Q: Which save file do I actually edit?

Each save has its own folder named " _ ". Inside it, edit the file with the same name as the folder, not the smaller "SaveGameInfo" file.

Question 1

Is it safe to edit a Stardew Valley save file?

Accepted Answer

Always back up your save folder before editing. Stardew Valley saves are plain XML, so a manual edit will not corrupt the file as long as the XML structure stays valid.

Question 2

Which save file do I actually edit?

Accepted Answer

Each save has its own folder named "_". Inside it, edit the file with the same name as the folder, not the smaller "SaveGameInfo" file.

Question 3

Will editing my save get me banned or flagged?

Accepted Answer

Stardew Valley is a single-player/co-op game with no anti-cheat, so there is no ban risk. In multiplayer, only the host’s save file is authoritative.

Question 4

Can I edit a save from Steam, GOG, or mobile the same way?

Accepted Answer

Steam and GOG versions use the same XML format. Mobile (iOS/Android) saves are also XML but are harder to access without a file manager or cloud sync export.

Question 5

Why did my edited save fail to load?

Accepted Answer

This almost always means the XML was left malformed (a missing closing tag, or a value moved outside its element). Restore your backup and re-check the edit.

Stardew Valley Save Editor

Stardew Valley save file format

Where is the Stardew Valley save file located?