Stardew Valley mod frameworks

Here are 40 mods that act as frameworks for Stardew Valley: SMAPI, the loader almost no mod works without, Content Patcher and the libraries required by expansions, retextures and clothing or furniture packs. On their own they barely change the game, but they're the foundation other mods need. They're all for 1.6 on PC: SMAPI 4.5.2 requires 1.6.14 or later, and Content Patcher 2.9.1 requires 1.6.15.

The Stardew Valley frameworks you'll need most

• SMAPI (Stardew Modding API): the mod loader for Windows, macOS, Linux and Steam Deck. Version 4.5.2.
• Content Patcher: applies content packs without touching the game files. Most retextures, portraits and expansions load through it. Version 2.9.1.
• Generic Mod Config Menu: an in-game menu for changing other mods' options without editing config.json, with a Spanish translation.
• SpaceCore: a library required by hundreds of mods, including Ridgeside Village, East Scarp and Sword and Sorcery.
• Farm Type Manager (FTM): spawns forage, ores and monsters on custom farms and areas. SVE, Ridgeside Village and East Scarp require it.
• Alternative Textures: multiple textures for the same item, building or animal, which you switch with a paint bucket. Over 1,300 mods use it.
• Mapping Extensions and Extra Properties (MEEP): a map framework needed by expansions like East Scarp or Sword and Sorcery.
• Stardrop: an open-source mod manager with profiles, enabling and disabling mods, update checks and Nexus integration.

How to tell which frameworks you need

• Install them when a mod asks for them: each mod page lists its requirements. If one is missing, SMAPI warns you in its console at startup, in the "Skipped mods" list, and doesn't load the mod that needs it.
• Folder prefixes: [CP] marks a content pack for Content Patcher; [FS], for Fashion Sense; [AT], for Alternative Textures; and [JA], for Json Assets. They all go in the Mods folder, next to their framework.
• Base first: after a game update, update SMAPI and Content Patcher before everything else. Many mods require a minimum version, like SMAPI 4.1.10.
• Author libraries: StardewHack, Stardust Core and Cauldron are only needed if you use mods by bcmpinc, by Omegasis or Wildflour's Atelier Goods, respectively.

To install SMAPI and your first mods, follow the guide to install mods in Stardew Valley. If SMAPI crashes or skips mods, check the SMAPI errors and how to fix them, and if you play on mobile, see how mods work on Android and consoles.

Frequently asked questions