New to modding, where do I start?

[Call Sign: Raven]

Been enjoying the game vanilla for quite some time, but I think it's time to mod.

I found Nexus, I've modded games before, I actually make mods so I know it's not hard. I just don't know what Stardew specifically needs to make stuff work.

Also, anybody have any mod suggestions? I'm a few years late lol.

Thanks!

[chornobyl]

Hello!) First of all, you need to download SMAPI - with it you can play with mods. What can I recommend? Stardew Valley Expansion - it expands the game itself, adds new characters, etc. Also, Ridgeside Village - adds a village in the mountains, with new characters and locations, not literally like SVE, I liked it. If you don't want such mods (for example, I don't use them), I would definitely recommend mods that simplify the game a bit. For example, Better Crafting and Better Chests, as well as Automate. I could be more specific if you could tell me exactly what you want to add or change in the game.

[ChrillBill]

I have a pretty easy to follow guide for new mod users, I hope it can help you:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2859255267


You also wanted some mod recommendations? Well here are some of my favourites!

We start off with;
*DaisyNiko's Earthy Recolor[www.nexusmods.com]
This is a gorgeous recolor mod that completely changes the look of the game :D It is also much easier on the eyes if you are struggling with the bright colors.

DaisyNiko also has a lot of fantastic farm maps, many of which I have used myself :>

I am also addicted to these mods due to their cute medieval theme:
*Medieval Buildings[www.nexusmods.com]
*Medieval Craftables[www.nexusmods.com]
*Gwen's Paths[www.nexusmods.com]
*Cottagecore Fences[www.nexusmods.com]
*Way Back Pelican Town[www.nexusmods.com]
These are all made by the same artist called Gweniaczek and they can give both the farm and also the rest of the town a very cute, earthy and medieval look ^.^

This is a great mod when you want to add and change a lot of textures in the game. With this you can for example have different coops and barns on the farm at the same time and there are also many packs for craftables, furniture and animals:
*Alternative Textures[www.nexusmods.com]

This is a similar one but focuses entirely on the character (farmer) you have created:
*Fashion Sense[www.nexusmods.com]

Moving on to another and recently added must have:
*Visible Fish[www.nexusmods.com]
Makes the waters look really cool by displaying fish swimming around in it basically everywhere :D A nice effect that makes the game feel even more alive.

*Dynamic Reflections[www.nexusmods.com]
Also a pretty new must have for me. Makes it so that you can see your reflection in mirrors, waters and as an extra cool effect you can also see stars and comets reflecting in the waters during night time *.* This mod also generates reflecting puddles during and after rainy weather for more realism.

Here are a couple of animal mods that I find myself coming back to:
*Otters Coop Animals[www.nexusmods.com]
*Otters Barn Animals[www.nexusmods.com]

And speaking of animals, this is also pretty dope:
*Horse Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]
Makes the horse so much better than the vanilla version. You can for example give it treats and water. You can also pet and build a relationship with it. And with this mod your horse will also be able to carry stuff for you in their saddle bag :> It's a really good improvement and I suggest reading carefully through the description.

When it comes to custom npcs I have one long time favourite outside of the bigger expansion mods. The game is not the same without him! Let me introduce:
*Lucikiel[www.nexusmods.com] :D

And of course, these two are usually also a must have for me as they really expand the game in a very nice way. They can be mixed together as well:
*Stardew Valley Expanded[www.nexusmods.com]
*Ridgeside Village[www.nexusmods.com]

Some useful advice:

You should always pay extra attention to which mods you can and shouldn't mix, and also which mods you can add and remove during a playthrough. A big expansion mod like Stardew Valley Expanded for example should never be removed during a playthrough. Adding it in the middle of a playthrough is not recommended either.

Hopefully you will find something interesting here!

[Call Sign: Raven]

Oh boy, Christmas came early this year!

Thanks to the both of you for the replies, can't wait to get started!