Vortex Troubleshooting
Fix Vortex mod manager problems in Stardew Valley collections. Understand notifications, resolve file conflicts, manage load order rules, and troubleshoot common issues.
Last updated: 2026-01-19 Applies to Stardew Valley: 1.6.15+
This guide covers all aspects of troubleshooting Vortex mod manager issues, including understanding notifications, resolving file conflicts, managing load order rules, and fixing common problems. Understanding these concepts helps you make informed decisions about your mod installation and avoid common pitfalls.
Most Vortex notifications are informational, not errors. This guide explains what each notification means and how to respond. These notifications help keep your mods organized and working correctly.
Where to start:
Seeing a pop-up or notification? Jump to Vortex Pop-ups
Unsure about something in Vortex? Start with Vortex Behavior
Need to understand load order? See Manage Rules
Table of Contents
1. Vortex Pop-ups
This chapter covers all notifications, dialogs, and pop-ups that Vortex displays, organized by severity.
Errors
Install Options Pop-ups (During Collection Updates)
These pop-ups appear for every mod during large collection updates. This is expected behavior.
What it means: When updating a collection, Vortex may ask how to handle each mod that's already installed:
Replace existing file - Overwrites your current version
Re-install as variant - Keeps both versions
Remove mod - Removes the existing version so it can be replaced with the newer version
What to do:
For collection updates, choose Replace existing file for consistency
When Vortex asks to remove mods, allow it to remove them. Failure to remove can result in duplicates that will prevent either mod from loading.
There's currently no way to disable these prompts for mass updates
For cleaner updates, you can remove the collection and reinstall fresh
Unresolved File Conflict Notifications
What it means: Multiple mods are trying to modify the same files. Vortex shows a red lightning bolt icon in Dependencies column when file conflicts are unresolved.
What to do:
Most conflicts resolve automatically when you click Deploy
The collections have some mods flagged to not be used together to prevent errors. In these cases, just disable one of the mods in the pair.
Collections are pre-configured with rules to handle conflicts
If conflicts persist after deployment, you can manually set rules in Manage File Conflicts / Manage Rules (see Managing Load Order Rules below)
How to manually resolve conflicts:
Go to Mods tab
Click Manage Rules (or look for the rules icon)
Find the mods with conflicts
Set one mod to Load Before or Load After the other
Click Deploy to apply changes
See Managing Load Order Rules for detailed information about how rules work and when to change them.
Cyclical Rules / Circular Dependencies
What it means: Your mod rules have contradictions (e.g., Mod A loads after Mod B, but Mod B also loads after Mod A). This breaks Vortex's ability to sort the load order.
What to do:
Click More in the notification to see which mods are involved
Remove or adjust the conflicting rules
Collections should not have cyclical rules - if you see this, it may be due to custom mods you've added
Please report this to JennaJuffuffles's Discord or collection comments section, and then follow the Quick Fix Process
How to fix cyclical rules:
Go to Mods tab
Click Manage Rules
Find the conflicting rules
Remove one of the conflicting rules
Manually set the correct load order if needed
Click Deploy to apply changes
If this does not correct the cyclical rule, try removing the collection from the Collections tab (do not remove mods here), then right-click and reinstall the specific mods involved from the Mods tab.
Avoid using "Use Suggested" when fixing loops, as Vortex may suggest rules that create new loops. Manually set rules instead.
See Managing Load Order Rules for more details about avoiding and fixing rule loops.
Error Notifications
Most errors have straightforward solutions. Check the notification details for specific error messages, then review the SMAPI log for additional context.
What it means: Something went wrong with a mod installation, download, or deployment.
What to do:
Check the notification details for specific error messages
Review the SMAPI log for errors
Common causes: missing files, corrupted downloads, insufficient disk space
See Troubleshooting & FAQ for help
"Vortex needs access to [file] but it's write-protected"
Quick Fix: Restart Vortex. This releases file locks and resolves the issue.
Symptom: Error message: "Vortex needs access to [file] but it's write-protected"
Cause: Vortex locks files it's already accessing as a safety feature to prevent file corruption. This error message is misleading and doesn't clearly indicate this.
Solution: Restart Vortex. This will release the file locks and allow Vortex to access the files normally. No file permission changes or administrator rights are needed.
When this occurs: This typically happens when Vortex is already accessing files and tries to access them again.
"Version mismatch. Your version shows as 4.X.X"
Fix this issue before publishing any collection changes. Editing a collection in this state may prevent you from editing it.
Quick Fix: Verify game files through your store launcher, then ensure SMAPI is set as Primary Tool in Vortex Dashboard.
