After spending a good chunk of time in the base game, you might start wondering.. what else is out there? Maybe you want more things to do, a prettier world to look at, or just a few shortcuts to make your farmer life a little easier.
Well, good news! The Stardew Valley modding community is absolutely amazing. It’s filled with passionate fans who have poured so much talent, love, and creativity into this game. From full-blown expansions to tiny quality-of-life tweaks, there are SO many mods worth trying.Seriously. I’m so thankful for this community.
This article is made for anyone who’s ready to customize their Stardew Valley experience in a way that feels just right for them. Some mods bring in brand-new content. Others refresh the game’s look with beautiful recolors and visuals. And some are all about making everyday tasks smoother and more practical, so you can spend more time enjoying the cozy life.
💡Notes: I tried to include mods that are pretty popular and updated often, but things change sometimes. So before you try any of them, it’s a good idea to check if the mod is still compatible with your game version.
Also, don’t skip the installation instructions! Most mods include a quick guide that tells you what you need (like SMAPI or Content Patcher), and once you’re all set up, you’re ready for many, many hours of fun.
Now let’s get into it ! ♥
Expand Content Mods
These mods will let you have more of the Stardew Valley experience! More characters, more places to explore, more stories, events, and things to do.
If you’ve already played through a couple of years in Pelican Town and are craving something fresh, this is where you should start. These mods often feel like full-blown expansions, adding depth to the world without losing that original Stardew charm. It’s like getting a brand new game layered over the one you already love.
🌿 Stardew Valley Expanded
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish there was just more Stardew,” this is the mod for you. Stardew Valley Expanded adds so much to the game: 28 new characters (YES, that many!), new places to explore, over 200 events, extra crops, new fish, updated areas, custom music, and even new festivals. It blends so well with the original game that it honestly feels like it was always meant to be there.
This one’s my favorite way to breathe new life into the game. It doesn’t just dump everything on you at once, SVE slowly expands the world as you progress, making it feel natural and super rewarding. It’s cozy, polished, and fits perfectly with the base game vibe. Definitely a must have mod for those who want more of the SDV adventure!
🏞️ Ridgeside Village
Ridgeside Village introduces a whole new town nestled in the mountains, filled with over 50 new characters, fresh shops, events, custom music, and lore-rich quests. The village has a distinct atmosphere that feels like its own world, and it’s packed with charm (and secrets lol).
I’ll be honest, Ridgeside is massive. It can feel like you’re suddenly managing two Stardews at once, but that’s kind of what makes it magical. I loved the personalities and stories here. It might be a lot at first, but if you’re looking to really dive in, it’s such a fun ride.
🔔 Note: I don’t recommend playing this and SVE together unless you want to be very, very busy. And maybe even overwhelmed. Try SVE first if you’re not sure which to pick!
🌲 Deep Woods
Imagine a forest that never ends, full of danger, mystery, and resources just waiting to be chopped, discovered, or fought off. That’s Deep Woods. It’s like the mines but leafy and wild, with randomly generated levels and increasing difficulty the deeper you go.
This mod is for late-game adventurers who want a new kind of challenge. It feels magical and a little spooky at times. But fair warning, if you’re still in Year 1 with your rusty tools, maybe come back later. And definitely check that it’s updated for your game version first!
Quality of Life Mods
These mods are all about making your life easier by tweaking little parts of the game, or creating clever solutions in areas you didn’t even know needed fixing.
Want your gates to open on their own? Need your machines to handle themselves while you go fishing? Done. These kinds of mods help streamline the daily grind so you can focus more on the fun stuff. Some might feel a little “cheaty,” depending on how you play, so just pick what fits your style. It’s your farm, after all!
🚪 Automatic Gates
This little gem opens and closes gates for you as you walk through. No more stopping to click them every time. (It only works for players, not animals, so no cow stampedes.)
