Modding:Installing SMAPI on Steam Deck
This page explains how to install SMAPI (the tool which lets you use mods) on Steam Deck, a handheld console made by Steam.
Install
Before you start
Before you install SMAPI, you need to know which version of the game you're running: native (Linux version) or Proton (Windows version). If you're not sure, select Stardew Valley from your library, then scroll down and select the GAME INFO tab. Under Steam Deck Compatibility, it will say {compatibility mode} selected by (Valve or you). Where {compatibility mode} will either be Steam Linux Runtime (native) or Proton {version} (Windows)
Stardew Valley in native mode
- Download the latest Linux version of SMAPI.
- Extract the .zip file somewhere (but not in your game folder!).
- Run the install on Linux.sh file, and follow the on-screen instructions.
(If the installer asks for your game install path, see how to find your game folder.)
To install manually instead, see instructions in the installer's readme.
Stardew Valley in Proton
Warning: If you run Stardew Valley in Proton mode, cloud saves will not work for your modded saves.
- Add the SMAPI files:
- Download the latest Windows version of SMAPI.
- Extract the .zip file somewhere (but not in your game folder!).
- Open the README.txt file in the installer folder.
- Follow the instructions to install the Windows version of SMAPI manually.
Do not just copy the installer files into the game folder. There's several steps explained in the README.txt file.
- Configure Steam:
- In the Steam client, click Games (in the top menu) > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
- In the Add a Game window that opens, click Browse and select StardewModdingAPI in your game folder.
- A new StardewModdingAPI game will appear in your Steam library view.
- Configure the new entry to run through Proton too (see this video tutorial).
- (Optional) Your cloud saves for Stardew Valley won't carry over to SMAPI. To fix that:
- Open this folder: ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/<STEAM_ID>/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData (where STEAM_ID is the ID for Stardew Valley).
If you're not sure which one it is, open a terminal in the ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata folder and runfind | grep -i Stardew
to find it. - Copy the saves from the Stardew Valley folder to the equivalent folder for the StardewModdingAPI game you added.
- Open this folder: ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/<STEAM_ID>/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData (where STEAM_ID is the ID for Stardew Valley).
To play, launch StardewModdingAPI through Steam.
Update SMAPI
Just install the new version; the installer will automatically clean up previous versions.
Uninstall
- Launch the installer again (see install steps).
- When prompted, choose the uninstall option.
Troubleshooting
SMAPI window no longer appears after game update
- Run the SMAPI installer again to fix the launcher.
Can't launch game when SMAPI is installed
- Open a terminal in your game folder.
- Run
./StardewModdingAPI
in the terminal to see what the error is:- If you see "The library 'libhostpolicy.so' required to execute the application was not found", you have the Linux version of SMAPI with the Proton version of the game. See the instructions for Proton above.
- If you see a different error, check whether the troubleshooting page has a section for it. If not, see the 'get help' section there.
Other issues
See the troubleshooting page for general troubleshooting.