Symptom: Error message: "Version mismatch. Your version shows as 4.X.X"
Cause: Your Stardew Valley.exe has been replaced by the SMAPI executable. This happens with how some mod managers handle SMAPI installation.
When this occurs: This typically happens after SMAPI installation when the executable replacement isn't properly recognized.
Solution:
Verify game files through your store launcher:
Steam: Library > Stardew Valley > Properties > Installed Files > Verify
GOG: More > Manage Installation > Verify / Repair
Xbox / Game Pass: Right-click game > Manage > Files > Verify and Repair
Ensure SMAPI is properly installed and deployed through Vortex:
In Vortex > Dashboard, make sure SMAPI is set as the Primary Tool
Go to Mods tab and ensure SMAPI is enabled and deployed
Click Deploy to ensure SMAPI is properly linked
If the issue persists, reinstall SMAPI through Vortex. SMAPI can be added as a mod from Nexus Mods and Vortex will automatically install it. See New Player Install Instructions for detailed instructions.
Warnings
Dependency Notifications
These are warnings, not errors. They're safe to ignore if you've intentionally disabled the mod.
What it means: The collection requires a mod or framework that isn't installed or enabled.
What to do:
These warnings alert you that your collection is incomplete
Install the missing dependency if it's genuinely missing
These warnings can typically be ignored for experienced modders, and if you've intentionally disabled the mod then the warning may be ignored
External Changes Detected
If you see this from SinZational Speedy Solutions, this is expected behavior when it clears its cache.
What it means: Vortex detected that files it manages have been modified outside of Vortex. This happens when files are edited, deleted, or replaced by another tool or manually.
Why it happens:
You manually edited a mod file (config, texture, etc.)
Another program modified files (antivirus, system tools, etc.)
Files were moved or deleted outside of Vortex
Hard links between Vortex's staging folder and game folder were broken
What to do:
Read the dialog carefully - It will show which files were affected
If you did not make changes: It is typically safe to Save/Apply changes. Some mods (like SinZational Speedy Solutions) trigger this detection when clearing their own cache, and saving is the correct action
If you intentionally edited files: Use Save/Apply changes to keep your edits permanently
Revert/Undo changes - Use this if you want to discard external changes and restore the original mod files from Vortex's staging folder
Use Newer File - If available, this chooses the version with the most recent timestamp
Important: Once you confirm your choice, you cannot undo it
Best practices:
Avoid editing mod files directly in the game folder - edit them in Vortex's staging folder if possible
If you get this notification frequently without making changes from sources other than SinZational Speedy Solutions, it may indicate problems
Update Notifications
What it means: A mod or collection has an update available.
What to do:
Always update collections, not individual mods - Collections are tested together for compatibility. Updating individual mods outside of collection updates can break compatibility with other mods in the collection.
Use the collection's Update button rather than updating mods individually
See Updating Collections for detailed update instructions
Deployment Notifications
You'll see this notification after installing or updating mods. This is expected behavior.
What it means: Mods need to be deployed to your game folder before they'll work.
What to do:
Click Deploy - This applies your mods to the game folder
This appears after installing or updating mods
Mods won't work until they're deployed
"Empty Vortex folder (is the mod disabled in Vortex?)"
Quick Fix: For Situation 1, run the Quick Fix Process. For Situation 2, the error can be safely ignored.
Symptom: SMAPI error: "Empty Vortex folder (is the mod disabled in Vortex?)"
Cause: This typically indicates one of two situations:
Situation 1: Vortex didn't properly clean up when a mod was disabled
This is common if mods are disabled while the game is active
Situation 2: Collection-distributed additional files are still present
Collections may distribute additional files (configurations, portraits, etc.) so that the folder will persist without a manifest when the mod is disabled
Solution:
For Situation 1: Running through the Quick Fix Process will solve this issue
For Situation 2: The error can be safely ignored, or you can find and disable the additional sources
Expected behavior: Often due to leftover folders from disabled mods or collection-distributed files; non-harmful, enable recommended files or customize configs.
If you encounter this with collection configurations:
You may wish to disable the collection's configuration mods and opt to use the Collection Configuration Manager FOMOD, which is particularly useful for combining collections
See How to Customize Collections for alternative solutions
Reference: This error is also mentioned in Your SMAPI Log, but expanded troubleshooting is provided here.
2. Vortex Behavior
This chapter covers how Vortex works, best practices, behaviors, and workarounds.
Vortex-Specific Tips
These tips help prevent issues before they happen. Following these best practices ensures your mods work correctly and reduces troubleshooting needs.
