Download & Installation

Download & Installation Guide for Stardew Valley

This guide covers everything you need to download and install Stardew Valley on all major platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG), PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile (iOS/Android). We'll walk you through legitimate sources, step-by-step installation, system requirements, storage space, account needs, first launch setup, common errors, and post-install verification.

1. Official Download Sources

Stardew Valley is developed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone and published by various partners. Always use official storefronts to ensure you get a legitimate copy with updates and support. Avoid pirated versions or key resellers of dubious origin.

2. System Requirements

#### PC (Steam, Epic, GOG)

• Minimum:

- OS: Windows 7+, macOS 10.12+, Ubuntu 16.04+ (Linux)
- Processor: 2 GHz (dual-core)
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: 256 MB VRAM (DirectX 10 / OpenGL 3.0 capable)
- Storage: 500 MB free (note: the game itself is ~400 MB, but extra save files/mods require more)
- DirectX: Version 10

• Recommended:

- OS: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, Ubuntu 20.04+
- Processor: 2.5 GHz (quad-core)
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: 512 MB VRAM or better (DX11 / OpenGL 4.0)
- Storage: 1 GB free (for saves, mods, optional content)
- DirectX: Version 11

• Note: The game is lightweight and runs on almost any modern computer. Even integrated graphics (Intel UHD) handle it fine.


#### PlayStation & Xbox

• Console-specific requirements are handled by the platform. Just ensure you have enough free storage.


• PS4/PS5: ~1 GB free.


• Xbox One / Series X|S: ~1 GB free.


#### Nintendo Switch

• Download size: ~1.1 GB. Ensure sufficient free space on system memory or microSD card.


#### Mobile (iOS/Android)

• iOS: Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.


• Android: Requires Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and up. Optimized for phones and tablets. ~500 MB free space.




3. Step-by-Step Installation



#### 3.1 PC (Steam Method – Most Common)
1. Install Steam – If you don't have Steam, download the installer from [store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com) and install it.
2. Create/Log into Steam account – You need a free Steam account.
3. Purchase Stardew Valley – Search for "Stardew Valley" in the Steam store, add to cart, and complete purchase (USD $14.99, often discounted).
4. Download the game – In your Steam Library, find Stardew Valley, click Install. Choose a drive/folder (default is fine). Steam downloads and installs automatically.
5. Launch – Once downloaded, click Play. The game may check for updates on first launch.

#### 3.2 PC (Epic Games Store)
1. Install Epic Games Launcher from [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com).
2. Log in or create a free Epic account.
3. Purchase Stardew Valley from the Epic Store (or claim if free period).
4. Install – Go to Library, find Stardew Valley, click Install.
5. Launch – Click Launch after installation.

#### 3.3 PC (GOG.com – DRM-free)
1. Create GOG account and purchase from [gog.com](https://www.gog.com).
2. Download GOG Galaxy (optional launcher) or download offline installer directly.
3. Via GOG Galaxy: Install Galaxy, log in, go to Library, click Install on Stardew Valley.
4. Offline installer: Download the executable (.exe) file(s). Run the installer – it will extract files to a folder of your choice. No launcher needed; run `StardewValley.exe` directly.

#### 3.4 PlayStation 4/5
1. Power on console and sign in to your PlayStation Network account.
2. Open PlayStation Store.
3. Search for "Stardew Valley".
4. Purchase (USD $14.99).
5. Download – The game will automatically add to your download queue. You can monitor progress from the home screen.
6. Install – It installs automatically after download.
7. Launch – Select the game tile on home screen.

Note: PS4 version works on PS5. There is also a native PS5 version with 4K support; buy whichever is listed (often the same product).

#### 3.5 Xbox One / Series X|S
1. Sign in to your Xbox Live / Microsoft account.
2. Open Microsoft Store on console.
3. Search for Stardew Valley.
4. Purchase and Install – It will download and install automatically.
5. Launch – From the home screen or Games & Apps.

Play Anywhere: If you buy the Xbox version from the Microsoft Store, you can also install it on Windows 10/11 PC via the Xbox app (same license).

#### 3.6 Nintendo Switch
1. Turn on Switch and connect to internet.
2. Open Nintendo eShop from the home menu.
3. Log in to your Nintendo Account.
4. Search for Stardew Valley.
5. Purchase (USD $14.99).
6. Download – The game will start downloading automatically. You can see progress on the home screen.
7. Install – After download, the icon appears. Launch it.

Tip: Ensure you have enough free space – check under System Settings → Data Management.

#### 3.7 Mobile (iOS/Android)

• iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Open App Store.
2. Search "Stardew Valley" (developer: Chucklefish Limited).
3. Tap Get and authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID / password.
4. Download completes automatically; tap Open.

• Android:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search "Stardew Valley".
3. Tap Install.
4. Accept permissions.
5. Launch from app drawer.

Note: Mobile version is a paid app (no in-app purchases, no ads). It includes the same core content as PC but with touch controls and auto-save. Multiplayer is not available on mobile.



4. Account Requirements




• Steam: Free Steam account needed.


• Epic Games: Free Epic account.


• GOG: Free GOG account (if using Galaxy).


