Stardew Valley doesn’t have a built-in cheat menu — but between item name codes, save file editing, SMAPI console commands, and the cheat functions introduced in update 1.6.9, there are more working options than most players realize. Here’s everything that actually works, organized by method and platform.
Item Codes: The Fastest Method (No Mods Required)
The quickest way to get items in Stardew Valley requires no tools or mods. When naming your character, farm, or animals, entering an item ID in square brackets causes that item to appear in your inventory during certain in-game dialogues.
How it works: Enter [ItemID] as part of any name field. When an NPC reads that name aloud, the corresponding item drops into your inventory.
Commonly used item codes:
| Item | Code |
|---|---|
| Iridium Bar | [163] |
| Diamond | [72] |
| Starfruit | [268] |
| Iridium Sprinkler | [645] |
| Galaxy Sword | [4] |
Note: This method has been partially patched in recent updates. It remains reliable in version 1.6.9 for animal and farm names, but works inconsistently for character names depending on your patch version.
Console Commands via SMAPI
SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) unlocks a developer console that accepts direct commands. It’s the most flexible cheat method available on PC and is safe when downloaded from the official source at smapi.io.
Key commands:
| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
player_addmoney [amount] |
Adds gold directly to your wallet |
player_additem [ID] [qty] |
Spawns any item by ID |
player_setlevel [skill] [1-10] |
Sets a skill to any level instantly |
player_addfriendship [NPC] [pts] |
Adds friendship hearts with any villager |
world_settime [time] |
Sets the in-game clock |
world_setseason [season] |
Changes the current season |
Skills accepted: farming, mining, combat, fishing, foraging
SMAPI must be running for these commands to work. Launch the game through the SMAPI executable, then press ~ or access the console window to enter commands.
Save File Editing (PC and Mac)
For players who want precise control without mods, editing the save file directly is the most powerful option.
Save file location:
- Windows:
C:\Users\[Name]\AppData\Roaming\StardewValley\Saves - Mac:
~/.config/StardewValley/Saves
Open the file with any text editor. Key values you can change:
| Value | What to Edit |
|---|---|
| Money | Find <money> tag, change the number |
| Friendship | Find the NPC name, edit points (max: 2500) |
| Greenhouse | Set greenhouse flag to true |
| Desert Bus | Set repairedBus flag to true |
| Sewers Access | Set rustyKey to true |
Always back up your save folder before editing. A corrupted save file cannot be recovered without a backup.
Version 1.6.9: What Changed
Update 1.6.9 introduced official hidden cheat commands accessible without mods — a significant shift from how the game previously handled this. Money, item, and friendship values can now be adjusted more directly than in earlier versions.
The name exploit (entering item IDs in name fields) remains partially functional but has been restricted compared to pre-1.6 behavior. SMAPI-based commands remain the most reliable method for consistent cheat access.
Best Cheat Mods for PC
If you’re comfortable with mods, these two handle the majority of what players want:
CJB Cheats Menu — The most widely used cheat mod. Adds an in-game menu for controlling money, time, weather, health, energy, and movement speed. Updated regularly and compatible with current versions. Install via SMAPI from NexusMods.
CJB Item Spawner — Dedicated item spawning interface. Browse all items by category and add any quantity directly to your inventory. Faster than using item codes manually.
Both mods are safe when downloaded from NexusMods or the official SMAPI mod database. Avoid third-party sources.
Console and Mobile: What Actually Works
Mod installation isn’t possible on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile. Your options on these platforms:
- Item name codes still work on unpatched versions — check which patch your console version is currently running
- Exploits and duplication glitches exist but are patched frequently; their availability depends on your current version
- Save file editing is not possible on console
Mobile players on Android can access save files through a file manager, making save editing viable. iOS does not allow this without additional tools.
Cheats and Achievements: What You Lose
Using mods or save edits disables Steam achievements for that play session on PC. Console trophies behave similarly — any session with active cheats typically blocks new trophy unlocks.
If you’re aiming for 100% achievement completion, run a separate save file for cheat use. Achievements earned before enabling cheats are not revoked.
One Rule Before You Start
Back up your save folder before using any cheat method. Save file corruption is rare but real — especially when combining multiple mods or editing files incorrectly. A dated backup folder takes 30 seconds to create and has saved thousands of hours of progress.
