Regardless of being launched again in 2016, Stardew Valley remains to be going sturdy. However even the best-designed video games might be tweaked to your liking utilizing mods. New gamers may resolve they like a recolored look, whereas these with tons of of hours of recreation time could be trying to find an expanded expertise. Both means, we’ve gathered a few of the finest Stardew Valley mods to present you tons of choices in your subsequent playthrough.
Nonetheless, first, you’ll have to get arrange for modding. These mods are predominantly for these enjoying on a PC, though the Steam Deck and Android variations of Stardew additionally help some mods. You’ll want a further piece of software program, known as SMAPI, which might be downloaded from Nexus Mods. There may be additionally a pleasant set of directions for putting in and utilizing it obtainable on the Stardew Valley Wiki.
For fairly just a few mods, you’ll additionally want Content Patcher, so it’s value setting that up as nicely. Simply unzip the folder contained in the Mods folder that was created mechanically by SMAPI.
Congratulations! You’re able to dive into the great world of Stardew modding.
A be aware on Stardew Valley model 1.6
In March 2024, developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone launched Stardew’s 1.6 replace, which modified many issues within the recreation — and, on the again finish, impacted lots for modders. Though many mods have been up to date accordingly, others are now not suitable with the 1.6 model of the sport. Some are within the strategy of being up to date, whereas others have unofficial patches, however some will stay unfixed.
We’ve up to date this text to make sure all of the suggestions are totally suitable, and tried to exchange any incompatible mods with one thing related the place obtainable.
Nonetheless, when you’d like to make use of an incompatible mod, you’ll be able to nonetheless play the 1.5.6 model of Stardew Valley, which ought to keep away from any points. To entry legacy Stardew Valley on Steam, right-click on the sport in your library and choose “Properties.” Within the “Betas” tab you’ll be able to decide in to the 1.5.6 model. This could imply that older mods work once more.
Our newest replace added a bunch of mods and eliminated some that are actually deprecated or don’t work with Stardew Valley 1.6.
![Villager sprites from Stardew Valley wearing different outfits, thanks to the Seasonal Outfits mod.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/491KqEsflMQ6W911cVfJ9shnX9I=/0x0:828x499/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:828x499):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24252256/Seasonal_Outfits.jpg)
Picture: Poltergeister/Nexus Mods
Many Stardew Valley mods merely make small adjustments to how the sport seems to be, and Seasonal Outfits is a well-liked instance. Its subtitle is “Barely Cuter Aesthetic,” so it’s not right here to overtake something, but it surely does tweak NPC sprites in order that they’ve completely different garments relying on the climate, in addition to giving them particular seems to be for the Flower Dance and Spirit’s Eve festivals. It’s an awesome place to start out if you wish to give the sport a bit extra selection with out altering it an excessive amount of.
![A patchwork image of Stardew Valley characters modded using Diverse Stardew Valley to be a more inclusive range of races.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VQuMtUD9dU6HQt3Ng_VczUz6wJE=/0x0:1100x619/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1100x619):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24253022/diverse_stardew_valley.png)
Picture: Airyn, tenthousandcats, minervamaga
Given how a lot illustration this mod provides to the sport, it’s arguably extra than simply an aesthetic change. It won’t have an effect on the gameplay immediately, but it surely makes Pelican City extra inclusive as NPC mods add a broader number of character races, disabilities, and physique sorts. On high of that, Numerous Stardew Valley provides outfit choices like seasonal adjustments, pageant matches, and even maternity clothes.
![Four images showing off examples of the Wild Animals mod. From left: Ducks, raccoons, coyotes, and turtles.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/21gu1vN6uLPrDzH_9Si7t2DCFVQ=/0x0:800x400/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:800x400):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367423/sh_wild_animals_mod.png)
Picture: Plurffle/Nexus Mods
It’s at all times a pleasant shock to be wandering round operating errands at Pierre’s or handing out presents to your beau and seeing a bunny or chook hanging out doing their very own factor. To get extra of that feeling, this mod provides a complete host of recent animals to inhabit the valley. Deer within the forest, geese on the pond, and crows within the graveyard make the entire place really feel extra alive. And on the seashore, Pelican City can lastly have pelicans of its personal!
![A screenshot from Stardew Valley that has been recolored so that the hues are in an earthier palette. The Earthy Recolor mod has been used.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ScF9y-N6K0BkAYfrmmorVkH0UrU=/0x0:1572x902/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1572x902):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24252646/Earthy_Recolor.jpg)
Picture: DaisyNiko/Nexus Mods
The brilliant colours of primary Stardew Valley are actually cheerful, however recolor mods give gamers tons of different palettes and seasonal moods to select from. DaisyNiko’s Earthy Recolour brings the entire recreation down right into a extra muted, grounded palette that’s simpler on the eyes. It additionally replaces the dig spot in order that it grows a clover as an alternative of these bizarre worms from the bottom recreation, which is a pleasant contact.
