How to Update SMAPI for Stardew Valley Mods

With the launch of Stardew Valley 1.6 on PC, players will need to keep their SMAPI program up to date if they want to use Mods. Here is how to update SMAPI in Stardew Valley so it’s compatible with the major SDV 1.6 update.

How to install SMAPI in Stardew Valley 1.6

If you are getting ready to use SMAPI for the first time with Stardew Valley 1.6, make sure you have opened the game at least once before doing any mods. After this, head to this site to download the program from the official source (don’t use another site, or you risk malware and issues). Download SMAPI wherever you want, such as your Downloads folder on your PC. Once done, extract to a folder you like and run the executable for your platform of choice (PC, Mac, and Linux). By the way, yes, this also works for Steam Deck!

Follow the basic instructions in the app to install it. Once done with this, leave SMAPI open. For Steam users, copy the text that appears once SMAPI finishes downloading. It will look something like “Your folder path here” %command%. Go into Steam to Stardew Valley and right click on it to bring up properties. Go to general, then launch options, and paste that folder path there. You are now good to go to boot the game with mods!

Now, for the actual mods themselves, you want to download them from a secure place like NexusMods. Extract the mod file into the mods folder for SMAPI. The program will then automatically recognize the mod and let you boot the game instantly with it included.

How to Update SMAPI for Stardew Valley 1.6 Mods

Whenever a major update is released, such as the Stardew Valley 1.6 patch, SMAPI will need to update to be compatible with the latest version of the game. Updating SMAPI is simple but a bit annoying. What you want to do is basically redo all of the steps above.

Essentially you are having to re-download the program and re-install it again. Download the latest version of SMAPI, install it, and ensure you have the right path for it in the Steam launch options for the game. It is annoying to do this each time, but it is a simple enough solution for all your mods.

Stardew Valley 1.6 is now available for PC and will be released on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S at a later date.