# How to Install Mods on Your Abiotic Factor Server (/docs/abiotic-factor/mod-setup)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';
import { Files, Folder, File } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/files';

Abiotic Factor does **not** support Steam Workshop. Mods come from [Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/abioticfactor) and are installed manually. There are two types:

| Type           | Install location                           | Complexity                            |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| **PAK mods**   | `AbioticFactor/Content/Paks/`              | Simple — drop files in                |
| **UE4SS mods** | `AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/ue4ss/Mods/` | Requires UE4SS loader installed first |

Install UE4SS (Required for Most Mods) [#install-ue4ss-required-for-most-mods]

Most Abiotic Factor mods require the **UE4SS mod loader**. Install it once, then all UE4SS mods work.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Download UE4SS [#download-ue4ss]

    Go to [UE4SS releases on GitHub](https://github.com/UE4SS-RE/RE-UE4SS/releases). Download the **main file** (not the debug or dedicated server version — for XGamingServer, use the standard release).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Console** and stop the server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Upload to Binaries/Win64 [#upload-to-binarieswin64]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar. Navigate to `AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/`. Upload the UE4SS files — the key files are:

    * `dwmapi.dll` (or `version.dll` depending on UE4SS version)
    * The `ue4ss/` folder with its contents

    <Files>
      <Folder name="AbioticFactor" defaultOpen>
        <Folder name="Binaries" defaultOpen>
          <Folder name="Win64" defaultOpen>
            <File name="dwmapi.dll" />

            <Folder name="ue4ss" defaultOpen>
              <Folder name="Mods">
                <File name="(your mods go here)" />
              </Folder>
            </Folder>
          </Folder>
        </Folder>
      </Folder>
    </Files>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console**. UE4SS is now active.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Install Mods [#install-mods]

<Tabs items={['PAK Mods', 'UE4SS Mods']}>
  <Tab value="PAK Mods">
    PAK mods add or replace game assets. They go directly into the Paks folder.

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Download the mod from [Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/abioticfactor). Look for `.pak` files.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Stop the server. Navigate to `AbioticFactor/Content/Paks/` in **Files** and upload the `.pak` file.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Start the server.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="UE4SS Mods">
    UE4SS mods go into the `ue4ss/Mods/` folder (requires UE4SS installed — see above).

    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Download the mod from Nexus Mods.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Stop the server. Navigate to `AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/ue4ss/Mods/` in **Files** and upload the mod folder.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        **Enable the mod in mods.txt** — open `AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/ue4ss/Mods/mods.txt` in **Files**. Add a new line for each mod:

        ```
        YourModName : 1
        ```

        `1` = enabled, `0` = disabled. The mod name must match the folder name exactly.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Start the server.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Do Players Need the Mods? [#do-players-need-the-mods]

Yes — most mods must be installed on both the server **and** all connecting clients. Each player installs UE4SS and the same mods on their PC. Mismatched mods cause connection failures.

Client-Side Install (for players) [#client-side-install-for-players]

Players install mods on their PC the same way:

1. Install UE4SS into their local game folder (`Steam/steamapps/common/Abiotic Factor/AbioticFactor/Binaries/Win64/`)
2. Drop PAK mods into `Content/Paks/` or UE4SS mods into `ue4ss/Mods/`

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Console Commands](/docs/abiotic-factor/console-commands) — requires the Cheat Console Commands mod
* [Server Settings](/docs/abiotic-factor/sandbox-settings)
* [Admin Setup](/docs/abiotic-factor/admin-setup)