The Automate Mod is one of the most transformative quality-of-life mods for Stardew Valley. It allows players to connect machines, chests, and production units automatically—eliminating repetitive tasks like refilling furnaces, collecting artisan goods, or moving crops into storage manually.
Developed by Pathoschild, the same modder behind SMAPI and other major community tools, Automate integrates seamlessly with your farm’s workflow. Once set up, your machines will pull raw materials from adjacent chests and deposit finished products back automatically—turning your farm into a fully functional, self-operating ecosystem.
Why Every Stardew Valley Player Needs Automate
In vanilla Stardew Valley, managing machines manually can become a time sink. Constantly refilling kegs, preserving jars, and furnaces can break immersion from the joy of exploration and farming. Automate changes that are complete.
Core Benefits
- Saves Time: Automatically runs your processing machines without manual intervention.
- Optimizes Workflow: Keeps chests and machines working together efficiently.
- Customizable: Works with vanilla machines and modded ones.
- Reduces Clutter: Keeps your farm organized and compact.
- Perfect for Late Game: Scales beautifully as your production grows.
How Automate Works
Automate functions through adjacency logic — meaning any machine touching a chest will automatically connect and operate.
Basic Function
- Place a chest next to machines such as furnaces, kegs, or crystalariums.
- The mod checks for available input materials in the chest.
- When machines finish processing, outputs are deposited back into the same or nearby chest.
This creates a looping automation system that processes items around the clock.
Supported Machines
Automate supports nearly all vanilla machines, including:
- Furnaces
- Kegs
- Preserves Jars
- Cheese Presses
- Oil Makers
- Recycling Machines
- Crystalariums
- Seed Makers
- Looms
- Casks
- Coffee Makers
…and many more, including modded ones through SMAPI integration.
Installation Guide for Automate (2025 Edition)
Follow these precise steps to install Automate safely and efficiently.
1. Install SMAPI
Automate requires SMAPI (Stardew Modding API).
- Download the latest version from the official SMAPI GitHub.
- Follow the installer instructions to inject SMAPI into Stardew Valley.
2. Install Automate
- Download Automate from Nexus Mods (Mod ID: 3753).
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Place the
Automatefolder inside yourModsdirectory under Stardew Valley.
3. Launch the Game
- Run Stardew Valley using the SMAPI launcher.
- You’ll see a confirmation in the console that Automate has been loaded successfully.
Advanced Configuration and Customization
Automate comes with a config.json file that allows deeper customization.
Key Settings
AutomationDistance: Adjusts how far the automation effect extends from a chest.IncludeModdedMachines: Enables compatibility with other machine mods.ShowVisualConnections: Adds visual cues between connected machines.PriorityRules: Lets you define production priorities — ideal for large farms.
Integration with Other Mods
Automate works beautifully with:
- Chests Anywhere
- Better Artisan Goods
- Expanded Storage
- Producer Framework Mod
- Farm Expansion Mods
These combinations create a fully automated industrial farm capable of massive output.
Example Setup Diagram
Here’s a simple visual showing how Automate connects machines with chests:
In this layout, one chest services multiple machines, both feeding inputs and collecting outputs automatically.
Best Practices for Using Automate
- Centralize Your Machines: Cluster machines around a single chest to save space.
- Use Dedicated Chests: Separate different production lines — e.g., one for ores, another for fruits.
- Optimize Input Flow: Label chests for easier item tracking.
- Combine with Pathoschild Mods: SMAPI, Lookup Anything, and Chests Anywhere enhance your experience.
- Monitor Performance: Avoid massive automation chains that may slow older PCs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machines not running | Incorrect placement | Ensure chests are directly adjacent |
| Mod not loading | SMAPI outdated | Update to latest version |
| Missing automation | Config conflict | Delete config.json and relaunch |
| Output stuck | Full chest | Clear space in chest |
| Mod crash | Mod incompatibility | Verify Automate + other mod updates |
Automate Mod Updates (2025 Overview)
Recent updates have added better mod compatibility, expanded automation radius, and enhanced SMAPI stability. The latest release (v1.28.0+) ensures flawless performance with Stardew Valley 1.6 and higher.
New Features
- Improved modded machine support
- Enhanced visual overlays for active automation
- Optimized processing speed to reduce lag
- Full cross-platform support for Linux, Windows, and macOS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does Automate work on Stardew Valley 1.6?
Yes. The mod has been updated and tested for full compatibility with version 1.6+.
Q2: Can I use Automate with Stardew Valley Expanded (SVE)?
Absolutely. It works seamlessly with SVE’s extended map and production structures.
Q3: Will Automate affect game balance?
Only slightly — it simplifies processing but doesn’t alter production times or outputs.
Q4: Can Automate run on multiplayer farms?
Yes, but ensure all players have Automate installed and synced through SMAPI.
Q5: How do I uninstall Automate safely?
Simply remove the Automate folder from your Mods directory. Your save files remain intact.
Final Thoughts
The Automate Mod is the gold standard for quality-of-life improvements in Stardew Valley. Whether you’re a casual farmer or a hardcore min-maxer, it streamlines your gameplay experience without breaking balance or immersion. With ongoing updates and exceptional modder support, Automate remains an essential mod for 2025 and beyond.
Download Automate today and watch your Stardew Valley farm evolve into a seamlessly self-sustaining paradise.
