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How to Launch Stardew Valley with SMAPI: A Comprehensive Guide

Launching Stardew Valley with SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) is the gateway to a richer, more customizable gaming experience. SMAPI is a mod loader that enables you to use a vast array of mods, enhancing everything from gameplay mechanics to visuals. Here’s a direct, comprehensive guide on how to get your modded Stardew Valley up and running:

The core process involves three main steps:

Installing SMAPI: You’ll need to download and install the SMAPI installer from a reliable source.
Configuring the Game Launcher: You’ll need to adjust either your Steam or GOG launcher settings to ensure SMAPI starts the game correctly.
Adding Mods: Download and place mods into your Mods folder.

Let’s break down each of these steps in detail.

Installing SMAPI

Downloading SMAPI

Visit the Official SMAPI Website: Navigate to smapi.io, the official website for SMAPI. Ensure you’re using the official site to avoid downloading from untrustworthy sources.
Download the Installer: Locate the download link for the latest stable release of SMAPI, suitable for your Operating System (Windows, macOS, Linux). Download the installer file.
Run the Installer: Once downloaded, run the executable installer.
Follow the Prompts: The installer will guide you through the necessary steps. It will automatically detect your Stardew Valley install location. If it does not, you’ll have to manually specify the folder. Pay close attention and follow each step.

Post-Installation Steps

Locate the Install Folder: Note the location of your Stardew Valley installation folder. The SMAPI installer may help you navigate to it. It will also create a new command shortcut to launch the game.
Confirm Successful Install: The SMAPI installer will display a “successful” message when the process is complete.

Configuring the Game Launcher

After installing SMAPI, you need to configure your game launcher – either Steam or GOG Galaxy – to use SMAPI when launching Stardew Valley.

Steam Configuration

Open Steam: Launch the Steam client.
Navigate to Stardew Valley: Locate Stardew Valley in your Steam Library, right-click the game, and select Properties.
Access Launch Options: In the Properties window, click on the General tab. Find the Launch Options field at the bottom.
Enter SMAPI Launch Code: After successful installation, SMAPI will display a command to be pasted into the Launch Options field. Copy this command and paste it into the box. It will look something like this: "PathtoyourStardewValley.exe" %command%.
Close the Properties Window: Click the close button to confirm and save your Launch Options. You should now be able to start the game with SMAPI.

GOG Galaxy Configuration

Open GOG Galaxy: Launch the GOG Galaxy client.
Select Stardew Valley: Choose Stardew Valley from your game library.
Manage Installation: Click on Settings > Manage Installation > Configure.
Enable Custom Executables: Tick the box to Enable Custom Executables / Arguments.
Enter SMAPI Path: Copy the SMAPI launch command from the installer and paste it into the custom executables field. It will look like this: "PathtoyourStardewValley.exe". This instructs GOG to start the game using SMAPI.
Save and Close: Click OK or Apply to save the settings. Now, when you launch Stardew Valley through GOG Galaxy, it will automatically start with SMAPI.

Adding Mods

With SMAPI installed and your launcher configured, the final step is adding mods.

Finding Mods

Nexus Mods is the Primary Source: The most popular place to find mods is Nexus Mods. Search for “Stardew Valley” and browse available mods.
Explore Alternatives: Some mods are found on forums or communities. Always use caution and scan anything you download.
SMAPI Help Tab: You can also access Nexus through the SMAPI help tab, accessed by opening SMAPI, or, you can follow the above methods for accessing Nexus Mods.

Installing Mods

Download Mods Manually: Most mods require you to use the manual download method.
Locate the Mods Folder: Inside your Stardew Valley installation folder, there is a folder named Mods. If one doesn’t exist, create it.
Extract the Downloaded Files: Generally, most mods will be in .zip format. Extract them into your Mods folder. Note that some mods may require the base folder, some will be the internal folder. Ensure you’re extracting the correct folder to avoid game errors. Each mod should generally have its own subfolder within the Mods folder.
Launch Stardew Valley: With all mods in place, launch the game through Steam or GOG. The SMAPI console will open alongside the game, displaying loading messages.

