Version & compatibility (mid-2026): Darkness Falls is built for 7 Days to Die 1.0 (the "V1" release line). There is no 2.x / 2.6-compatible build yet, and KhaineGB has indicated that porting the overhaul forward is a long effort. If your client or dedicated server is on game version 2.x, Darkness Falls will not load: stay on the 1.0 branch in Steam to run it. Author and source: KhaineGB on GitHub.
This is a 7D2D mod written by KhaineGB to fix a few “issues” that he, his wife, and many friends considered the game to have. He learned that he really loves customizing, therefore he has expanded on it quite a bit. The idea is to delay the early game so that you take longer than normal to achieve Iron and Steel.
He’s also attempted to add some realism by concealing a lot of recipes behind benefits, since most average people wouldn’t know how to do/make such things.
Also, he started playing in Alpha 8, so he wanted to attempt to bring back some of the era’s aspects. Hub city, jagged rocks, and sticks are some excellent examples, and he wants to attempt to integrate extra gameplay features from that age. He will also strive to bring extra zombies/enemies in order to make the “final game” more challenging.
Note: Darkness Falls is one of the most comprehensive 7D2D overhaul mods, adding hundreds of new items, mechanics, and challenges.
| Category | Features | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Classes & Skills | 8 unique classes | Each with 6 specific tasks, skill manuals for all 100-level skills, action powers |
| Inventory & UI | 96-slot backpack | Crafting queue with 12 spaces, custom UI with food/water kiosks near hotbar |
| Combat & Weapons | New weapons & tools | P225 Pistol, AR-15 Rifle, Winchester Rifle, Combat Shotgun, battle axe, titanium weapons |
| Crafting & Workstations | 5 new workstations | Advanced Forge (no fuel required), Mortar & Pestle, dual workbenches, loot-only Lathe |
| Resources & Materials | Titanium system | New resource found as loot, used for tools, weapons, and building blocks |
| Farming & Food | Expanded agriculture | Apple, banana, coconut trees; wheat, carrots, tomatoes; clay bowls for cooking |
| Zombies & Enemies | Enhanced threat | Zombie Behemoth (male/female), faster spawn/respawn rates, dangerous nights |
| Quality of Life | Many improvements | Lockpicks for safes/doors, steel crossbow with specialized bolts, scrap iron tools |
| SDX Integration | Custom models | AnimationSDX support for custom rigged models and animations |
| Class | Specialization | Key Perks | Starting Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborer | Mining & Construction | Faster mining, reduced stamina cost | Stone axe, building materials |
| Hunter | Tracking & Survival | Better loot detection, stealth | Bow, survival gear |
| Mechanic | Engineering & Vehicles | Faster crafting, vehicle repair | Wrench, mechanical parts |
| Scientist | Medicine & Chemistry | Better healing, chemical recipes | First aid, chemistry set |
| Soldier | Combat & Defense | Increased damage, armor proficiency | Firearm, military gear |
| Farmer | Agriculture & Cooking | Faster growing, better food bonuses | Seeds, cooking utensils |
| Scavenger | Looting & Trading | Better trader prices, loot quality | Lockpicks, trader goods |
| Engineer | Electricity & Traps | Advanced wiring, trap effectiveness | Electrical components, traps |
| Weapon/Tool | Type | Ammunition/Requirements | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| P225 Pistol | Handgun | 9mm rounds | High accuracy, moderate damage |
| AR-15 Automatic Rifle | Assault Rifle | 5.56mm rounds | Full-auto capability, customizable |
| Winchester Rifle | Lever-action Rifle | .44 Magnum rounds | High single-shot damage, iconic |
| Combat Shotgun | Shotgun | 12-gauge shells | Close-quarters devastation |
| Battle Axe | Melee Weapon | N/A | Heavy damage, slow swing |
| Titanium Tools | Tool Set | Titanium ingots | Highest durability and efficiency |
| Steel Crossbow | Silent Ranged | Steel/Explosive/Titanium bolts | Scope compatible, silent operation |
Important: Darkness Falls requires both client and server installation for multiplayer. Always back up your save files before installing.
| Installation Method | Steps | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Installation | 1. Download mod files 2. Extract to 7D2D Mods folder 3. Ensure correct version match |
7D2D 1.0 Full Release compatible | Check Nexus Mods for latest version |
| Mod Launcher | 1. Use 7D2D Mod Launcher 2. Select Darkness Falls 3. Click install |
Mod Launcher installed | Simplest method for beginners |
| Dedicated Server | 1. Upload to server Mods folder 2. Configure serveradmin.xml 3. Restart server |
Server hosting with mod support | Our M Plan includes 1-click setup |
| Modpack | 1. Use built-in modpack system 2. Automatic download & install |
Server with modpack support | Available on our hosting plans |
Darkness Falls is free. The current release is V6 Stable, built for 7 Days to Die game version 1.4 (the 1.0 / "V1" release line). Get it one of two ways:
Confirm you are running the 1.0 branch of 7 Days to Die in Steam before installing - Darkness Falls will not load on a 2.x / V2.6 or V3.0 install. See the 2026 Mod Status Tracker for the live version status.
%APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\Saves on Windows, ~/.local/share/7DaysToDie/Saves on Linux). Darkness Falls needs a fresh world - it will not load cleanly into a vanilla save.Mods/ folders into your game directory's Mods/ folder.For multiplayer the mod must be installed on the server and every client, all on the same 1.0 build. The steps mirror a vanilla dedicated server setup with two additions:
Mods/ folders into the server install.Prefer not to hand-run SteamCMD and branch-pinning? Managed Darkness Falls hosting installs V6 on the right branch in one click and keeps it updated. Walkthrough video:
Is Darkness Falls dead? No. V6 is current and maintained - it just runs on the 7 Days to Die 1.0 branch, not 2.x. Stay on the 1.0 branch in Steam to play it. See the 2026 Mod Status Tracker.
Does Darkness Falls work on V2.6 or V3.0? Not yet. There is no 2.x build; the current V6 release targets game version 1.4 (the 1.0 line). Pin the 1.0 branch or the mod will not load.
Is Darkness Falls free? Yes, always. It is distributed free by KhaineGB through the 7D2D Mod Launcher and his official channels. Any site charging for it is a scam.
How do I install Darkness Falls? Back up your saves, pin the 1.0 game branch in Steam, install via the Mod Launcher (or extract the Mods folders manually), launch with EAC off, and start a fresh world. Full steps are above.
Can I play Darkness Falls with console (Xbox / PS5) friends? No. Darkness Falls is a PC-only overhaul and disables EAC, so it is not crossplay-capable. Everyone must be on PC, on the 1.0 branch, with the same mod build.
Does Darkness Falls need a fresh world? Yes. As a total overhaul it changes blocks, items, and progression, so it cannot load into a vanilla save - start a new game after installing.
Explore More: Check out these additional resources for Darkness Falls and other popular 7D2D mods.
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Darkness Falls Server Hosting | Specialized hosting for Darkness Falls mod servers | Darkness Falls Hosting |
| Darkness Falls Mod v6 | Latest version information and updates | Darkness Falls v6 Details |
| Undead Legacy Mod | Another popular overhaul mod for 7D2D | Undead Legacy Guide |
| Compare Hosting Plans | Compare M, L, and XL server hosting plans | Compare Plans |
| Server Hosting Plans | View all available server hosting options | L Plan | XL Plan |
Looking for other mods? Browse all 7 Days to Die mods - Darkness Falls, Undead Legacy, Ravenhearst, plus 20+ quality-of-life modlets. Or grab them through the 7D2D Mod Launcher.