Mod Usage
This page is mostly theory and will focus on concepts and basic information without putting it into practice.
If you have already used mods, this page will be highly redundant. You may jump directly to Basic Concepts.
Basic knowledge of mod usage
How do I install mods?
The most common way to download mods is via the Steam Workshop if you have bought it through Steam, you have some categories to look for mods, such as Most Popular, Most Recent, and others. Then you click the green "Subscribe" button and the process will be automatic.
Alternatively, sometimes you may find a mod (or version of a mod) you like posted on GitHub. Then you have to place the contents of the zip file here: https://rimworldmodding.wiki.gg/wiki/Modding_Basics#Mod_folder_location
Mod dependencies
Some mods require other mods in order to function. These are called dependencies. DLCs can also be dependencies. If a mod requires a dependency, it is very likely that it won't work at all if the dependency is not installed, unless stated otherwise. Examples:
Mod activation and order
Open RimWorld, go to the Mods button, then drop the mod from the left column into the right one. The order of the mods in the list is important, if a mod has a dependency, in most cases the dependency has to be loaded before the mod that requires it. Red errors might tell you if this is the case, or if there is a dependency missing.
Mod folder DEFAULT location
You can also make local copies of mods for your own use, or make back-ups of the mods you have or make.
This is the LOCAL mods DEFAULT folder location, used when you install mods manually.
- On Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\RimWorld\Mods
- On Linux: /home/<user>/GOG/Games/RimWorld/game/Mods/
- On Mac: Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/RimWorld
Mods downloaded directly from Steam have a different path.
- On Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\294100