Mod Installation Guide

10 min Updated: 2026-07-22 Game Version: 1.0

Complete guide to installing Palworld mods: manual pak installation, mod managers, Steam Workshop, troubleshooting, and safety tips for single-player and multiplayer.

How to safely install and manage Palworld mods

What Are Palworld Mods?

Palworld mods are community-created modifications that alter or enhance the game. They range from simple visual tweaks to gameplay overhauls, quality-of-life improvements, and new content. Mods are distributed as .pak files that the Unreal Engine loads from a designated folder. Most mods target single-player and dedicated servers; official servers do not support mods.

Prerequisites

Before installing any mods, make sure you have the following:

  • A legitimate copy of Palworld on Steam or Xbox (mods only work on the PC/Steam version).
  • The correct game version — check the mod page for compatibility. Installing a mod on the wrong version can cause crashes.
  • A backup of your save files. Navigate to %LOCALAPPDATA%\Pal\Saved\SaveGames and copy the folder somewhere safe before modding.
  • A file extraction tool such as 7-Zip or WinRAR to open .zip and .7z mod archives.
  • Basic familiarity with navigating the Windows file system and copying files.

Installation Methods

There are three main ways to install Palworld mods. Manual installation gives you full control, mod managers simplify the process, and Steam Workshop offers one-click installs for supported mods.

Manual Installation

Manual installation is the most common method. You download the mod file and place it in the game's mods folder.

  1. Download the mod archive (.zip or .7z) from a trusted source such as Nexus Mods or the mod author's GitHub.
  2. Extract the archive using 7-Zip or WinRAR. Inside you should find a .pak file (sometimes with a .ucas and .uexp file alongside it).
  3. Navigate to the Palworld game installation directory. Right-click Palworld in Steam → Manage → Browse local files.
  4. Open the following folder path, creating folders as needed:
  5. Place the .pak file (and any accompanying .ucas/.uexp files) into the ~mods folder.
  6. Launch Palworld. If the mod loads correctly, you should see its effects in-game.
Palworld\Pal\Content\Paks\~mods

Palworld ~mods folder path

Mod Manager Tools

Mod managers automate downloading, installing, enabling, and disabling mods. They are recommended if you use many mods.

  • r2modman — A popular mod manager with Palworld support. It manages profiles, handles dependencies, and lets you toggle mods without touching game files manually.
  • Thunderstore Mod Manager — Another option that integrates with the Thunderstore mod platform. Provides one-click installs and automatic dependency resolution.
  • Both managers create isolated mod profiles, so you can switch between modded and vanilla play easily.

Steam Workshop

Palworld does not currently have native Steam Workshop integration for mods. Some mods are distributed through third-party platforms like Nexus Mods, Thunderstore, and GitHub. Always download from reputable sources and check user reviews and comments before installing.

Pak File Loading & ~mods Convention

Palworld uses Unreal Engine 4, which loads .pak files from the Paks directory. The ~mods subfolder is the standard convention for modded content:

  • The tilde (~) prefix ensures the folder loads after the base game paks, so mod content overrides vanilla content.
  • Each mod should be in its own subfolder inside ~mods to avoid file conflicts.
  • Some mods use a numeric prefix (e.g., 500-ModName) to control load order — lower numbers load first.
  • If a mod includes a .pak, .ucas, and .uexp file, keep all three together in the same subfolder.
  • To uninstall, simply delete the mod's subfolder from ~mods and verify game files through Steam if needed.
~mods/ModName/ModName.pak

Recommended folder structure for each mod

Common Mod Categories

Palworld mods fall into several broad categories. Here are the most common types you will encounter:

Visual & Cosmetic
Texture replacements, UI reskins, pal model swaps, and visual effects. These are generally safe and low-risk.
Gameplay Overhauls
Changes to combat, capture rates, breeding mechanics, or stat scaling. These can significantly alter game balance.
Quality of Life
Inventory sorters, map markers, faster crafting, reduced grind, and UI improvements. The most popular mod category.
UI & HUD
Custom HUD layouts, minimap enhancements, stat displays, and menu modifications.
New Content
Custom pals, weapons, items, or maps added by the community. These are more complex and may require dependencies.

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong after installing mods, try these common fixes:

Game won't start or crashes on launch

Remove all mods from the ~mods folder and launch vanilla. If it works, add mods back one at a time to identify the culprit. Check that the mod is compatible with your game version.

Mod not appearing in-game

Verify the .pak file is in the correct ~mods subfolder. Check that the folder name starts with ~. Some mods require specific config files or dependencies — read the mod page carefully.

Mod conflicts

Two mods editing the same game asset will conflict. Use load-order prefixes (e.g., 100-, 200-) to control which loads last. If conflicts persist, disable one of the mods or look for a compatibility patch.

Multiplayer desync or connection errors

All players on a dedicated server must have the same mods installed. Mismatched mods cause desync. The host should provide a mod list to all clients.

Save file corruption

Always back up your saves before modding. If a save becomes corrupted, restore from your backup. Never use modded saves on official servers.

Safety & Disclaimer

Modding carries inherent risks. Follow these guidelines to protect your game and account:

  • Always back up your save files before installing any mod. Save corruption is rare but irreversible.
  • Most mods are designed for single-player or private dedicated servers only. Do not use mods on official servers.
  • Using mods on official multiplayer servers may result in a ban. Palworld's anti-cheat can flag modified game files.
  • Download mods only from reputable sources (Nexus Mods, Thunderstore, GitHub). Avoid unverified downloads from random sites.
  • Mods are not officially supported by Pocketpair. If you encounter bugs while modded, test on vanilla before reporting.
  • Keep a list of installed mods and their versions. This helps with troubleshooting and reinstallation after game updates.
  • Game updates can break mods. Wait for mod authors to update their mods before patching Palworld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Palworld mods safe to use?

Mods are generally safe in single-player if downloaded from reputable sources and you back up your saves. However, using mods on official servers risks a ban. Always read the mod page for known issues and compatibility notes.

Do mods work in multiplayer?

Mods work on private dedicated servers if all players have the same mods installed. They do not work on official servers. The host is responsible for distributing the mod list to all clients.

Will mods get me banned?

Using mods on official servers can result in a ban, as modified game files may be flagged by anti-cheat. Stick to single-player or private servers with friends to avoid any risk.

How do I uninstall mods?

Delete the mod's subfolder from the ~mods directory. If the game behaves unexpectedly after removal, verify game files through Steam (Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files).

Why did my mod stop working after a game update?

Game updates can change the code that mods rely on, breaking compatibility. Check the mod page for an update from the author. If no update is available, you may need to wait or find an alternative mod.