Verifying SMAPI Launch

Once the game has launched, check for the following:

SMAPI Console: The console window should open alongside the game, displaying initialization messages from both SMAPI and your mods.
Mod Functionality: Load a save or start a new game. Verify your mods are operating correctly according to their description.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully launch Stardew Valley with SMAPI, allowing you to dive into the world of modding!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my SMAPI Stardew Valley not opening?

An antivirus program can sometimes interfere with SMAPI. Try temporarily disabling it to see if it’s the cause. If that solves the issue, whitelist SMAPI, Stardew Valley, and the game folder in your antivirus settings. Another common issue is not properly entering the launch options. Check that they are entered exactly as prompted, with proper spacing and correct file path.

2. Do I need SMAPI for Stardew Valley mods?

Yes, SMAPI is the mod loader for Stardew Valley. It is required for most types of mods to function. It allows mods to interact directly with the game’s code.

3. Why are my Stardew mods not working?

Ensure your mods are compatible with the version of SMAPI you’re using. Outdated mods, or mods for a different version, can cause issues. Update to a newer mod, or match the mod to an older version of SMAPI. You can also try launching the game directly from the game files instead of Steam or GOG.

4. How do I use SMAPI commands?

When you start a game with SMAPI, a console window will open alongside the game. You can enter commands directly into that window to interact with mods. Type help for a list of available commands.

5. How do I install Stardew Valley mods with SMAPI?

Download mods from a trusted source, generally in .zip format. Open the mods folder and extract the mod folder into the folder. This will require you to navigate the files inside of the downloaded zip. Some mods may require you to create sub-folders.

6. Can I play Stardew Valley with mods in multiplayer?

Yes, but all players must install the same mods to ensure compatibility. You should ensure that the mod versions match. It’s a good idea to play in a single player setting to ensure the game loads first, before trying to open up the multiplayer server.

7. Does SMAPI work on mobile?

There’s a port of SMAPI for Android, but it’s unofficially supported. It does support many popular framework mods, but it is not 100% compatible with all mods.

8. Is SMAPI installer safe?

Yes, the official SMAPI installer is safe to use. It’s a project by Pathoschild and is widely used by the modding community. It is recommended you only download from smapi.io.

9. Does SMAPI cost money?

No, SMAPI is free and open-source. Donations are appreciated by the creator but are not mandatory.

10. How do I fix a corrupted Stardew Valley save?

If you have corrupted save data, you may have to replace the corrupted SaveGameInfo file with a functional copy from another character. This can be a temporary fix until you manage to generate new save data.

11. How do I test mods in Stardew Valley?

After making changes to your mod, rebuild the solution (Visual Studio) or rebuild all (MonoDevelop). Ensure there are no errors and the mod files are in the Mods folder. If there are errors, correct them.

12. Does SMAPI automatically update mods?

SMAPI itself doesn’t automatically update mods; however, some mods have built-in update checks. SMAPI will generally show messages when mods are outdated.

13. Should I download SMAPI from Nexus or direct?

The official installer is available directly from the SMAPI website, smapi.io. It is recommended to download from the official site. However, Nexus Mods will usually get updates first. There is usually no difference between them.

14. What is the SMAPI console window?

The SMAPI console is the text-based window that opens when you launch Stardew Valley using SMAPI. It shows messages from SMAPI and mods. It also allows you to interact with mods using console commands.

15. How do I run Stardew Valley in compatibility mode?

In your Steam library, right-click on Stardew Valley, select Properties, click on the Betas tab, and choose “Compatibility” from the drop-down menu. This can help with older systems, but it may conflict with mods if they’re also not running in compatibility mode.

This detailed guide should have equipped you with the knowledge to launch Stardew Valley with SMAPI successfully. Remember to consult the SMAPI website or forums if you encounter any further issues. Happy modding!

How do I launch Stardew Valley with Smapi?