Mod Installation and Compatibility Management
Tags: mods, compatibility, deployment
Mods are the fastest way to break or elevate a server. Treat them like code deployments: stage, test, and roll out with a rollback plan. This guide covers 7 Days to Die 1.0+ and uses the 7D2D Mod Launcher V5.
Pick and vet mods
- Check version compatibility with your game build (1.0+) and read changelogs for breaking changes.
- Avoid stacking multiple overhaul mods; pick one core overhaul plus small QoL packs.
- Scan forums and Nexus Mods for known conflicts (e.g., UI overhauls, prefab packs) before mixing them.
- Use 7D2D Mod Launcher V5 to find and install overhauls automatically; it handles version checking and dependencies.
- For 1.0+, verify mods support the current version (many Alpha 21 mods may need updates).
Stage before live
- Keep a separate staging server with the same config as production.
- Add one mod at a time, start the server, and clear logs; join and run a Tier 1 quest plus a trader visit.
- Record load order and hashes so you can prove clients have the same files.
- Test on 1.0+ to ensure mods work with new features like crossplay and updated mechanics.
Deploy safely
- Back up the save and configs, then announce the maintenance window and expected download size.
- Upload mods to both server and client distribution (Discord/drive) with a simple install guide.
- After launch, watch for spammed stack traces or XML warnings; roll back immediately if worlds fail to load.
- Disable EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat) in serverconfig.xml when using most mods (
EACEnabled=false).
Maintain and roll back
- Track mod versions in a text file and keep the previous two versions for emergency downgrades.
- Update only during planned restarts, and revalidate the save after each patch.
- If a mod corrupts chunks, remove it, restore the last backup, and post a short root-cause note. See Backups & Disaster Recovery for backup strategies.
- Use 7D2D Mod Launcher V5's built-in backup and rollback features for quick mod version switches.
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