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Stardew Valley became a sensation when it was released in 2016 and quickly conquered Steam’s charts to become one of the most played games of the year.
The critics’ response was equally impressive. In fact, Stardew Valley’s Mac version easily earned a spot among our top simulation games for Mac. But instead of enjoying the success, developer ConcernedApe continues to work hard on his game.
In this review:
In case you haven’t head, Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulation that lets you build and manage your very own farm.
What’s new with Stardew Valley? Developed for Mac by Chucklefish (the team behind Starbound), Stardew Valley just received a huge free update, its long-awaited Multiplayer update. Along with tons of new content and improvements, you can finally play the game in co-op with up to 3 friends!
You can read more about it below.
Considered by many as one of the best indies ever created, Stardew Valley is indeed an excellent simulation game that everyone should try. Our score: ★★★★★ |
First things first, is the game any good?
Stardew Valley is a pixelated farming simulator about a boy who inherits a farm from his grandfather. From there, the boy will have to learn how to care for it and bring it back to greatness.
You could easily discard it as simply a PC version of the Harvest Moon games, but the game doesn’t stop there. Stardew Valley gives players more control over the design of their farms, the kinds of animals and crops to raise, and also introduces more interesting NPCs.
The incredible story of one man, four years, and fame
Stardew Valley is a good game, no doubt. But what I found truly fascinating is the story behind it. The game was quietly developed by one man over the course of four years.
From there, the game quickly earned a spot among Steam’s top-selling games. It has a subreddit with over 200,000 subscribers and glowing reviews from both the press and gamers:
An already great game improved
Since the game was released, it continues to receive top-notch support in the form of free updates. The latest to date is the Multiplayer update and includes:
- 4 Player Farming – Invite 1-3 players to join you as ‘farmhands’ via Steam and/or LAN.
- Work Together – Work together to achieve common goals such as farming, mining, fighting, fishing, foraging and festival participation.
- Scalable Difficulty – Scale the profit margin of produce sold to change the difficulty level of a multiplayer farm.
- Multiplayer Marriage – Farmhands can choose to woo Pelican Town’s NPCs, or craft a wedding ring to propose to a fellow Player.
- Chat Box & Custom Emojis – Communicate using the new chatbox feature with colored text and nearly 200 custom Stardew Valley emojis.
And every single one of these features supports macOS. Stardew Valley is the perfect example of a Mac port done right. The game is absolutely the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
But the question remains: Can you run it?
Into simulation games? These are our favorites:
| Game | ★ Best Overall | Best for MacBook | Best Value |
| Genre | City-builder | Life simulation | RPG simulation |
| Release date | 2015 | 2014 | 2016 |
| Metascore | |||
| Our rating | ★★★★★ Full Review | ★★★★☆ Full Review | ★★★★★ Full Review |
| Requirements | High | Low Mafia 3 mac game. May 12, 2017 Aspyr has finally released Mafia 3 for Mac. The game was released May 11, 2017, and it supports Apple’s Metal API, making this Aspyr’s first. This information comes straight from Aspyr, who agreed to let Mac Gamer HQ share this information exclusively. Dec 19, 2019 Today we will highlight Mafia 3, a game from the popular Mafia series franchise by 2K games. The game is an action-adventure based in the late 60’s with amazing graphics and unique gameplay that set it apart from the likes of GTA and other open world games. | Low |
| Check Price |
Stardew Valley Mac requirements
These are Stardew Valley minimum system requirements:
- OS: macOS 10.10+
- Processor: 2 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: 256 MB video memory, OpenGL 2
- Storage: 500 MB available space
Just by looking at the requirements, we know this should be an easy game to run. But why stop here? We test it on several Macs to give you a definitive answer.
Into Simulation games? These are our favorites:
| Game | ★ Best Overall | Best for MacBook | Best Value |
| Genre | City-builder | Life simulation | RPG simulation |
| Release date | 2015 | 2014 | 2016 |
| Metascore | |||
| Our rating | ★★★★★ Full Review | ★★★★☆ Full Review | ★★★★★ Full Review |
| Requirements | High | Low | Low |
| Check Price |
The Test: Can you play Stardew Valley on Mac?
To evaluate how well Stardew Valley runs, we test it on the following machines:

- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016): 2.0 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, Intel Iris Graphics 540 (1.5GB)
- iMac (5K, 27-inch, Late 2014): 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, AMD Radeon R9 M290X (2GB)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2013): 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, Intel Iris 5100 (1.5GB)
Why these machines? We aim to have the most varied stable of testing machines. This way, there will always be a machine that, at the very least, somewhat resembles the Mac you have at home. It could be a:
- A high-end Mac (like our 2014 iMac).
