Want to install Stardew Valley mods? Here’s a practical starter guide + curated picks for version 1.6 (PC/Steam Deck/Android).

Quick Start (PC/Steam Deck)

Install SMAPI (the mod framework)
Go to the official site, download with one click, and follow the on-page steps. The current SMAPI 4.x requires Stardew Valley 1.6.14+ (Win/macOS/Linux/Steam Deck).
SMAPI

Install common prerequisites

• Content Patcher (required by most content/visual mods)
• Generic Mod Config Menu (GMCM): in-game graphical settings editor (version 1.15.0 compatible with 1.6.14).
  Nexus Mods

Download & place
Get mods from Nexus/ModDrop, extract them, and put the folders into ...\Stardew Valley\Mods\. Launch the game via the “SMAPI” entry.
ModDrop

Android (Mobile) Notes

Version 1.6 on Android can run via a community-ported SMAPI launcher (requires a 64-bit device and the official store version; follow the steps in the post).
Reddit
GitHub

New Player “Starter Pack”

• Generic Mod Config Menu (GMCM): one-stop in-game settings (see above).
  Nexus Mods
• Lookup Anything, NPC Map Locations, and other UI/info mods (these are perennial picks in recommendation lists—choose as needed).
  PCGamesN

Tip: If you’re installing many mods for the first time or see errors, first confirm SMAPI and all mods target Stardew 1.6.x. Many issues come from version mismatches.
SMAPI
Reddit

Expansions & Large Content Packs

• Stardew Valley Expanded (SVE): one of the largest expansions, adding 28 NPCs, 58 maps, 280+ events, fish/quests/festivals/farm maps, etc. It depends on several prerequisites (listed on its page).
  Nexus Mods
• Ridgeside Village: adds 50+ NPCs, a new town/shops/quests/festivals/music (depends on Content Patcher, SpaceCore, Farm Type Manager, etc.).
  Nexus Mods

Want an “all-in-one” approach? Use Nexus Collections (e.g., “Stardew Valley VERY Expanded,” noted as compatible with 1.6.15).
Nexus Mods

Fun/Crossover (Optional)

• Baldur’s Village (Baldur’s Gate 3 crossover): adds a northern village, new interactions, and an Astarion marriage route; well-reviewed.
  Polygon

FAQ & Tips

How do I diagnose errors/conflicts?
Update SMAPI and prerequisites first, then toggle mods on/off to isolate. The “Requirements/Files/Posts” sections on Nexus pages often have fixes.
SMAPI
Nexus Mods

Is everything 1.6-compatible?
Most major mods have updated for 1.6.14/1.6.15. The download page will clearly list supported game versions.
Nexus Mods

Will modding affect console versions?
Consoles (PS/Xbox/Switch) don’t natively support mods. PC/Steam Deck and Android are the main platforms. See the platform notes above.