Steam will automatically download a small update to switch your installation to the 32-bit legacy version. Open your games list and right-click on Stardew Valley Hover over Manage Installation and select Beta Channels dropdown menu and select "compatibility"
The process is very similar for those using GOG Galaxy:
A: Valve doesn't make this easy. For general users, the only official way is through the "Betas" tab. For specific older versions (e.g., for modding or speedrunning), you may need to seek advice from dedicated communities like the Stardew Valley Discord server.
The transition to the 64-bit (starting with version 1.5.5) modernized the game but left behind some older systems. You should switch to the compatibility version if:
Steam will automatically download an update to the legacy version. Stardew Valley On GOG Galaxy Go to your games list and right-click Stardew Valley Hover over Manage Installation and choose Beta Channels Compatibility from the drop-down menu. The game will update to the 32-bit version. PortMaster Key Differences & Compatibility Game Content Stardew Valley Compatibility Version Download
A: The "Compatibility" branch is for 32-bit OS support. The "Beta" branch (e.g., for version 1.3) was historically used to test upcoming features like multiplayer. Today, for most modding purposes, "compatibility" is about version matching, not a specific branch.
Are you switching versions to fix a , or are you trying to set up the game on a handheld device ?
The client will prompt an update to switch your installation to the compatible version. Key Differences: Standard vs. Compatibility
: To mod the compatibility version, you must download SMAPI 3.18.3 or older . Steam will automatically download a small update to
SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) is the framework that loads almost all Stardew Valley mods. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The latest versions of SMAPI and Content Patcher fully support Stardew Valley 1.6, but they are designed to run on the 64-bit architecture. Therefore, if you are using the Compatibility Version for a 32-bit system (which is based on the 1.5.4/1.5.6 code base), you must use an older version of SMAPI (e.g., 3.12.8) and mods that were released prior to late 2021. The modern SMAPI 4.x branch will not work on the legacy 32-bit compatibility branch.
This version is not a "new" way to play but a technical fallback. It is essential if your hardware is outdated, though it comes with specific trade-offs: Stability for Older PCs
Data & sources
Once the update is complete, launch the game as normal. Downloading via DepotDownloader (Forced Version Control) For specific older versions (e
To revert to the standard, up-to-date version of the game, simply return to this menu and select from the dropdown list. How to Download the Compatibility Version on GOG
Which you bought the game on (Steam, GOG, Game Pass)? The exact error message you see when the game crashes?
Right-click on Stardew Valley and select Properties .