- A recent entry-level Mac (like our 2016 MacBook Pro).
- An older Mac (like our 2013 MacBook Pro).
These are the settings we used with the help of our in-house FPS counter, Count It, for a fixed duration of 5 minutes:
- 2560×1600 resolution
- High Lighting Quality
- 100% Zoom Level
Why these settings? We usually test games at 1280×800 resolution (we have to give older MacBooks a chance!), but given how lightweight Stardew Valley is, we decided to go with a much higher (and therefore, demanding) resolution.
The Results: An easy game to run, as expected!
Our real-world results confirmed our initial impression:
The game locks frame-rates to a maximum of 60 per second. This is why all machines scored the same results.
As a reminder, this is how we describe the different levels of performance:
- Below 20 FPS: Unplayable: Laggy gameplay, full of stutters and slowdowns.
- 20-30 FPS: Borderline: Can be OK in slow-paced games. Still, not optimal.
- 30-45 FPS: Playable: Acceptable for most (most gaming consoles do this).
- 45-60 FPS: Smooth: Fluid gameplay, with no perceivable stutters.
- 60+ FPS: Very Smooth: For hardcore and professional players, a luxury for most.
We usually aim for 30 FPS, because 30 FPS is enough to guarantee a smooth and fluid experience for most.
Can my Mac run Stardew Valley?
In case this is not clear yet, most Macs should be able to run Stardew Valley. Even our older models managed to pull off 60 frames per second (FPS), the fastest possible performance.
The three of our machines did the maximum 60 frames per second when testing the game with our default 1280×800 resolution. That’s we decided to test the game at a much higher resolution to push our older Mac to limits. That never happened…
Unless your Mac is 15 years old and doesn’t support Intel processors, you should be able to run this game…
Can you play Stardew Valley on a MacBook Pro?
This might be the easiest Mac performance review we’ve done so far. After all, this was to be expected from a pixelated retro-looking game.
Both our MacBook Pros handled Stardew Valley without breaking a sweat. The same should be expected from a MacBook Air. And in case you find yourself with somewhat limited performance, you can always lower the game’s resolution to something more forgiving than 2560×1660…

Bottom line: Stardew Valley is a perfect game for MacBook owners: It’s both great and extremely easy to run on even the oldest MacBooks out there.
PS: These are our favorite accessories for playing/testing games on Mac!
| Game | ★ Best Mouse | Best Controller | Best eGPU |
| Why we love it? | The G502 is Logitech's most accurate gaming mouse yet. Plus, it has a plethora of buttons and a killer design. | The official PS4 controller just works on Mac. It's wireless, it's precise, it has an excellent grip and it's durable. | The Razer Core X turns your MacBook or Mac Mini into a killer gaming machine by adding external graphics support. |
| Mac compatible? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| User Reviews | ★★★★☆ 326 Amazon reviews | ★★★★☆ 9,678 Amazon reviews | ★★★★☆ 74 Amazon reviews |
| Price | From $56 | From $39.99 | From $299.99 |
| Buy from |
Download Stardew Valley for Mac
If you’re into simulation games or simply wonder why everyone loves Stardew Valley so much, you can grab a copy from most digital stores.
By the way, Humble Bundle’s version includes all the nice Steam features you’d expect, such as Steam cloud saves and the ability to play the game on Windows, Mac, and Linux:
Considered by many as one of the best indies ever created, Stardew Valley is indeed an excellent simulation game that everyone should try. Our score: ★★★★★ |
Stardew Valley Mac review
Considered by many as one of the best indies ever created, Stardew Valley is indeed an excellent simulation game everyone should try. On top of that, this is a lightweight game with low system requirements that can be enjoyed by virtually everyone, including users with older MacBooks.
5
Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission (this is how we pay the bills). This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
- Getting Started
Do you want to play Stardew Valley with mods? This guide is for you!
- 2Getting started
- 4Frequent questions
Intro
A 'mod' is just a package of files which changes Stardew Valley in some way. Mods can add features (like showing NPCs on the map), change game mechanics (like making fences decay more slowly), make cosmetic changes (like making your house look like a hobbit home), and more.
Using mods is easy! You just need to..
- Install SMAPI. That's the mod loader for Stardew Valley — it launches the game with mod support and lets mods interact directly with the game code. It's safely installed alongside your normal game, and you can uninstall it anytime.
- Unzip mods into your Mods folder.
See frequent questions below, or keep reading to get started!
