Guide to Modifying Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is an example of a game that has managed to maintain its popularity over the years since its initial release due to the joy it brings to players. Many of them, upon mastering the game, feel inspired to contribute their own content. While playing with others can extend the gaming experience, the best mods are what truly magnify its longevity. However, diving into the world of mods can be complicated for those who lack experience in manipulating game files. Nevertheless, the process is quite accessible through a simple guide.

To start modding Stardew Valley, it is important to mention that although there are ways to do so on consoles, these require advanced technical knowledge and could void the device's warranty. Therefore, this discussion will focus specifically on modding the PC version, which is much simpler and legal.

The first step is to install SMAPI, a mod loader designed specifically for Stardew Valley, compatible with both GOG and Steam versions. This free software allows mods to interact directly with the base game code. It is crucial to download the appropriate version according to the operating system being used: Windows, Mac, Linux, Steam Deck, or Android.

Once downloaded, the ZIP file should be extracted and saved in an accessible location on the computer. For Windows users, run the Install on Windows.bat file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After setting up SMAPI, mods can be searched for on reliable sources such as Nexus Mods. To add a mod, the necessary files are downloaded and copied into the Mods folder located in the SMAPI installation. Finally, to play Stardew Valley with the new mods activated, the game should be launched through SMAPI by double-clicking the StardewModdingAPI.exe file. Once in the game, it will function with the installed mods, and if any mod needs to be disabled, simply delete the files from the Mods folder.

Additionally, in the realm of modding, new content has been added to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, including over 160 new quests. This expansion, called Abecean Shores, is part of the larger ongoing project, Project Cyrodiil, and places players on the shores of Cyrodiil, the home of the Empire in the Elder Scrolls universe.