• PlayStation: PlayStation Network account (free, but you may need PS+ for online multiplayer on console versions; however, Stardew Valley's multiplayer is peer-to-peer and does not require PS+ on PS5? Actually on PS4/5 you need PS+ for any online multiplayer. For PS4, yes, you need PS Plus to play multiplayer. On PS5, also requires PS Plus for online play. Check current Sony policy.)


• Xbox: Xbox Live account (free tier is enough for single-player; Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate required for online multiplayer on Xbox consoles).


• Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Account (free). Online multiplayer requires Nintendo Switch Online membership.


• Mobile: No account needed – purely offline.




5. First Launch Setup



When you start Stardew Valley for the first time, you will see:
1. Title Screen – Options: New, Load, Co-op, Settings, Exit.
2. Settings – Before starting a new game, you may want to adjust:
- Language (English, German, French, etc.)
- Audio (music/SFX volume)
- Graphics (windowed/fullscreen, resolution, lighting quality)
- Controls (keyboard/mouse or gamepad)
- Zoom (default 100%)
3. New Game – Press "New".
4. Character Creation – Choose gender, skin color, shirt, pants, etc. Name your farmer, farm, and favorite thing.
5. Select Farm Map – There are 7 farm types (Standard, Riverland, Forest, Hilltop, Wilderness, Four Corners, Beach). Each affects layout and resources. Default is Standard.
6. Naming Pets – You'll be asked to name a cat or dog later (minor).
7. Intro cutscene – After creation, the game begins with a short scene and your arrival at Pelican Town.
8. Tutorial – The game is open-ended. Follow the initial quests from the start menu (check your journal).

Multiplayer: If you start Co-op, you can host or join via LAN/IP. On consoles/Switch, you need the appropriate online subscription.



6. Common Installation Errors and Fixes



#### PC (Steam/Epic/GOG)

• Error: "Missing redistributable" – The game requires DirectX and Visual C++ runtimes. Install from the _CommonRedist folder in the game's installation directory (Steam: `...\steamapps\common\Stardew Valley\_CommonRedist`).


• Game won't launch / black screen – Try:

- Update graphics drivers.
- Verify game files on Steam (right-click game → Properties → Local Files → Verify integrity).
- Run in windowed mode: edit startup command line in Steam launch options: `-windowed`.
- Disable mods if any.

• Crash due to mods – If you have mods installed (SMAPI), update them or remove `Mods` folder temporarily.


• Save file corruption – Backup saves regularly (located in `%AppData%\StardewValley\Saves` on Windows).


• No sound – Check audio device settings, ensure not muted in game. Reinstall audio drivers.


• Low FPS – Lower resolution, disable lighting effects, turn on framing limit.


#### Console (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)

• Download stuck – Pause and resume download, or restart console.


• Installation failed – Check free space, delete unnecessary data, restart console.


• Game crashes on startup – Fully restart the console, check for system updates.


• Multiplayer not connecting – Ensure you have the required online subscription (PS Plus, Game Pass Core/Ultimate, Nintendo Switch Online). Check NAT type (open is best).


#### Mobile (iOS/Android)

• App won't install – Restart device, check internet connection, free up storage.


• Game freezes – Force close the app, restart device. Update to latest version.


• Touch controls not responding – Restart app. If persists, reinstall (backup saves first: saves are stored locally; on iOS you can use iCloud backup; on Android, they are in `Android/data/com.chucklefish.stardewvalley/files/Saves`).


• In-app purchase issues (none exist) – Most mobile issues are due to outdated OS. Update to latest.

7. Post-Installation Verification

After installing successfully, perform these checks to ensure everything works:

1. Launch the game – You should see the title screen without errors.
2. Check game version – On title screen, version number is displayed at top left (e.g., v1.6.4). Ensure it's the latest. For PC, check Steam changelog. For consoles, update via system.
3. Test basic controls – Move character, open inventory (E on PC, X on Xbox, Square on PS, Y on Switch, touch on mobile).
4. Test save/load – Start a new game, play for 1 in-game day, then save and exit (through menu). Reload the save.
5. Test audio – Hear background music and sound effects (chopping wood, watering).
6. Test multiplayer (optional) – If you plan to play with friends, host a game and have a friend join (or use a second device).
7. Mod compatibility (PC only) – If you plan to mod, install SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) from [smapi.io](https://smapi.io). Run `StardewModdingAPI.exe` to launch modded game. Check logs for errors.

Save file location (PC): `%AppData%\StardewValley\Saves` (Windows) / `~/.config/StardewValley/Saves` (Linux) / `~/Library/Application Support/StardewValley/Saves` (macOS). Backup these folders occasionally.

8. Storage Space Summary

Note: Console and mobile versions may have slightly different sizes due to OS overhead. Always keep at least double the stated size free during download+install.

9. Additional Tips

• Cross-save/Cloud saves:

- Steam, Epic, GOG Galaxy support cloud saving. Console cloud saves require respective subscriptions.
- Mobile does not have built-in cloud saves (manual backup required).
- No cross-platform transfers are officially supported (except Xbox/PC via Play Anywhere).

• Uninstalling: Uninstall via your platform's usual method (e.g., Steam Library right-click → Manage → Uninstall). Saves remain unless manually deleted.


• Redownloading: You can reinstall at any time from your purchase library. No extra cost.


• Getting help: Official wiki at [stardewvalleywiki.com](https://stardewvalleywiki.com) or community forums.

This guide covers all legitimate ways to enjoy Stardew Valley. Happy farming!