The world of Stardew Valley has a ton of depth to it. From exploring all the different areas that provide unique resources for the farm to interacting with lots of characters to the point of being in a relationship with them, there isn't a ton that needs to be done to make the game even better.
Luckily, there is a way to change up the Stardew Valley experience thanks to the active mod community around the game. There are so many mods that players can look into that change various elements of the simulator, but people who are interested will need to learn how to get mods working for it.
Install SMAPI & Find Mods
The good news for Stardew Valley fans who want to get into modding is that setting it up is actually much easier than anticipated. This is partly thanks to SMAPI, a mod loader that serves as the vessel between a downloaded mod and the game itself. Those looking for a download for it can go here.
Installation for the launcher may vary depending on the system that players are on, but the crux of it is that players will need to have launched the base game at least once, installed SMAPI, then configured the game client that the player is running the game off of. Keep in mind that the configuration is only necessary for those who want their playtime tracked.
Those looking for places to find mods can look at two major websites that tend to have databases full of them: Nexus Mods and ModDrop. There are also some resources online that will recommend the best Stardew Valley mods that have been made over the years.
Unzip Mod In Correct Folder
After getting everything set up and finding a mod to use, players should begin the process of implementing the mod into their game. The first thing that should be done is to check the SMAPI website to see if a mod is compatible with the current version of the mod launcher and game. This is a comprehensive tool that will even give alternative options if a mod isn't updated.
Next, players will need to locate the folder where the mod's compressed folder will need to be unzipped in. Once again, players may need to keep in mind what client they are running the game in to find the folder to place the mod into. Potential clients include Steam, GOG, and the Xbox PC launcher. If players don't know where these files are located, launch SMAPI and enter the command "show_game_files" to help locate them.
Unzip the file that contains the mod you want to play into its own separate folder inside the game's "Mods" folder. This is to make sure that each mod installed is separated for the mod launcher to read it properly. After this, just make sure that the game will launch with SMAPI properly running and everything should be ready for the new Stardew Valley adventure.
Stardew Valley is out now on Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.