![An image of the Hueless Haven mod that shows a Stardew Valley farm, but just a bit desaturated.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8ogvhez5bGIcskAl3cQSsM5d1qE=/0x0:1536x972/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1536x972):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367438/hueless_haven_mod.png)
Picture: Lydocia/Nexus Mods
Sadly, plenty of Stardew’s recolor mods have been impacted by the 1.6 launch, and it may be jarring to play with an incompatible visible impact, as newer sprites added within the replace will seem unchanged and look misplaced. Hueless Haven is a straightforward recolor, but it surely’s suitable with the present model of the sport, and it brings the whole lot right down to a extra desaturated look.
![The catalog of the animals that show up in the Otter’s Barn Animals mod. It includes sheep, cows, ostriches, alpacas, goats, and pigs.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2DYUrqX3TpNlG6VUX0eVVjOpA5I=/0x0:1920x1536/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1536):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367446/otters_barn_animals_mod.png)
Picture: Otterlyadorable/Nexus Mods
Stardew’s livestock are nice, however there’s a lot extra selection in real-world cows, sheep, pigs, and goats. This mod permits you to select between Highland cattle or a Texas Longhorn, for instance, relying on whether or not you wish to dwell your British goals or turn into a cowboy rancher. It additionally offers you the flexibility to exchange your sheep with alpacas, which are available in wild colours, like pink, blue, and inexperienced.
![A list of the forage, seeds, and saplings you’ll get in the Atelier Wildflour Crops and Forage on a white background.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wwGn6ZeC_Fx28ASE2t1mI65rT5Y=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367463/wildflour_crops_and_forage_mod.png)
Picture: Wildflourmods/Nexus Mods
This mod was known as Wild Meals Faerie Backyard, however its identify has been up to date together with 1.6. Whereas there’s some foraging in vanilla Stardew, this mod bumps that up significantly with dozens of recent objects to seek out all throughout the map. Similar to actual foraging, these seasonal surprises are thrilling to stumble throughout, and canopy the whole lot from springtime cherry blossom petals to autumn mushrooms. And the same creator has mods for turning these finds into teas, jams, and extra (a few of that are nonetheless within the strategy of being up to date for 1.6).
![The player character in Stardew Valley sitting next to a tent during the winter in front of a campfire.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SJmoJarbYtUDzyik2NFXWajeeKc=/0x0:1280x720/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1280x720):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367473/campfire_cooking_mod.png)
Picture: CherryChain/Nexus Mods
When you can’t get sufficient of the kitchen, why not attempt cooking outdoor? Whereas vanilla Stardew has the Cookout Equipment that can assist you accomplish that, it doesn’t seize the identical feeling as cooking over a hearth. This mod will help you check out some applicable recipes at a comfy campfire so that you don’t should trek all the best way house earlier than getting a sizzling meal. You won’t be capable of make something notably gourmand, however the whole lot tastes higher eaten within the open air.
![A Stardew Valley screenshot where a farmer and two NPCs are sharing a bed, thanks to the Free Love mod.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ol4h8zxlxZhZK1O-W7UqePknfCA=/0x0:1261x710/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1261x710):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24265319/Free_Love.jpg)
Picture: aedenthorn/Nexus Mods
Can’t resolve whether or not to romance Shane or Abigail? Wish to make an enormous polycule out of the city? Simply wish to hang around along with your favourite NPC as your roommate? Free Love permits all of this and extra, within the identify of making extra advanced relationships between your farmer and the townspeople. It’s based mostly on, however supersedes, the sooner A number of Spouses mod, which did greater than it stated on the tin; it additionally added vital options like “Enables you to kiss all your spouses as many instances per day as you want, as a result of severely.” So true.
At time of writing, the modder has retired, however there’s an unofficial version for 1.6 is within the works.
![A player character from Stardew Valley absolutely surrounded by crops. There are even some unfamiliar ones in there too that we can’t identify.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/66kaNybteTQHFU1aqZufknf32JM=/0x0:2830x1992/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2830x1992):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367483/cornucopia_crops_mod.png)
Picture: MizuJakkaru/Nexus Mods
Because the names recommend, these twin mods add extra crops and extra flowers, respectively. Precisely what number of is as much as you — the fundamental packs add an excellent handful, however there are additionally extra ones that add issues like fruits and herbs that up the numbers much more. The creators are additionally engaged on making extra artisan items and recipes so that you could make use of all the brand new veggies, fruits, and blooms.