Once I started using this, I genuinely forgot gates ever needed to be opened manually. It’s such a small change, but it makes a big difference. Trust me, you’ll never want to go back.
⚙️ Automate
Pop a chest next to a machine (like a furnace, loom, or keg) and Automate takes care of the rest. It feeds in raw materials and stores finished products without you lifting a finger.
This mod turns your barn or shed into a mini factory, and it’s amazing. It’s a total game-changer for big farms or just anyone who loves efficiency. It’s a bit cheated though, and it might remove the fun of the game for some players!
📬 Mail Services Mod
No time to visit Clint or chase villagers around? This mod brings services right to your mailbox. Upgrade tools, send gifts, even complete quests, all through the mail.
It makes the world feel a little more alive, like Pelican Town finally got a proper postal system. (no no I’m not complaining about the town’s postal system…..) And I love not having to plan my whole day around finding someone lol.
🧠 UI Info Suite 2
Shows you useful little details about your surroundings: like when crops will be ready, birthdays, and what your animals need.
I like this one because it doesn’t feel like it breaks the game. It’s not cheated, and makes the game a little better (in my opinion). It’s just helpful and makes everyday tasks feel smoother.
⏱️ TimeSpeed
Slow time down, speed it up, or freeze it entirely. You can set it to change automatically or trigger it manually with a hotkey.
This is the “I want to mine without panicking” mod. It’s perfect for taking your time and actually enjoying the scenery instead of racing against the clock.
🗺️ NPC Map Locations
Tired of wandering around looking for someone? This mod shows you where all the villagers are on the map. Add an optional mini-map too!
It’s so simple, but it saves so much time, especially when you’re still learning everyone’s schedule. A must-have, honestly.
🔍 Lookup Anything
Hit F1 while hovering over anything and get detailed info: villager likes, crop growth, fence decay(etc).
It feels like having the Stardew Wiki in your pocket, but faster and prettier. I use it constantly. If you’re a player who keeps searching info up on Internet to play the game, I would HIGHLY suggest you try this mod. It’ll save your life.
🎣 Skip Fishing Minigame
Hook a fish and catch it instantly. Great for accessibility or just skipping the stress of the minigame. Also supports auto-fishing.
Perfect for people who love fishing rewards but not the actual fishing part. No shame, some of those fish are really slippery. I’m just bad at fishing honestly and it saves me.
🪑 Sit for Stamina
Sit down on a chair and slowly regain stamina. That’s it. Simple and peaceful.
This one’s especially great in multiplayer. You can chill, chat, and recharge. Plus, it just feels cozy.
✅ To-Dew
Add a handy in-game to-do list to keep track of your goals, big or small. Perfect for daily planning or long-term projects.
I love lists, and this makes my little farming brain so happy. It helps keep the day on track without needing a sticky note IRL.
📦 Chests Anywhere
Access your storage from anywhere in the world: your home chests, fridge, even the shipping bin. Optional balance settings keep it fair.
This is peak convenience. It feels like magic when you’re in the mines and need that one item… and you can actually grab it. It’s a little cheated to be honest, but you can set things up to make it balanced. (a bit)
🚜 Tractor Mod
This mod lets you buy a tractor (and its garage) to more efficiently work with crops, clear twigs and rocks, etc.
If you think you don’t need a tractor as a farmer, think again. Once you try working with this tractor, there is no coming back from it 😀
Appearance Mods
These mods are here to make the game cuter, calmer, or just more you.
Whether it’s soft recolors, new building textures, or custom outfits, appearance mods help you create a vibe that matches your cozy aesthetic. Some make the world feel warmer and earthier, while others add a touch of whimsy and color. If you love decorating or just want Stardew to feel even dreamier, this is a great section to explore.
🤍 Vibrant Pastoral Redrawn
This isn’t just a recolor, it’s a full-on glow-up. (well, depending on what you like lol) Vibrant Pastoral Redrawn fills Stardew Valley with soft pastels, extra flowers, and charming seasonal touches. Indoors, outdoors, even the mines: everything gets a fresh new look that’s bursting with cozy charm.