SMAPI installation - SMAPI can be added as a mod from Nexus Mods and Vortex will automatically install it
Set SMAPI as Primary Tool - In Dashboard, ensure SMAPI is set as the Primary Tool; re-add if missing
Where to install - For best results, install both Stardew Valley and Vortex on
C:\to avoid symbolic link issuesMod manager conflicts - Do not run two mod managers on the same game simultaneously - you may corrupt installs
Manage Rules - Ensure configuration/compat/translation mods load after the mods they affect; avoid "Use Suggested" if it creates loops
Verify mod deployment - After Deploy, confirm mods actually loaded in SMAPI log (not just Mods tab). Mod staging may fail silently; always verify in SMAPI log
Missing mods - If a mod is missing from in-game despite being enabled in Vortex: Redeploy, or delete the mod and its archive, then reinstall from the Collection tab
Combining collections - Install to same profile; let chosen recolor/theme config load last in Rules Manager (see Installing Multiple Collections)
Mod Not Installing as Expected / Incorrect Folder Structure
If a mod isn't installing correctly or has an incorrect folder structure, try these solutions:
Reinstall or Redownload
Right-click the mod and select Reinstall to correct issues with improper unpacking
Remove mod and archive, then redownload from Collections panel if there's an issue with the archive itself
If the file cannot be installed as-is due to structural issues, it may attempt to reinstall and then display as uninstalled
Resolving Structural Issues
If a mod doesn't unpack with all its files, its folder structure may not be constructed per SMAPI guidelines. Vortex may filter out extra folders, missing top-level folders, or struggle with mods that contain multiple manifests.
Step 1: Use "Unpack As-Is"
Go to Downloads > View All Downloads button (bottom of screen)
Find the mod file
Right-click it and select "Unpack As-Is"
This will deposit the entire file contents regardless of the mod's folder structure, ensuring all files are included
Step 2: Fix Folder Structure Manually
Right-click the mod in Vortex > Open in File Manager to inspect its structure
Check the mod's Nexus page or documentation for the correct folder structure
Compare with the official modding guide structure requirements
Fix the folder structure manually (ensure the mod's files are directly in the mod folder, not nested too deep)
Click Deploy in Vortex to apply the changes
3. Manage Rules
This chapter covers load order management and rules.
Managing Load Order Rules
Manage Rules controls the load order of your mods—which mods load before others. This is crucial for mods that modify the same files.
Think of load order like layers: mods that load first are the base layer, and mods that load after can override or modify what came before. This is how configuration mods work - they load after the mods they configure so they can change settings.
What you'll see in Manage Rules:
A list of all your mod conflict pairs, listed in both directions
Options to set "Load Before" or "Load After" relationships
Visual indicators showing which mods have rules set
A handy button to hide resolved rules
What Are Rules?
Rules tell Vortex:
"Load Mod A before Mod B"
"Load Mod B after Mod A"
"Mod A and Mod B conflict - choose one"
When You Need to Change Rules
Usually, you don't need to change anything. Collections come pre-configured with correct load orders.
How Rules Work
Load Before / Load After:
Mods that load before apply their changes first
Mods that load after can override those changes
This is how configuration mods work - they load after the mods they configure
Example:
Base mod loads first
Configuration mod loads after (overwrites base mod's config)
Translation mod loads after configuration (applies language)
How to Change Rules
Go to Mods tab
Click Manage Rules (or look for the rules icon)
Find the mod you want to adjust
Set it to Load Before or Load After another mod
Click Deploy to apply changes
What you'll see: After clicking Deploy, Vortex will reorganize your mods according to the new rules.
Important Warnings
Avoid "Use Suggested"
Vortex may suggest rules that create loops
Manually set rules instead
If you see a loop error, remove the problematic rule
Don't Create Loops
A loop means "A loads before B, B loads before A" - impossible!
Vortex will warn you about loops
Fix loops by removing or adjusting rules
Test After Changes
After changing rules, test your game
Check the SMAPI log for errors
Revert changes if issues occur
Need More Help?
If you're still experiencing issues, these resources can help.
Before seeking help, check your SMAPI log - it often contains the information needed to resolve issues.
Community Resources:
Community Discord: Join Here - Get help from the community
Official Vortex Discord: Join Here - Official Vortex support (Support hours: 9 AM – 5 PM GMT, Mon–Thu)
Official Documentation:
Vortex Wiki: Read Here - Official Vortex documentation
Stardew Setup Guide: Read Here - Official SMAPI installation guide
The official Stardew Valley Discord does not support Vortex.
See Also
New Player Install Instructions - Installation guide
Troubleshooting & FAQ - For issues
Your SMAPI Log - To diagnose errors
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