Installing Collections to Existing Saves
Install Stardew Valley collections to existing save files safely. Learn about compatibility issues, cleanup tools, and considerations for saves with existing mods.
Last updated: 2026-01-19 Applies to Stardew Valley: 1.6.15+
If you want to install a collection to a save file that already has mods, there are important considerations and tools you'll need. This guide covers what to expect, compatibility issues, and the cleanup tools necessary to successfully install collections to existing saves.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Important: Back up your save files before making changes. See the Stardew Valley Wiki Saves page for instructions.
Important Considerations
This guide assumes:
You are not using a previously modded save, OR your modded save was using mods that are present in the collection
You do not have unmanaged mods (mods installed outside of Vortex)
You are installing the collection to a new Vortex profile
Installing a collection to an existing save means you want to continue playing your save file with the collection. Some changes cannot be safely made to existing saves, and you may need cleanup tools to fix issues that arise.
This works best when your save was un-modded or created with mods included in the collection. If your save was created with different mods, switching major expansion mods, or changing farm maps, you may encounter issues that require cleanup tools or starting a new save.
Clean-up Process
Step 1: Remove Existing Mods
If you have an unmodded save, skip Step 1 entirely and proceed directly to Step 2: Verify Game Files.
If you have a modded save (mods currently installed), you need to clean up your save file BEFORE removing mods. This prevents null items, broken NPCs, and save corruption.
Do not remove mods that modify Community Center bundles on existing saves. The game's bundle system doesn't support mid-save changes. If your save has bundle modifications, you'll need to start a new save or keep those mods.
Remove mod-related items from your inventory and chests (items from mods that won't be in the collection)
Remove mod-related animals (animals from mods that won't be in the collection)
Remove mod-related crops (crops from mods that won't be in the collection)
Divorce any NPCs from mods that won't be in the collection
Now remove any unmanaged mods:
In Vortex, go to the Mods tab
Click Purge Mods to remove all active mods
Click Open > Game Mods Folder
Remove everything from the Mods folder (files and subfolders)
This will remove any outdated, leftover files from the mods folder that aren't managed by Vortex.
Step 2: Verify Game Files
Use your store launcher to verify game file integrity. How this is done will vary from store to store. See Verifying Game Files for detailed instructions.
This ensures your game is in a clean state before installing the collection
Step 3: Install the Collection
Follow the Step-by-Step Installation instructions to install the collection fresh
What to Expect After Installation
Common Issues You May Encounter
When installing or removing mods on existing saves, you may encounter issues that require cleanup tools. Common problems include:
Null items (🚫 symbol) - Items from removed mods appearing in your inventory, chests, or in the world (e.g., null trees from removing SVE)
Items in wrong locations - Items, crops, or furniture misplaced when mods that changed building layouts are removed
Characters or items in "voids" - NPCs or objects in inaccessible areas after farm map changes
Farm map mismatches - Buildings and terrain features not matching the new farm map
Broken NPCs - Missing characters, broken relationships, or dialogue errors after removing NPC mods
If you encounter issues after installation, see the Troubleshooting guide for help. The Cleanup Tools section below lists specific tools to address these problems.
Step 4: Testing and Clean-Up
Test the collection on a new save before making further customizations (adding extra mods, adjusting mod config files, etc.)
Launch the game and check the SMAPI log for errors
Launch your existing save and check your inventory and chests for 🚫 symbol items (null items from removed mods)
Check interior spaces like sheds, basements, and greenhouses for misplaced items or crops
If you see errors or issues, review the Common Issues You May Encounter section above
Use appropriate cleanup tools if needed (see Cleanup Tools section below)
Add any additional desired mods back in methodically, reviewing each mod's About page and loading to the main menu to check for compatibility
Some saves may need to be started fresh if they had incompatible mods
Cleanup Tools
When installing collections or removing mods from existing saves, you may need these tools:
CJB Cheats Menu - Pause time and fix relationships
CJB Item Spawner - Delete null items 🚫 and replace missing items
Noclip Mode - Move outside of boundaries (keybind toggle F11)
Let's Move it - Easily move trees, crops, and other objects
Destroyable Bushes - Allows players to destroy bushes with an axe. This can be a quick way of removing bushes that were placed by the original mod setup and are now blocking paths
Farm Switcher - Allows player to switch farm maps mid-play Note: Convert in single player mode before using in co-p.
Reset Terrain Tool - Update terrain features per-map. Clear, reset, or regenerate terrain features (trees, rocks, bushes, debris) that auto-spawn on maps. Useful when maps are out of place after installing or removing map mods
Console Commands - See SMAPI Console Commands for available debug commands
After you are finished using these cleanup tools and your game has saved, you can safely exit and disable these mods.
See Also
New Player Install Instructions - Installation guide
Troubleshooting & FAQ - For issues after installation
Your SMAPI Log - To verify everything loaded correctly
Vortex Troubleshooting - For load order issues and conflict notifications
Installing Multiple Collections - If combining collections
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