The latest update of *Stardew Valley* has certainly made waves, but the modding community has been enhancing the game for years. Mods offer everything from expanded NPC stories to fresh cosmetic items, allowing players to fully express their creativity. If you're eager to dive into modding *Stardew Valley*, here's a step-by-step guide tailored for Windows users.
How to Mod Stardew Valley for Windows
Step One: Back Up Your Save File
While this step is optional, backing up your save file is a smart move to keep your farm safe. If you're starting a new game, you can skip this, but if you've poured hours into making friends and expanding your farm, losing progress would be a nightmare.
To back up your save file:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter.
- Navigate to the 'Stardew Valley' folder, then open the 'Saves' folder.
- Copy and paste the contents to a secure location on your PC or laptop.
Step Two: Install SMAPI
SMAPI, or Stardew Modding API, is essential for integrating mods into your game. You can download SMAPI directly from their official website.
Image via SMAPI.io
After downloading, extract the SMAPI ZIP file to a convenient location like your desktop or downloads folder. Remember, SMAPI itself is not a mod but a mod loader designed to manage your mods effectively. Avoid extracting it into the mod folder.
Once extracted, run SMAPI and select "install on Windows," then follow the on-screen instructions.
Step Three: Configure Your Game Client
If you're playing *Stardew Valley* through platforms like Steam, GOG Galaxy, or the Xbox App, you might need additional steps to ensure playtime tracking and achievements continue to work. For detailed instructions on configuring your game client, you can find more information [here](#).
Step Four: Installing Mods
Now for the exciting part—installing mods! The most popular site for *Stardew Valley* mods is Nexus Mods, offering a vast selection to keep any player engaged.
Image via Nexus Mods
Mods are usually downloaded as ZIP files. Extract these files and move them into the 'Mods' folder, which SMAPI automatically creates during installation. You can find the 'Mods' folder in the following 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 it! With over 1000 mods available on Nexus alone, there's endless potential to enhance your *Stardew Valley* experience.
*Stardew Valley is available now*.
