Stardew Valley offers a charming farming adventure on its own, but introducing mods can bring even more life and excitement to your gameplay. With a wide variety of mods available—ranging from aesthetic changes to gameplay overhauls and new content—players can tailor the game to fit their own style. This guide highlights several standout mods worth trying out to refresh your experience in Pelican Town.
Important: Modding always comes with risk, so remember to back up your save files before making changes.
Where to Get Mods
Mods for Stardew Valley can be found across various trusted sources such as Nexus Mods, ModDrop, and dedicated community forums. Always ensure mods are up-to-date and compatible with your game version before installing.
Cosmetic Mods
Pokedew Valley
This playful mod gives several in-game animals a Pokémon-themed makeover. It allows players to swap standard livestock models for familiar creatures from the Pokémon world. The installation is straightforward: just replace files in the Animals folder within the game’s directory to see Pokémon grazing on your fields.
Colorful Hardwood Fences
For those looking to upgrade the visual style of their farm, Kiatsu’s mod introduces new color options for hardwood fences. This small yet impactful change helps break the monotony of traditional fencing, adding visual flair to any layout.
Gandalf Wizard
A lighthearted mod by Toumato replaces the in-game Wizard’s portrait with an image of Gandalf the Grey. While it doesn’t change gameplay, it offers a humorous twist that adds character to your magical encounters.
Gameplay Enhancement Mods
Easy Fishing
Fishing can be one of the more challenging aspects of early gameplay. Siddybear’s mod simplifies the fishing mini-game, making it less frustrating and more accessible for casual players.
Taxes!
For those who enjoy added realism and management complexity, bdawson1993’s mod introduces a light taxation system to the game. While not overly demanding, it adds an extra layer of financial strategy for dedicated players.
CJB Cheats Menu
This mod provides access to a broad range of cheats—like max gold, increased movement speed, and instant travel between areas. Though more involved to install, it includes a user-friendly setup guide and is ideal for players who want to experiment freely or streamline certain tasks.
CJB Show Item Sell Prices
Also developed by CJBok, this utility displays the sell value of items directly in your inventory. It’s a practical tool for players optimizing their profits and inventory management.
Stamina Regen
Managing energy in Stardew Valley is a constant balancing act. This mod by natfoth introduces gradual stamina regeneration, offering relief from the need to pause gameplay for food or rest. Note that it requires SMAPI, a popular modding API for the game.
NPC Map Locations
Given the dynamic schedules of Pelican Town’s residents, it can be tough to track them down. This mod places character icons on your map in real-time, making it easier to complete tasks, deliver gifts, or attend events without guessing their whereabouts.
Expanding the Game with New Content
Stardew Valley Expanded
For veteran players craving new adventures, this extensive mod breathes fresh life into the game. It adds 26 new NPCs, 33 new locations, over 200 new events, extra farm maps, and more—making it feel like a true sequel within the original game world.
Stardew Valley +
Still in its early stages, this project by slamerz has exciting potential. With new crops, fish, and other items already introduced, it aims to become a long-term content expansion worth following. While it currently adds only a handful of items, ongoing development promises continued updates and new features.