This is hands-down my favorite visual mod. It gives the whole game a softer, dreamier feel without being too much.
🍂 DaisyNiko’s Earthy Recolour
Looking for something warm and rustic? DaisyNiko’s Earthy Recolour tones down the original bright colors into something a little softer, a little cozier. Think fall vibes all year round—gentle earth tones that are super easy on the eyes. And if you want more, you can also check DaisyNiko’s Earthy Recolour for Interiors!
If the base game feels a little too vibrant for you, this mod is a lovely change. It wraps everything in a calm, mellow palette that’s perfect for relaxed farming days.
👗 Fashion Sense
Fashion Sense is the go-to mod if you love customizing your character’s look. It lets other mods add stylish accessories, animated hairstyles, custom clothes, and more. Want a cute bouncy ponytail that moves when you run? You got it.
I just love how this mod gives more life to pixel art sprites without being too much. If you’re into outfit changes and love the attention to details, it’s a nice mod to try!
🩷 Cute Valley – Pink
This mod retextures many items and buildings to be cuter (and pink)! Buildings also have seasonal details.
If you’re a fan of pink and cute things, this mod was definitely made for you. It makes me think of magical girl world, and I’m here for it.
🎩 Hats Won’t Mess Up Hair
You know how some hats just… ruin your hairstyle? This simple little mod fixes that. With Hats Won’t Mess Up Hair, your cute look stays intact no matter what you wear on your head.
Tiny change, big impact. If you’re anything like me and spend way too long perfecting your character’s look, this one’s a lifesaver.
🏡 Alternative Textures
Want to give your world a makeover without totally replacing everything? Alternative Textures is a flexible mod that lets you swap out textures for buildings, furniture, animals, and more. You can even make seasonal changes or mix and match styles with different packs.
This mod is like giving your farm a wardrobe. One day it’s rustic, the next it’s cottagecore. It’s one of those mods that’s fun to build around.
🪓 Destroyable Bushes
Some bushes just love getting in the way, don’t they? Destroyable Bushes lets you chop them down with an axe, freeing up space for decorating or farming. And don’t worry, they grow back (unless you tell them not to).
If you’re serious about farm design, this one’s essential. Finally, I can clear space without waiting for a modder miracle. Plus, smashing bushes is surprisingly satisfying.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install mods on consoles?
Unfortunately, no. Mods are only available for the PC version of Stardew Valley. Console versions (like Switch, PS4, and Xbox) don’t support mods at this time. But if you’re playing on PC or Steam Deck, you’re in luck!
How do you install mods?
Most mods require SMAPI, which is the main mod loader for Stardew Valley. Installing it is super straightforward, and once it’s set up, you just drop mods into your Mods folder. Many mods also use frameworks like Content Patcher, so make sure to read the mod’s page carefully to see what’s needed.
Don’t worry, once you install your first few mods, it gets much easier.
Will the mods break my game?
If you follow the instructions and stick with updated mods, you should be totally fine. But like with any modded game, it’s a good idea to back up your save files just in case. Mods that aren’t compatible with your game version can sometimes cause crashes or weird bugs, but removing them usually fixes the issue.
Wrap Up
Mods can completely transform your Stardew Valley experience. If you’re looking for new adventures, or a fresh look, or just a way to make your farm life smoother and more relaxed, I would highly recommend checking all of them out. And you can find many more mods on Nexusmods!
There’s something so special about customizing your own little world, and the amazing modding community makes that possible in the best way. It might take a little time to set everything up, but once you do, it opens the door to so many cozy hours of fun.
If you’re new to modding, start small! Pick one or two mods you’re really excited about, test them out, and see how they feel. And don’t forget to check compatibility before installing.
Happy farming, and enjoy your new, personalized Stardew Valley journey!