Getting started
Install SMAPI
First you'll need to install the mod loader, SMAPI. Click the right link for more info:
Find mods
Next you can download the mods you want. Some suggestions:
- most popular mods on Nexus;
- recommendations for a first playthrough;
- search for mods here:
site description Nexus Mods Most mods are released here.
(Registering an account is free, just don't choose a package when you register.)ModDrop Many mods are released here. You can install mods quickly through their Windows-only client (which also handles auto-updates), or download mods directly from the website without registration needed. Chucklefish mods Some older mods are released here, though most are also on ModDrop or Nexus. Stardew Valley forums Some older mods are posted directly in the forums. Some hidden gems are only here, but finding them can be a challenge.
Before you download a mod..
- Does it work with the latest version of the game? (For SMAPI mods, see the mod compatibility list; SMAPI will also automatically disable most incompatible SMAPI mods. You're on your own for XNB mods; try checking the mod description or comments for those.)
- Don't download from stardewvalleymods.net. (Mods here are usually outdated, since the site republishes mods without permission for ad revenue.)
Find your game folder
Next you'll need to open your game folder (the one containing Stardew Valley's .exe file). Here's where to find it by default:
| Platform | Path |
|---|---|
| Windows | GOG: C:Program Files (x86)GOG GalaxyGamesStardew Valleyor C:GOG GamesStardew ValleySteam: C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonStardew Valley |
| Android | /storage/emulated/0/StardewValley/Mods(Usually file manager apps show StardewValley in the root) |
| Linux | GOG: ~/GOGGames/StardewValley/gameSteam: ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/Stardew Valley |
| Mac | GOG: /Applications/Stardew Valley.app/Contents/MacOSSteam: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/Stardew Valley/Contents/MacOS |
Not there? Here are some other ways to find it:
| more options |
|---|
|
Install mods
To install a mod, just unzip it into the Mods folder in your game folder. Make sure each mod has its own subfolder, without trailing numbers. For example, if you have a PineapplesEverywhere mod, you should have a file structure like this:
Tips:
- If you have a lot of mods, you can optionally organise them into subfolders. SMAPI will automatically search inside each folder until it finds one with files.
- To disable a folder, just add a dot in front of the folder name (like
.disabled mods). Windows won't let you do that by default, but just put a dot at the end too and it'll let you (like.disabled mods.). - Download mods into a folder other than
Mods, unzip them there, and then move their folder(s) intoMods. That helps prevent errors related to extra files. - If you have a folder that looks like
PineapplesEverywhere-1234567890, check inside it for the actual mod folder. Folders named like this often have more folders and possibly readme files inside them.
Configure mods
Some mods have a config.json file in their mod folder. It might be created the first time you launch the game with that mod. This file lets you customise the mod settings.
To edit the config.json file, just open it in a text editor. Make sure the game isn't running when you edit it, or your changes might not take effect. See a basic guide to JSON; basically make sure your values are surrounded by quotes (like 'value'). You can use this JSON validator to make sure the format is correct.
Update mods
To update a mod, just replace its files with the new versions (making sure to keep generated files like config.json). The Moddrop mod manager will auto-update any mods that are hosted on its service and that you are subscribed to.
More detailed steps:
- Download the new mod version.
- Check the mod page for any special update instructions.
- Unzip it somewhere else (not in your
Modsfolder). - Open the mod's old and new folders, so the
manifest.jsonis visible in both. - Copy all the files/subfolders from the new folder into the old folder.
Remove mods
Delete a mod from the Mods folder to uninstall it. Make sure to check the mod page in case it mentions any special uninstall instructions.
XNB mods
XNB mods replace files in your game's Content folder with custom versions. If a mod has some .xnb files and no manifest.json, it's an XNB mod. This is an older type of mod that's no longer recommended, but see Modding:Using XNB mods if you're still interested.
Frequent questions
Which platforms allow mods?
Mod support for each platform:
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| Platform | Mod support | |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Linux | ✓ fully supported |
| Mac | ✓ fully supported | |
| Windows | ✓ fully supported | |
| console | Nintendo Switch | ✖ no mod support |
| PS4 | ✖ no mod support | |
| XBox One | ✖ no mod support | |
| mobile | Android | ✓ most mods supported |
| iOS | ✖ no mod support | |
Almost all mods will work on any supported platform, since SMAPI rewrites them for compatibility.
Can mods corrupt my save?
Yes, but it's extremely rare. Only a few mods affect your save file at all. If you avoid those, mods are very unlikely to corrupt your save file. In most cases, you can fix save corruption by undoing the last save.
If you're worried, just back up your save files occasionally. That's strongly recommended even if you don't use mods, since save corruption is almost always caused by the game itself. SMAPI also creates a daily backup of your saves automatically; you can retrieve those from the Mods/SaveBackup folder.
