Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Install SMAPI for your operating system, then start Stardew Valley through your game client or the SMAPI launcher in the game folder. On Windows, use the exact Steam launch-options command printed by the installer if you want Steam overlay, achievements, and playtime tracking. Linux and macOS players generally leave Steam launch options empty.
Check that your Stardew Valley version is supported
SMAPI’s homepage currently lists version 4.5.2 and requires Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Steam Deck. These release details can change, so confirm the current versions on the SMAPI homepage before installing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
ConcernedApe Stardew Valley Cooperative Board Game Ages 13+ 1 to 4 Players | $61.71 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch) | $33.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61q+3LXDcGL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition] | $32.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5169YeVCjKL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $14.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook | $15.62 | Buy on Amazon |
Install SMAPI and launch on Windows
-
Start Stardew Valley once before installing SMAPI so the game can complete its first-run setup.
-
Download and extract SMAPI, then run
install on Windows.bat.Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
ConcernedApe Stardew Valley Cooperative Board Game Ages 13+ 1 to 4 Players- For 1 to 4 players
- Ages 13+
- About 45 minutes per player
- A cooperative board game
- Based on the hit video game
-
Follow the installer’s instructions for configuring your game client. For Steam, copy the exact launch-options command shown by the installer, including the quotation marks and
%command%. In Steam, open Stardew Valley’s Properties and enter it in Launch Options. Do not reuse a command from another installation or operating system. -
Launch the game from Steam. This route preserves Steam overlay, achievements, and playtime tracking, according to the Windows installation guide.
If you do not need Steam integration or playtime tracking, you can start the game by running StardewModdingAPI.exe in the game folder instead.
Rank #2
- Create the farm of your dreams: build your farm from the ground up on 1 of 5 map layouts suited to your play style!
- mmaster your branching skills: raise animals, grow crops, start an orchard and build useful machines!
- become a part of the local community: get to know all 30+ residents of Pelican town!
- customize your farmer: there are hundreds of character customization options to choose from!
- settle down and start a family: share life on the farm with 1 of 12 characters you can date and marry, and even have children with!.explore vast, mysterious caves! Encounter dangerous monsters and valuable treasures!.spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the local fishing spots: the waters are teeming with seasonal varieties of delicious fish. Craft bait, bobbers, and crab pots to help you in your journey toward catching every fish and becoming a local Legend!.
Install and launch on Linux or macOS
Linux
Extract the SMAPI archive somewhere outside the Stardew Valley game folder. Make install on Linux.sh and internal/linux/SMAPI.Installer executable, then run the installer script and follow its prompts. The Linux installation guide recommends installing xterm if the installer or launcher cannot open a terminal. Leave Steam launch options empty.
macOS
Use the Mac-specific installer and follow its security-permission instructions; the Mac installation guide warns that following the full steps helps avoid security warnings. No Steam launch-option change is needed.
Find the Stardew Valley game folder
The folder location depends on your operating system and storefront. Use the matching client shortcut below, or enter show_game_files in the SMAPI console:
-
Steam: Stardew Valley Properties > Local Files > Browse Local Files.
-
GOG Galaxy: Manage Installation > Show Folder.
Check that the folder contains the game executable and SMAPI launcher. See the game-folder guide for platform-specific locations.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If Stardew Valley will not launch with SMAPI
-
Check the client settings: On Windows with Steam, make sure Launch Options contains the command from your own SMAPI installer. On Linux and macOS, clear Steam Launch Options.
Rank #4
Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]- You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life.
- Now with Multiplayer! Invite 1-3 players to join you in the valley! Players can work together to build a thriving farm, share resources, and build relationships with townspeople or each other.
- New Single Player Content! Including the new Winter Market Festival, more collectibles, added character cut-scenes and even hats for your horse!
-
Run the launcher directly to see the error: Open a terminal or command prompt in the game folder and run
StardewModdingAPI. This can reveal an error that is not visible when starting through the client. -
Confirm the game itself works: Start Stardew Valley without SMAPI. If the game will not launch on its own, resolve that issue first.
-
Check versions and branches: Confirm the installed SMAPI version supports your Stardew Valley version, and make sure the game is not set to a compatibility branch.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Best Value
The troubleshooting guide covers additional launch errors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Share a SMAPI log when you need help
If SMAPI creates SMAPI-crash.txt, use that file; otherwise, use SMAPI-latest.txt. Upload the relevant log with the SMAPI log parser, which provides platform-specific log locations and creates a shareable page. The SMAPI privacy notes say uploaded parser data is retained for 30 days in obfuscated form.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
