While the base game itself is excellent, Stardew Valley mods are a great way to add new content and features, change mechanics, or just make it look prettier. If you want to increase the challenge or make things easier for you, there are mods for that too! For those who are just starting to use mods, here are the best Stardew Valley mod manager options to choose from.

SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) is not a dedicated mod manager, but is a required tool for many mods. Content Patcher is an additional tool that simplifies mod installation and reduces conflicts.

SMAPI essentially acts as a bridge between the mods and the core game code, allowing mods to interact with the game and make changes. It is lightweight and streamlines the installation process, making modding accessible to most players.

Luckily, it works well with GOG and Steam achievements, and is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows. Additionally, the SMAPI community is very active, so if you get stuck or have questions, you'll likely find an answer from other players. SMAPI is required for most types of Stardew Valley mods, so it's the best choice out of the bunch.