Earlier than we get into the larger, full expansions obtainable for Stardew Valley, it’s value mentioning that most of the hottest mods are way more humble, however no much less worthwhile. A few of the hottest mods on Nexus introduce quality-of-life adjustments, together with the flexibility to get a bigger backpack and see real-time NPC locations on the map. A few of them go just a little extra in depth, just like the Lookup Anything mod, which gives you a ton of simply accessible details about sources and extra, and a few allow you to merely skip the fishing minigame. (A private thanks to that one.) If there’s any form of annoyance you face whereas enjoying the vanilla recreation, it’s value taking a second to look whether or not somebody has fastened it. They in all probability have.
![A screenshot from the Stardew Valley Expanded mod which lets players pet the dog next to Alex’s house.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wfrGB3SBUqM-vg0s7psfOQH3sIE=/0x0:2091x1249/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2091x1249):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24265324/Stardew_Valley_Expanded.jpg)
Picture: FlashShifter/Nexus Mods
Ultimately, you’ll run out of issues to do in Stardew. You’ll have accomplished all of the group middle quests, befriended all your neighbors, had two completely happy youngsters, and earned thousands and thousands in gold. However you’ll be able to push that endgame second far, far down the road with Stardew Valley Expanded. This mod provides a complete city’s value of NPCs, places to discover, occasions, quests, crops, and sure, even fish. Modder FlashShifter wrote on the official Nexus web page that he wished to recapture the sensation of Stardew’s finest moments by creating extra of them for the skilled participant, and the recognition of this mod actually means that it was a hit. And as a bonus, a number of different mods are suitable with Stardew Valley Expanded, due to its recognition, together with Ridgeside Village (see beneath).
![The town in the East Scarp mod. Shows a bunch of people walking around the town.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mb3LY7uSSBvVJkd4bwAJSCAgpKc=/0x0:1112x741/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1112x741):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367528/east_scarp_mod.jpg)
Picture: lemurkat/Nexus Mods
East Scarp is one other content material growth mod that provides a seaside city to discover. There, you’ll find new NPCs, objects, and extra. However in addition to including extra townsfolk to get to know, East Scarp additionally works as a basis for different mods that add but much more pleasant faces, which might be discovered on the Nexus web page as nicely.
It’s additionally value noting that many of those growth mods are suitable with each other, so you’ll be able to add a number of new areas and their related NPCs and trinkets abruptly. For instance, when you have Stardew Valley Expanded, it’s also possible to add East Scarp, which shall be accessible by way of one of many new bridges added in Expanded.
![A cable car going up a hill in Stardew Valley, modded with Ridgeside Village.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EnN4wN8bC9kvmIpPxCMjzOWT0Ts=/0x0:1365x767/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1365x767):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24265344/Ridgeside_Village.jpg)
Picture: Rafseazz, mamaesh/Nexus Mods
Ridgeside Village is one other main growth, opening up a brand new city accessible by cable automobile. As you may count on, which means a complete lot extra NPCs to make associates with, in addition to new quests, occasions, and objects to flesh out the endgame. You may even discover romance up within the mountains!
![The title screen for Distant Lands: A Small Witch Swamp Expansion. The title is on a mossy board in front of the map. Underneath it says “New NPC, events, items, and more.”](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UMttguESI7fTnIBYMH--L1XT24g=/0x0:1920x1280/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1280):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367497/distant_lands_mod.png)
Picture: Aimon111/Nexus Mods
Stardew’s Witch’s Swamp is a late-game space already, however when you’re searching for extra to do within the endgame, this mod expands it right into a base for brand new fish, crops, and forage objects, together with some new related quests. It even expands on the mysterious NPC who used to look right here for under a short time.
![The title screen for the Stardew Druid mod. It has the title of the mod, with a red dragon flying over it.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IEk13bIhnO1Z9yXQzszHkTeFOAk=/0x0:2008x1127/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2008x1127):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367502/stardew_druid_mod.png)
Picture: neosinf/Nexus Mods
Why restore the valley the old school means when you can do it with mysterious nature magic — and switch right into a dragon when you’re at it? Stardew Druid is an adventure-focused mod that provides contemporary quests and new NPCs, in addition to the flexibility to hold out a number of sorts of rites to interact with Pelican City in brand-new methods.
Different really useful mods
These mods nonetheless come extremely really useful, however, as beforehand famous, on the time of writing they haven’t been up to date to work with Stardew Valley’s 1.6 model. This may have varied results; if it’s an aesthetic mod, for instance, it could nonetheless work with many facets of the sport, however not have an effect on something that’s been added in the newest main replace.
If you wish to use these mods to their fullest impact, you’ll be able to nonetheless decide in to the 1.5.6 model from the Properties menu on Steam.
Some modders may replace their mods later, so when you’re curious it could be value checking in the event that they’ve been made totally suitable.
