As of October 23, 2026, Stardew Valley’s Steam page asks for a 2 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, a graphics card with 256 MB of memory that supports shader model 3.0 and 500 MB of storage, on Windows Vista or later. There are no recommended requirements: ConcernedApe only publishes the minimums. It has native versions for Mac and Linux, and on Steam Deck it has Valve’s «Verified» rating. It runs on almost any current laptop, including ones with only integrated graphics.
Official Stardew Valley requirements
| Component | Windows | macOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows Vista or later | Mac OS X 10.10 or later | Ubuntu 12.04 LTS |
| Processor | 2 GHz | 2 GHz | 2 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Graphics | 256 MB, shader model 3.0+ | 256 MB, OpenGL 2 | 256 MB, OpenGL 2 |
| DirectX | Version 10 | — | — |
| Storage | 500 MB | 500 MB | 500 MB |
Source: Stardew Valley’s Steam page (checked on October 23, 2026). There’s only a minimum column; the store page doesn’t include recommended specs.
One caveat: these are the 2016 requirements. Since version 1.5.5 the game uses 64-bit MonoGame on every platform, according to the official wiki, so in practice you need a 64-bit system for the current version (1.6). The 32-bit compatibility branch that existed doesn’t support SMAPI.
Laptops, integrated graphics and Steam Deck
| Device | Does it work? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop with integrated graphics (Intel, AMD) | Yes | 256 MB of video memory and shader model 3.0 are below any current integrated GPU. |
| Mac with Apple Silicon or Intel | Yes | Native macOS version on Steam and GOG. |
| Linux | Yes | Native version (official requirement: Ubuntu 12.04 or later). |
| Steam Deck | Verified | Valve confirms full controller support, correct icons, legible text and good default performance. |
Source: Steam requirements and Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility report (app 413150).
How much more you need with mods
Stardew Valley mods are loaded with SMAPI, which works on Windows, macOS, Linux and Steam Deck. Most are tiny: according to Holymod’s mod pages, the median size of frameworks, interface mods and gameplay mods is around 0.1 MB. What takes up the most space is expansions and retextures:
| Mod | Type | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Zuzu | Expansion | 111.7 MB |
| Stardew Valley Expanded | Expansion | 97.6 MB |
| Medieval Buildings | Graphics | 84.8 MB |
| SMAPI | Mod loader | 39.9 MB |
Even with several big expansions you won’t go over 1 GB in total, so disk space isn’t an issue. What does go up is the loading time when you open the game and, with hundreds of mods, memory usage: if your computer has 4 GB of RAM or less, it’s a good idea to install expansions one at a time and check the SMAPI log if something goes wrong.
Compared with other farming games
| Game | Minimum RAM | Minimum graphics | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stardew Valley | 2 GB | 256 MB of video memory | 500 MB |
| Farming Simulator 22 | 8 GB | GTX 660 or R7 265 (2 GB) | 35 GB |
| Farming Simulator 25 | 8 GB | GTX 1050 Ti or RX 470 (3 GB) | 50 GB |
Source: each game’s minimum requirements on Steam (October 23, 2026). Stardew Valley is by far the least demanding: it takes up a hundred times less space than Farming Simulator 25 and doesn’t need a dedicated graphics card.
What about mobile or console?
Stardew Valley is also on Android, iOS, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One, each with its own store requirements. On those versions mods have major limitations; we explain them in the guide to mods on Android and consoles.
More Stardew Valley guides: how to install mods with SMAPI, SMAPI errors and fixes, mods on Android, Switch and PS4 and the best expansions.
Stardew Valley quick facts: Steam Deck · price and whether it’s free · file size · multiplayer · consoles.
Frequently asked questions
Does Stardew Valley run on 2 GB of RAM?
That’s Steam’s official minimum. Without mods it’s enough; with big expansions like Stardew Valley Expanded, the more memory, the better.
How many GB is Stardew Valley?
Steam asks for 500 MB of free space. Even with lots of mods it rarely reaches 1.5 GB.
Does it work on 32-bit Windows?
The main version has been 64-bit since 1.5.5. The 32-bit compatibility branch doesn’t support SMAPI, so you need a 64-bit system to use mods.
Do I need a dedicated graphics card?
No. With 256 MB of video memory as the official minimum, any current integrated GPU is enough.
Do mods work on Steam Deck?
Yes. SMAPI has an installer for Steam Deck and the game is Verified by Valve.