How to Install Mods on Your Icarus Server
Install mods from NexusMods or Project Daedalus on your Icarus dedicated server by uploading them to the Paks/mods directory.
Icarus mods are not distributed through Steam Workshop. Instead, they're standard Unreal Engine .pak files that you place into a specific server directory. Mods come from the Icarus modding community — primarily NexusMods and Project Daedalus.
Important: Most mods need to be installed on both the server AND every connecting player. If only the server has the mod, players will see errors or get disconnected. Tell your players to install client-side before they join.
Where to Get Icarus Mods
| Source | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NexusMods | nexusmods.com/icarus | Largest collection — UI tweaks, gameplay mods, QoL |
| Project Daedalus | Project Daedalus Discord | Active community for advanced mods and Lua scripts |
Mods come as .zip archives containing one or more .pak files (and sometimes .ucas/.utoc for newer Unreal Engine 5 mods).
Server File Structure
The mods/ folder is where all custom mod files go. It does not exist by default — you create it on first install.
Install a Mod on the Server
Download the mod
Get the mod from NexusMods or Project Daedalus. You'll typically download a .zip archive.
Extract the archive
Unzip the file on your local machine. You should see one or more .pak files (sometimes paired with .ucas and .utoc companion files — keep them together).
Don't upload the .zip directly. The server reads
.pakfiles, not zips.
Stop the server
In the XGamingServer Panel, go to Console and stop your server.
Create the mods folder (if missing)
If a mods/ folder doesn't exist inside Paks/, click New Folder and create one named exactly mods (lowercase).
Upload the mod files
Open the mods/ folder and upload the extracted .pak files (and any companion .ucas/.utoc files).
Start the server
Start from Console. Mods load automatically when the server boots.
Install the Mod on the Client (Players)
Every player who wants to connect to a modded server needs the same mods installed locally.
Locate the local Icarus install
On Windows, your Icarus install is typically at:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Icarus\Or wherever you've installed Steam.
Create the mods folder
If the mods/ folder doesn't exist, create it.
Place the mod files
Drop the same extracted .pak files into the local mods/ folder.
Launch Icarus and join
The mod loads automatically when Icarus starts. Connect to the server normally.
Verify Mods Are Loading
Check the server Console output after starting. Loaded mods are listed in the boot logs. Look for messages mentioning each .pak file name.
If a mod doesn't load:
- Check that the file is in
Icarus/Content/Paks/mods/(not justPaks/) - Make sure the file extension is
.pakand not.pak.bakor similar - Confirm any companion
.ucas/.utocfiles were uploaded too - Restart the server after adding new mods
Remove a Mod
Delete the mod files
In Files, navigate to Icarus/Content/Paks/mods/ and delete the relevant .pak (and companion) files.
Tell your players to also remove the mod from their local
Paks/mods/folder, otherwise they'll get a version mismatch when connecting.
Common Issues
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mod not loading | Make sure the file is in Paks/mods/, not just Paks/. The folder name is case-sensitive on Linux |
| Players can't connect | Check that all players have the same mods with the same versions installed locally |
| Server crashes on start | A mod is incompatible. Remove the most recently added mod and try again |
| Mod missing companion files | Newer UE5 mods need .pak + .ucas + .utoc together. Check the mod's NexusMods page for the complete file list |
| Workshop search empty | Icarus does not use Steam Workshop. Get mods from NexusMods or Project Daedalus |
Updating Mods
Download the new version
Check NexusMods for updated versions. Download the new archive.
Replace the old files
In Icarus/Content/Paks/mods/, delete the old .pak files and upload the new ones.
Start the server
Tell your players to update their local versions too.
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