Updating Collections
Learn how to update Stardew Valley mod collections in Vortex. Step-by-step update guide with preparation tips and troubleshooting for common update issues.
Last updated: 2026-01-19 Applies to Stardew Valley: 1.6.15+
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.
When a new update is available for your collection, updating ensures you get the latest bug fixes, new features, and compatibility improvements.
Table of Contents
Before You Update
Taking a few minutes to prepare will make the update process smooth and worry-free:
Back up your saves - Your saves are precious! See the Stardew Valley Wiki Saves page for how to back them up. This takes just a moment and gives you peace of mind.
Note your custom settings - If you've customized any mod configurations, you might want to note them down or back them up. See How to Customize Collections for details.
Check collection changelog - Review what's changed in the update to know what to expect
Updating Collection (Profile With No Mods Installed)
On the Collections tab in Vortex, remove the collection (but do not check any checkboxes, mods and archives should remain.)
Visit the collection's Nexus page and click Add To Vortex
If installing more than one collection, install the first to a new profile (default behavior) and then the rest to the same. You can select this at the bottom of the first pop-up.
After collection is installed, disable the collection and then re-enable the collection, selecting the 'recommended mods' to ensure they are re-enabled properly (since updating often disables them)
Updating Collection (Profile With Extra Mods Installed)
Disable the collection, then check the 'recommended mods' option in the pop-up and click ok. This should disable all mods that are part of the collection from your profile.
On the Collections tab in Vortex, remove the collection (but do not check any checkboxes, mods and archives should remain.)
Visit the collection's Nexus page and click Add To Vortex
At the bottom of the pop-up, select current profile, then click ok on pop-up.
After collection is installed, disable the collection and then re-enable the collection, selecting the 'recommended mods' to ensure they are re-enabled properly (since updating often disables them)
Alternative Update Method (Not Recommended)
In Vortex, go to the Collections tab
Find your collection in the list
Click the Update button (or look for an update notification)
Follow the prompts to update the collection
When prompted during updates, choose Replace existing file for consistency
Important: 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
Click Deploy after the update completes
When using this method...
You may see pop-ups for each mod asking how to handle updates - this is normal for large collection updates
Choose Replace existing file for each mod to ensure consistency
If asked to remove a mod, do so. This typically means the old file needed to be removed to install the new version.
See Vortex Troubleshooting for more details about install options during updates.
Common Update Issues
Mods Not Loading After Update
Verify the collection was properly updated in Vortex
Check that all recommended mods are enabled
Try disabling and re-enabling the collection (with recommended mods selected)
See Vortex Troubleshooting for detailed steps
Custom Configurations Lost
Custom configs may be overwritten during updates
See Using Sync Mod Configurations for ways to protect your custom settings
Game Won't Start After Update
Verify game files through your store launcher
Check SMAPI log for errors
See Troubleshooting Guide for help
After Updating
Test your game - Load a save and verify everything works correctly
Check SMAPI log - Look for any new errors or warnings
Review changelog - See what's new or changed in the update
If you run into any issues after updating, check the Troubleshooting Guide for help. You can also reach out on the Discord Server - the community is always happy to help!
See Also
Vortex Troubleshooting - For Vortex-specific update problems
Troubleshooting & FAQ - For update-related issues
How to Customize Collections - Protecting custom configurations during updates
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