To manually install mods in Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place them in a specific local subfolder within your game data directory. This method is essential for users on the Epic Games Store or those using mods from external sources like GitHub. 1. Locate Your Local Mods Folder
The folder location varies depending on your operating system. If the local folder does not exist, you must create it manually. Windows: \Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\
Mac OS: /Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/local/
Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/local/ 2. Prepare the Mod Files
Download your desired mod (usually as a .zip file) from a source like GitHub or a Steam Workshop Downloader.
Extract the contents. You should see files like mod.yaml, mod_info.yaml, and often a .dll file.
Create a subfolder for the specific mod inside the local folder. For example: ...\mods\local\MyNewMod\.
Move the extracted files into this new subfolder. Avoid "double-nesting" (e.g., local\MyNewMod\MyNewMod\files); the game needs to see the .yaml files directly inside your named mod folder. 3. Enable the Mod in-Game How to install a mod with Epic Game Store
To manually install mods for Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place the mod files into a specific "local" folder within your game data directory. This process is the same whether you use the Steam or Epic Games Store version of the game. 1. Locate the Manual Mod Folder
Mods are stored in your User Documents, not the game's installation folder. Navigate to the path for your operating system: Windows: \Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\
Mac OS: /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local/
Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local/
Note: If the local folder does not exist inside the mods folder, you must create it manually. 2. Download and Extract the Mod
Download your desired mod (usually as a .zip file) from a source like GitHub or Nexus Mods.
Extract the zip file. You should see a folder containing files like mod.yaml, mod_info.yaml, or various .dll files.
Place the extracted folder into the local directory discovered in Step 1. 3. Verify Folder Structure (Crucial)
A common mistake is "double-nesting" the folder, which prevents the game from seeing the mod. Your final path should look like this:.../mods/local/[ModName]/mod.yaml
If you see .../mods/local/[ModName]/[ModName]/mod.yaml, the mod will not load. 4. Enable the Mod In-Game Launch Oxygen Not Included. On the main menu, click the Mods button.
Look for your mod in the list. Local mods are often marked with a "local" or "dev" tag. Check the box to Enable it. Restart the game for the changes to take effect. Troubleshooting
To manually install mods for Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place the mod files into a specific "local" folder within your game directory. This method is essential for users on the Epic Games Store or those using mods from external sites like GitHub. 1. Locate the Manual Mods Folder
The game looks for manually installed mods in a specific directory under your user profile.
Windows: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local
Mac OS: /Users/[USERNAME]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local
Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local
Note: If the local folder does not exist within the mods directory, you must create it manually. 2. Download and Extract the Mod
Source the Mod: Obtain the mod files from an external source or use a third-party Steam Workshop downloader if you are trying to use Steam mods on a non-Steam version of the game.
Unzip the Files: Extract the downloaded archive. You should see a folder containing files like mod_info.yaml and mod.yaml.
Place the Folder: Move the entire extracted folder (e.g., Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\ModName) into the local directory. oxygen not included how to install mods manually
Critical: Ensure each mod is in its own subfolder and is not "double-nested" (e.g., local\ModFolder\ModFolder\files). 3. Activate the Mod In-Game
Bought the game from Epic, how do I install steam mods? : r/Oxygennotincluded
While the Steam Workshop makes modding Oxygen Not Included (ONI) a breeze, there are plenty of reasons to go the manual route. Maybe you’re using a version from the Epic Games Store, playing offline, or trying to use a specific legacy mod version that isn’t on the Workshop.
Whatever the reason, here is the definitive guide on how to install ONI mods manually. Step 1: Locate Your Mods Folder
Oxygen Not Included doesn't store its mods in the installation directory where the game files live. Instead, it uses your local user profile folder.
The path for Windows users is typically:Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\ Inside this "mods" folder, you will see two subfolders:
Steam: This is where the game automatically dumps files downloaded from the Workshop. Do not put manual mods here.
Local: This is your target. This folder is reserved for mods you’ve created or downloaded manually.
Note: If the "mods" or "local" folders don't exist yet, simply create them yourself with those exact names. Step 2: Download and Prepare the Mod
When you download a mod manually (from sites like GitHub or forums), it usually arrives as a .zip or .rar file. Extract the files: Use a program like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Check the folder structure: Open the extracted folder. You should see a file named mod_info.yaml and usually a mod.dll file.