Can I stop using mods later?
Yep. With a few exceptions (see previous question), mods don't directly affect your save file so you can stop using them anytime.
Do mods disable Steam achievements?
Programs for gaming for mac windows 10. Steam achievements work fine, as long as you launch SMAPI through Steam. Make sure you follow the install instructions to configure Steam on Windows (no Steam changes needed on Linux or Mac). If the Steam overlay works, the achievements should work too.
Do mods work in multiplayer?
Yep, but it depends on the mod. Usually each player can have their own mods, and you can mix modded and vanilla players. Some mods don't work (or work poorly) in multiplayer, or affect other players too. Try checking the mod description for details about multiplayer (often under a 'compatibility' header).
Here are some approximate rules for mods that don't specify:
| type of mod | effects | summary |
|---|---|---|
| Content Patcher | depends | See Multiplayer in the Content Patcher readme (applies for XNB mods too). |
| Map replacements | local | That includes mods which replace an existing map (without adding special logic with SMAPI). These are only visible to players who install them. Players without the custom map will see the normal map and will be subject to the normal bounds (e.g. they may see other players walk through walls, but they won't be able to follow). |
| Custom items | global | That includes new crops, fruit trees, craftables, cooking recipes, furniture, wallpapers and floors, weapons, rings, clothing, and hats. Any mod that adds completely new items that don't exist in the base game needs to be installed by all players. If anyone is missing a custom item mod, it can cause crashes, give you error items, break your save, or stop farmhands from joining. |
| Custom locations | global | That includes new locations and buildables added by TMXL or other frameworks. All players should have the same location mods. Entering a custom location that not everyone has installed can cause crashes. Buildables can only be built by the main player. |
| Custom NPCs | global | That includes any mod that adds new characters to the game. All players should have the same custom NPCs installed to avoid issues. Farmhands are currently unable to see custom NPCs at festivals (this is due to be fixed in an upcoming version of Content Patcher). Farmhands also can't marry custom NPCs; the host is able to do that with no issues. |
| Visual changes | depends | That includes custom portraits and sprites, custom farmer appearance, recolors, etc. Most of these mods only affect the players who installed them. Other players won't be affected. If both players have the same mods, they'll see the same visual changes. The exception is Content Patcher farmer appearance mods that add, rather than recolor, the existing sprites. All players need to have the same amount of new sprites (e.g. hairstyles or shirts) or there can be visual bugs for other players. On older versions of SMAPI, this can cause crashes. |
| 'Cheat'/'efficiency' mods | local | That includes mods that increase player speed, make farm tasks easier, give infinite energy, spawn items, etc. Other players will see the effects, but won't be able to use the mod unless they have it installed. It won't affect other players. |
| Time changes | global | That includes any mod which pauses time, changes the current time, or changes the rate of time. These mods only work when installed by the main player, but will affect all players. They will have no effect when used by farmhands. |
| Custom UI | local | That includes mods that add new icons, tooltips, and menus. These mods only affect the players who installed them. Other players won't be affected. |
| World changes | global | That includes any mods which edit things in the world — durable fences, monster stat changes, etc. These mods affect all players, no matter who installs them. |
| Other mods | depends | See the mod's description for details, or ask the author. |
What is SMAPI?
Games Like Stardew Valley On Mac Free
SMAPI is the mod loader for Stardew Valley. It works fine with GOG and Steam achievements, it's compatible with Linux/Mac/Windows and (unofficially) Android, you can uninstall it anytime, and there's a friendly community if you need help. SMAPI is required for most types of Stardew Valley mod.
SMAPI does a lot for you. For example, it will..
- Load mods into the game and provide APIs they can use. Many types of mod aren't possible without SMAPI.
- Rewrite mods for crossplatform compatibility, so you can use almost any mod on any platform.
- Intercept errors. If a mod crashes or causes an error, SMAPI will intercept the error, show the error details in the console window, and in most cases automatically recover the game.
- Provide update checks. SMAPI automatically alerts you when a new version of a mod is available.
- Provide compatibility checks. SMAPI automatically detects when a mod is incompatible and disables it before it causes problems.
Where are my..
- Game folder: see Getting Started#Find your game folder.
- SMAPI log: see smapi.io/log (and Modding:Help if you need help with something).
- Save files: see Saves.
Can I have different mod groups?
Yep, SMAPI has built-in support for different mod groups. The instructions may seem complex, but it's easy once you get the hang of it:
| Platform | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Windows |
|
| Linux |
|
| Mac |
|
On Windows only, the ModDrop mod manager also supports up to three 'mod loadouts' which you can switch between.