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How to Use Console Commands in Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley commands can go in the SMAPI console or in-game chat, but each route has different syntax and requirements. Here’s how to use them carefully.
WorldStardew Valley Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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In Stardew Valley, “console commands” can mean commands typed into the separate SMAPI console window, debug commands sent through that console, or cheats entered in the in-game chat. They use different syntax and prerequisites. For most mod-related commands, open the SMAPI console and type help to see what is available.

Which command interface should you use?

Route Where to enter it What it does What it requires
SMAPI console command The separate SMAPI console window Runs a command registered by SMAPI or an installed mod SMAPI; the command must be available in the current setup
Game debug command In the SMAPI console, with the debug prefix Runs a hidden game debug action The Console Commands mod, according to the Stardew Valley Wiki multiplayer reference
Chat cheat The in-game chat box Runs a chat cheat such as setting gold or invoking a debug command The save’s <allowChatCheats> setting must be enabled, except for version-specific diagnostic commands

The routes are not interchangeable: a command that belongs in the SMAPI console will not necessarily work in chat, and chat syntax may use a leading slash.

How to use commands in the SMAPI console

  1. Start the game through SMAPI. Its console is a separate window that displays SMAPI and mod messages.

  2. Click the console input area, type help, and press Enter. The output lists commands registered in your current setup, including commands added by installed mods.

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  3. For details on a listed command, enter help commandname, replacing commandname with the command you want to inspect.

  4. Type the command and its parameters into the same console input area, then press Enter. For instance, the wiki gives player_add name "Galaxy Sword" and player_add name "Stir Fry" 10 4 as item-command examples.

Command names are case-insensitive, but parameter values may be case-sensitive. In the command reference, angle brackets mark required parameters and square brackets mark optional ones. Preserve spaces and quotation marks in names that contain spaces, and follow the help text for the specific command.

For the command list and syntax conventions, see Stardew Valley Wiki: Modding:Console commands.

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How to run a game debug command through SMAPI

Debug commands are a separate, advanced route. The wiki describes hundreds of hidden game debug commands intended for developers rather than ordinary play, and says they require the Console Commands mod. Enter them in the SMAPI console with debug before the command; for example, debug where Robin.

Some debug commands produce no visible output, so silence alone does not establish whether one worked. The wiki warns that debug actions may crash the game or permanently damage a save. Use them only when you understand the specific action and have a backup you can restore.

How to enable and use chat cheats

Chat cheats are normally inaccessible. The Stardew Valley Wiki multiplayer reference documents enabling them by editing the save file’s <allowChatCheats> element to true. Save-file editing details depend on the system and save location, so use a current guide for your platform and make a backup before changing the file.

  1. Close the game and back up the save you plan to edit.

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  2. Using instructions for your operating system, open that save file in a text editor and change the value of <allowChatCheats> to true. Do not change unrelated save data.

  3. Save the edited file and load that save in the game.

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  4. Open the in-game chat and enter the relevant chat command. The wiki’s examples include /money 500 to set total gold to 500 and /debug itemNamed pufferfish as an item example.

Chat commands use the chat route’s syntax; do not assume a command copied from the SMAPI console can be pasted into chat unchanged. The examples and save setting are documented on the Stardew Valley Wiki multiplayer page.

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Why a command may be unknown or appear not to work

  • Check the interface. Confirm whether the command belongs in the SMAPI console or in chat, and use the expected prefix such as debug or /.

  • Check registration and installation. In the SMAPI console, run help. If a command is missing, confirm that the mod or feature that supplies it is installed and loaded. Mods can register their own commands, so lists differ between setups.

  • Check parameters and spelling. Match the command’s help output, including required parameters, optional parameters, quotation marks, and case-sensitive values.

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  • Allow for silent debug actions. Some debug commands return no output; do not repeat a potentially destructive command just because the console did not print a confirmation.

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  • Recover cautiously. If a command has unexpected effects, stop issuing commands and restore a known-good save backup rather than experimenting further on the affected file.

Version-specific diagnostic chat commands

The Stardew Valley Wiki page for migrating mods to 1.6.16 says that version enables hidden diagnostic chat commands for all players, and that they are omitted from /help. It lists examples including daysPlayed, animalInfo, heldItem, and mineInfo. That page describes 1.6.16 as a potential patch with no planned release date; it is not evidence that these commands are available in every released version or on every platform. Check the version you actually run before relying on them: Stardew Valley Wiki: Modding:Migrate to Stardew Valley 1.6.16.

Safety before entering commands

The Stardew Valley Wiki’s command reference cautions: “Console commands aren’t meant for general use. Be very careful using them.” It says commands can have permanent side effects on save data, break a save, or cause unintended effects. Treat debug commands and save-file edits as especially risky: preserve a backup first, use only instructions that match your game version, and avoid commands whose effects you do not understand.

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