Valley with SMAPI. To test, install another mod like the Grandpa’s Jank Bed Fix mod, following the same process. Open the game and verify the mods work properly.
Troubleshooting and Additional Help
SMAPI provides a summary of all mods being loaded. Missing required mods will show in red text. If you have any questions, ask in the comments or check the post section on Nexus Mods for help with specific issues. Explore mod suggestions in other videos to find something you like.
Best Stardew Valley Mods
In this section, we’ll be exploring the ten most popular mods in Stardew Valley:
- Look Up Anything Mod
- Automate
- UI Info Suite
- Winter Grass Mod
- Gift Taste Helper Mod
- Skull Cavern Elevator Mod
- CJB Show Item Sell Price
- Chests Anywhere
- Experience Bars Mod
- Bigger Backpack Mod
Look Up Anything Mod
The Look Up Anything Mod by Pathoschild allows you to get detailed information about any item in the game by pressing F1. This mod is incredibly versatile, with many possible uses, such as determining the color values of slimes for more effective breeding.
Automate
The Automate mod allows you to automatically fill machines with resources and collect their output by placing them next to chests. This mod is especially useful for players who enjoy creating efficient systems and setups in their games.
UI Info Suite
The UI Info Suite by C. Derragorn provides players with passive information throughout the game, such as the luck of the day, upcoming weather, and the locations of NPCs on the map. This mod also shows the area of influence for scarecrows and sprinklers.
Winter Grass Mod
Created by Cat_Catty_Cat, the Winter Grass Mod allows grass to survive and be harvested during the winter season. This mod is especially helpful for players who want to avoid purchasing hay for their animals in winter.
Gift Taste Helper Mod
The Gift Taste Helper Mod by T. Staples displays each character’s favorite gifts when you hover over their name on the calendar or in the social menu. This mod helps players avoid giving disliked gifts and improves relationships with characters more efficiently.
Skull Cavern Elevator Mod
For those who prefer less combat-focused gameplay, the Skull Cavern Elevator Mod by Biffy adds an elevator system to the Skull Cavern. This allows players to descend through the cavern’s levels more easily, similar to the mines.
CJB Show Item Sell Price
The CJB Show Item Sell Price mod by Pathoschild reveals the sale price of items when you hover over them in your inventory. This feature is particularly useful for determining which items are worth selling or turning into other products.
Chests Anywhere
Chests Anywhere by Pathoschild enables players to access any placed chest in the game with a single button press. This mod also allows you to sell items directly from your inventory, making it easy to clear up space while on the go.
Experience Bars Mod
The Experience Bars Mod by SpaceChase displays experience bars for all five skills in the top-left corner of the screen. The mod is customizable, allowing players to change its position or toggle its visibility.
Bigger Backpack Mod
Finally, the Bigger Backpack Mod by SpaceChase adds a fourth row to your inventory, giving players more space to store items. This mod is particularly popular among those who use additional mods that introduce new items and recipes, as it helps to manage the increased inventory demands.
These popular mods enhance the Stardew Valley experience and cater to different playstyles. Whether you’re interested in improving game efficiency or simply adding more content, these mods have something for everyone.
