For current Ostranauts builds, start with Steam Workshop for ordinary Workshop mods. Use the in-game MODS screen to inspect detected mods, enable or disable them, and change load order. Local and code mods may still require a manual folder or a manager such as r2modman, depending on the mod.
Fastest route: Steam Workshop
- Open MODS from the Ostranauts main menu, then choose Open Workshop.
- Subscribe to the mod you want. Steam downloads Workshop mods automatically.
- Return to the MODS screen and confirm that the mod is detected and enabled.
- Check any red version warning before loading an important save.
Local mods
Local mods are separate from Workshop subscriptions. The official guide points players to the MODS screen's Open Mod Folder button, which opens or creates the folder Ostranauts expects. Follow the individual mod's instructions because data mods and code mods can use different locations.
- Back up the save you care about before changing the mod list.
- Keep only one copy of a mod. Current builds prioritize a local copy when a duplicate Workshop copy is also present.
- A MISSING status means the listed mod could not be found; ERROR means the game could not read it successfully.
Workshop and version compatibility
Ostranauts 1.0 added built-in Steam Workshop support and a MODS screen for subscriptions, activation, and load order. The post-launch game also provides a last_stable Steam branch to help players keep using mods while authors catch up with code changes.
When a mod does not load
- Confirm the game version and the mod's target version.
- Check the MODS screen for MISSING, ERROR, disabled, or duplicate entries.
- Verify required dependencies and load order.
- Test with a backup save and one mod at a time to isolate the conflict.