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How to install SMAPI and mod Stardew Valley on Android

Stardew Valley mods on Android

Stardew Valley is a fun game to mod, but how can Android players get in on all the action? 

After Stardew Valley’s launch in February 2016, many players found themselves wanting one thing: a mobile port. The charming farm life simulator lent itself well to on-the-go play, and developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone agreed as much. In October 2018, the official mobile port of Stardew Valley arrived for iOS and Android.

Notably, the mobile port of Stardew Valley is always slightly behind the console and PC versions for compatibility reasons. The limitations of mobile devices meant players on these platforms didn’t have the same features. Even so, fans found a way to mod Stardew Valley on Android anyway.

How to mod Stardew Valley on Android

Android users can install mods on Stardew Valley via the SMAPI tool.

However, it’s a complex process, and most players recommend modded playthroughs on PC. As of this writing, SMAPI will only work with Stardew Valley 1.5.6.39. Any updates past that will fail to work with SMAPI. 

If players never updated their Stardew Valley version past that, issues should be minimal. Otherwise, they may have to look for an APK of Stardew Valley 1.5.6.39 from alternative sources, as no official way to downgrade exists. Be cautious when installing files from unofficial sources.

How to install SMAPI on Android

For the players with the correct version of Stardew Valley, here are the steps to for the stable version of SMAPI:

  • Install the latest SMAPI APK from its official GitHub page
  • Open the downloaded APK and run it
  • Authorize the permissions and install (this may take some time)
  • Update the app to complete the installation

Make sure Stardew Valley is not running while installing the SMAPI tool. 

How to install mods on Stardew Valley with SMAPI

All mod installations must be done through SMAPI for Stardew Valley on Android. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Launch SMAPI
  • Navigate to the Help tab
  • Find the symbol for Nexus Mods to enter the website
  • Look for the mods to install
  • Check past versions of the mod (must be for Stardew Valley 1.5.6.39)
  • Select Manual Download
  • Move the downloaded mod to the Stardew Valley Mods folder (Internal Storage/Stardew Valley/Mods)
  • Extract the mod within the folder
  • Restart SMAPI
  • Confirm if the mod is active through the Config tab
  • Run Stardew Valley from SMAPI by tapping the green arrow

Not all mods are compatible with Stardew Valley on Android, but many of the most popular are. This includes the wildly popular Stardew Valley expanded, which transforms the game by adding a slew of new areas, NPCs, and events to the game.

stardew valley expanded camilla

Can you mod Stardew Valley on iOS devices?

Players cannot mod Stardew Valley on iOS mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Apple has never given users much control over their devices, and historically takes a dim view of attempts to do so. That makes it little surprise that Stardew Valley can’t be modded on iOS devices.

Players who want to enjoy a refreshed Stardew Valley experience need to do so on Android devices. Either that or look to PC.

Written by Gab Hernandez X Twitter Logo

Gab Hernandez has a particular love for video games that give players control over the narrative direction, such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Disco Elysium. Gab spends just as much time playing games as they do gushing about them online to anyone who will listen. Their work has also been seen on TheGamer, Gfinity, and Wargamer, and you can follow them on Twitter / X at @HardlyWorkinGab.

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