Rename the folder: Ensure the folder containing these files has a clear name (e.g., "Manual_Speed_Mod"). Avoid using special characters or long strings of numbers. Step 3: Move the Files
Copy your extracted mod folder and paste it directly into the Local folder you located in Step 1.
The final path should look like this:Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\YourModName\ Step 4: Enable the Mod In-Game
Even though the files are in the right place, ONI won't load them automatically the first time. Launch Oxygen Not Included. From the main menu, click on Mods.
Look for your mod in the list. Manual mods are usually easy to spot because they lack the Steam icon. Click the Enable button (it should turn green).
The game will notify you that it needs to restart to apply the changes. Click "Restart." Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Mod isn't showing up: Double-check your folder structure. If you have a folder inside another folder (e.g., local/ModName/ModName/mod_info.yaml), the game won't see it. The mod_info.yaml must be exactly one level deep inside the local folder.
The Game Crashes: Manual mods don't auto-update. If ONI recently had a "Quality of Life" update, your manual mod might be outdated. Check the source where you downloaded it for a newer version.
Version Mismatch: Ensure the mod is intended for the version of the game you are running (Vanilla vs. Spaced Out! DLC). Why Mod Manually?
Manual installation gives you total control. You can tweak the source code (if provided), prevent the game from auto-updating a mod that might break your save, and keep your game functional even when the Steam servers are down.
Now that your mods are set up, you can get back to the real challenge: figuring out where all that carbon dioxide is coming from.
To manually install mods for Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place the mod files into a specific "local" folder within your user documents. This method is essential for users on the Epic Games Store or those who want to use mods not available on the Steam Workshop. 1. Locate the Manual Mods Folder
The manual mod directory is located in your system's user data folder, not the game's installation directory. Windows: \Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\ Mac: /Documents/Klei/OxygenNotIncluded/mods/local/ Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/OxygenNotIncluded/mods/local/
Note: If the local folder does not exist inside the mods folder, you must create it manually. 2. Prepare the Mod Files
Download and Extract: Download the mod files (usually a .zip or archive) from a source like GitHub or Nexus Mods.
Check Folder Structure: Open the extracted folder. It must contain the mod's core files directly, such as a .dll file, mod.yaml, and mod_info.yaml. To manually install mods in Oxygen Not Included
Avoid Double-Nesting: Ensure you do not have a folder inside another folder with the same name before reaching the files, as the game will fail to recognize the mod. 3. Install the Mod
Copy the Folder: Move the entire extracted folder (e.g., BiggerCameraZoom) into the local folder you located in Step 1.
Final Path Example (Windows): Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\YourModName\mod.yaml. 4. Enable in Game Launch Oxygen Not Included. Select Mods from the main menu.
Find your manually added mod in the list and click the Enable button. Restart the game to apply the changes. Community Tips
“I downloaded it from the steam workshop, then copied the mod into my mods/local/ folder. Once i have the mod in there, the translation shows up... as expected.” Reddit · r/Oxygennotincluded · 2 months ago
“You create a Local folder in your mods folder and put your mods there.” Reddit · r/Oxygennotincluded · 3 years ago
What specific mod are you trying to install? I can check if it has unique requirements or known compatibility issues with the latest ONI update.
Most users will find mods through the Steam Workshop, which is a convenient way to browse, download, and manage mods. However, if you want to manually install mods not found on the Workshop or for any other reason, skip to the next section.
Mods directory and that its folder structure is correct.By following these steps, you should be able to manually install mods for "Oxygen Not Included," expanding your gameplay experience with community-created content.
