Start by identifying where Stardew Valley fails: before it opens, after launch, when loading a save, or only when using SMAPI and mods. The right fix depends on that symptom and your setup; the official PC troubleshooting guide provides a checklist rather than one guaranteed solution.
First, identify when the game fails
Note the exact point of failure and your setup before changing anything. Does the game never open, close after Steam says it is launching, crash at the title screen, or fail only when you load a character? Also note your operating system, storefront (such as Steam or GOG), whether SMAPI or other mods are installed, and any error message.
These distinctions matter: launch problems have a different official guide from missing or corrupt saves, and modded launches add version and launch-command checks.
Try the official PC launch checks
The official Stardew Valley PC troubleshooting guide lists these checks for launch trouble. Follow the path that matches your computer and client, and change only the item specified.
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- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
- Delete the startup preferences folder. Open
%AppData%/StardewValleyon Windows and delete thestartup_preferencesfolder. This is not an instruction to delete your saves; do not remove save folders. - Check .NET. Make sure .NET 5.0 or later is installed, as specified by the current official guide. Runtime requirements can change, so consult that guide for current details.
- Check Steam launch options if you do not use SMAPI. In Steam, open the game’s Properties > Set Launch Options. If SMAPI is not installed, the official guide says the field should be empty. If you do use SMAPI, do not erase a required mod launch command; check it against the SMAPI installation instructions instead.
- Test the Compatibility beta branch. In Steam, open Properties > Betas and select Compatibility as a troubleshooting test. If it does not resolve the problem, switch back to your previous beta selection rather than staying on Compatibility by default.
These are official checklist items, not a diagnosis of what is wrong with a particular PC. The Steam-specific steps do not apply to a GOG or standalone installation.
If Stardew Valley launches only without SMAPI or mods
Try opening the game without SMAPI first. If the unmodded game opens, focus on the modded setup: verify that SMAPI and the installed mods are compatible with your game version, and compare your launch command with the current SMAPI installation instructions. Avoid applying old, version-specific workarounds unless you have the exact error and version they address.
Rank #2
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
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- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
The Stardew Valley Wiki’s modding troubleshooting guide also discusses resetting game content files, checking graphics drivers and dedicated-GPU selection on Windows, and disabling programs that intercept the game. Treat these as diagnostic branches, not universal fixes: which steps apply depends on your operating system, hardware, game version, and error.
If it crashes while loading a character or a save is missing
If the game reaches its menus but a character is absent from Load Game, or the game crashes when that save loads, follow the separate official Missing/Corrupt Save File Troubleshooting Guide. Its initial checks include confirming that you are signed into the same Windows account you used before and restarting the computer. Keep save recovery separate from general launch repair; the startup-preferences step above is not a save-recovery procedure.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
When the checklist does not fix it
Before contacting support, gather the details that help distinguish a launch, mod, graphics, or save issue:
- Your operating system and storefront.
- Whether SMAPI is installed, plus the game and SMAPI versions if applicable.
- The exact error text, if any.
- Whether the failure happens before the game opens, at the title screen, or while loading a particular save.
- Which troubleshooting steps you tried and what happened.
If the official checklist does not cover your issue, use the support contact listed on the official PC troubleshooting page; its page has the current contact details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Rank #4
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
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