![Two screenshots from the Town Animals mod. On the left is a brown bear sitting in the grass and on the right is a panda.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hdOmDlfbtWBuVo-xYaHT4TQ4vN8=/0x0:1112x628/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1112x628):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367507/elle_town_animals_mod.png)
Picture: junimods/Nexus Mods
The animals scattered round Pelican City assist it to really feel alive and in tune with the character round it. Elle’s City Animals jazzes them up, with a number of choices together with dozens of recent birds and 42 butterfly variants. You too can randomize which of them seem if, like me, that looks like an unimaginable resolution to you.
![A Stardew Valley farm where the trees are in pastel pink hues and grasses have wildflowers in them. The game has been modded with Stardew Foliage Redone.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b9zOCixcxJYRnTwtxNF72y6ccz0=/0x0:1693x953/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1693x953):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24252797/Stardew_Foliage_Redone.png)
Picture: Hesper/Nexus Mods
For a barely extra intense aesthetic change, do that mod, which swaps out all the wildlife for lovely pastel variations. I’m an enormous fan of the spring look, with a number of shades of blossom bushes — and don’t overlook the enormous, house-sized mushrooms.
![Elliott from Stardew Valley, but he looks like an anime character in his avatar image. He’s saying, “A quick stroll outdoors always invigorates me.”](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AlYDsQpkNKKvGiZ0C-olHhRFV4k=/0x0:1366x768/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1366x768):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367537/elliott_anime_mod.png)
Picture: ohodavi/Nexus Mods
If the usual pixel faces of the bachelors and bachelorettes of Pelican City aren’t fairly your type, it’s anime portraits to the rescue. This mod by OhoDavi is the one of the vital well-liked, making Alex appear like a sports activities anime protagonist and Haley like a magical lady. However there are hundreds of other options obtainable to fit your preferences.
![A group of solid colored sheep and spotted sheep from Elle’s Cuter Barn Animals mod. They range in color from white to black.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wDH8zOAIb4wNq0EQ1nHfkIza9Lg=/0x0:1300x731/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1300x731):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25369538/cuter_barn_animals_mod.png)
Picture: junimods/Nexus Mods
There’s lots to do in Stardew Valley — however there may at all times be extra! This mod (a 1.6-compatible model of the New Barn Animals mod), for instance, provides to the number of animals you’ll be able to maintain in your farm. In addition to giving pigs, sheep, goats, and cows cute new sprites, it provides a few new choices in your barn, too. These gained’t act any in a different way, however you’ll nonetheless be capable of obtain your goals of turning into an alpaca or deer farmer!
![The Love of Cooking menu in the mod. It shows new cooking tool progression, which you can turn on or off.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zxGk63k7Ozbvau34c0ELTXjYW5I=/0x0:2256x998/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2256x998):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25367542/love_of_cooking_mod.png)
Picture: bblueberry/Nexus Mods
This mod totally overhauls Stardew’s kitchen-related particulars. You’ll obtain Grandpa’s outdated cookbook within the mail, and as you may count on, it’ll have a bunch of recipes inside. These recipes are completely reworked from the bottom recreation, to ensure they’re all worthwhile when it comes to buffs and perks. However the mod provides much more than that, too, together with Cooking as a talent you’ll be able to enhance, a brand new frying pan instrument you’ll be able to improve, contemporary crops, and even the flexibility to burn your meals — though you’ll be able to flip that function off when you like!
![A Stardew Valley player catching a goldfish, as part of the More New Fish mod.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fZH-APh8tOI22mBqK8qSCArpWME=/0x0:935x622/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:935x622):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24256022/More_New_Fish.jpg)
Picture: Hisameartwork, TrentXV/Nexus Mods
When you’re one of many individuals who enjoys fishing in Stardew, reasonably than a kind of who (like me) finds it hopelessly tough, Extra New Fish is for you. It provides 140 contemporary fish to be caught, together with rays, clownfish, and new sorts of eels. You’ll be able to even catch koi and goldfish and put them in a tank in your own home with this compatible mod. There are a few added quests for the later recreation, too, so that you gained’t become bored with fishing anytime quickly. (Additionally, I’m in awe of your talent.)
![A screenshot from Stardew Valley modded with Deepwoods. The player is standing in front of a pond, in a verdant green area.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BcAWsVklCMAi651vnF0fmJc6inI=/0x0:1662x1105/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1662x1105):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24265356/Deepwoods.jpg)
Picture: Max Vollmer/Nexus Mods
Reached the underside of the mines? What in regards to the coronary heart of the forest? Deepwoods provides a brand new late-game, harmful, procedurally generated space to discover. There are monsters lurking there and it’s possible you’ll simply get misplaced for good, however there are additionally secrets and techniques, surprises, and worthwhile sources obtainable to the courageous ranger who can survive the shady bushes.