How to install mods on the Vintage Story server

Installing mods on a Vintage Story server is an easy way to add new items, mechanics, improve world generation, or simply make the game more comfortable for you and your team.

Prepare the server

Before starting, be sure to stop the server through the game panel. This will prevent file corruption and ensure a correct installation. Working with an active server can lead to crashes and data loss.

Find a suitable mod

Visit the official Vintage Story Mod Database VS ModDB — this is the main and safest source for game modifications.

When choosing a mod, be sure to check its compatibility with your server's version. Download the required mod file with the .zip extension and do not unzip it; the server works specifically with zip archives.

Upload the mod to the server

In the game panel, go to the “Server Files” section, open the following folder path:

/data/Mods

Click the “Upload” button and select the downloaded mod zip file, wait for the file to fully upload.

Start the server

Now start the server. On startup, the server will automatically detect and activate all mods in the "Mods" folder. Check the console for any loading errors; if everything is fine, the mod is working.

What players should do

When players try to connect to the server, Vintage Story will automatically check if they have the same mods installed. If something is missing, the game will show a notification and offer to download the missing files directly from the connection menu. This means players don't need to find and install mods manually; everything happens automatically.

Tips for safe installation

Install mods one by one; this makes it easier to identify a problematic mod if the server fails to start. Check functionality after each installation.

Read the mod description on VS ModDB; it often lists additional dependencies or known conflicts with other modifications.

Enjoy the game with mods

After successful installation, the mods are active and ready to use. Now you and your friends can explore the updated world of Vintage Story with new possibilities. If you have any questions or the server doesn't start after installing a mod, simply delete the suspicious zip file from the "Mods" folder and restart the server; this will restore everything to its original state.