To install mods manually in Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place the mod files into a specifically created folder within the game's user data directory . This method is essential for users on the Epic Games Store or those using mods from external sources like Nexus Mods 1. Locate or Create the Mod Folder
The directory for manual installation varies by operating system. Navigate to the following path: \Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\
/Users/[USERNAME]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/ ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/ Klei Entertainment Forums Crucial Step: Inside this folder, you create a new folder named exactly (lowercase) if it does not already exist. 2. Prepare the Mod Files Download the Mod: Obtain the mod files (usually a archive) from a source like
or use a Steam Workshop downloader for Workshop-exclusive mods. Extract the Files: Unzip the downloaded file. Check the Structure:
Ensure you have a folder containing the mod's core files, typically including a mod_info.yaml Avoid "double-nesting" (e.g., local/ModName/ModName/files
). The files should be directly inside the mod's named subfolder within 3. Install and Activate
Installing mods manually for Oxygen Not Included (ONI) is often necessary for players on the Epic Games Store or those using standalone versions who cannot access the Steam Workshop directly. 1. Locate Your Local Mods Folder
ONI looks for manual mods in a specific "Local" directory rather than the Steam-managed folders. You must navigate to the appropriate path based on your operating system: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\Local\
/Users/[USERNAME]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local/ ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/Local/ folder does not exist within the directory, you must create it manually. 2. Prepare the Mod Files When you download a mod manually (from sources like Steam Workshop downloader ), it usually arrives as a Klei Entertainment Forums Extract the Zip
: Unzip the contents into a new, dedicated folder named after the mod. Verify Structure : Open your new mod folder. You should see a mod_info.yaml file, and typically a : Avoid "double-nesting" (e.g., mods/Local/MyMod/MyMod/files
). The game will not recognize the mod if its core files are buried too deep. 3. Install the Mod Move your prepared mod folder (containing the files) directly into the folder you found in Step 1. 4. Enable In-Game
Once the files are in place, you must activate them within the game client: Oxygen Not Included from the main menu.
Find your manually added mod in the list (it may be labeled under a "Local" category). button next to it. Restart the game
to apply the changes. Most mods require a full restart to load their code properly. Steam Community How to install mods for Oxygen not included (on Steam)
Manual mod installation in Oxygen Not Included is straightforward once you locate the correct Local mod directory. While less convenient than Steam Workshop, it is essential for non-Steam users or for testing unreleased mods. Always back up your save files before installing new manual mods.
References
To manually install mods for "Oxygen Not Included" (ONI), you'll need to follow these steps. This guide assumes you have basic knowledge of navigating your computer's file system and that you have already purchased and installed the game on Steam.
The game stores all mods in a dedicated folder. Do not place mods inside the game’s installation directory (e.g., Program Files\Steam\...). Step 1: Enable Steam Workshop (Optional) Most users
For Steam, Epic, or GOG on Windows:
%LocalAppData%\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\
Windows + R, paste %LocalAppData%\OxygenNotIncluded\mods, and press Enter.For Steam on Mac/Linux:
~/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/ (Mac)
~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/ (Linux)
Inside this mods folder, you may see a Steam folder. Ignore it. That is for automatic Workshop mods. For manual mods, you will work directly inside the mods folder.
If you want to create your own mod, refer to Klei’s official modding guide in the game files under OxygenNotIncluded/modding/.
To install mods manually for Oxygen Not Included (ONI), you must place the mod files into a specifically created folder within your game's data directory
. This method works for both Steam and non-Steam (e.g., Epic Games Store) versions. 1. Locate the Mods Folder
Navigate to the directory corresponding to your operating system: Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\
/Users/[USERNAME]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/ ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/ 2. Create a "local" Folder Inside the folder, create a new folder and name it exactly
(all lowercase) if it does not already exist. This folder tells the game to look for manually installed content rather than Steam Workshop subscriptions. 3. Install the Mod Files Extract the Mod: Unzip the downloaded mod files. Create a Subfolder: Inside your new folder, create another folder named after the mod (e.g., local/MyNewMod/ Place Files: Move the mod's contents (such as ) into this subfolder. Ensure the files are not "double-nested" (e.g., avoid local/MyNewMod/MyNewMod/files 4. Enable in Game Launch Oxygen Not Included and select
from the main menu. Your manually added mods will appear in the list; simply click the checkbox to enable them. Steam Community currently popular for the latest Spaced Out!
How to Install Oxygen Not Included Mods Manually Whether you’re playing on a DRM-free version from GOG, Epic Games Store, or simply want to bypass the Steam Workshop for better version control, knowing how to install mods manually for Oxygen Not Included (ONI) is a vital skill.
Manual installation ensures your carefully balanced colony doesn't break when a modder pushes an unexpected update. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your custom content running. 1. Locate Your Mod Folder
Unlike many games where you drop files into the installation directory, ONI looks for manual mods in your User AppData folder.
Navigate to the following path based on your operating system:
Windows: \Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local
Mac: /Users/USER/Library/Application Support/Klei/OxygenNotIncluded/mods/local Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/OxygenNotIncluded/mods/local
Note: If the local folder doesn't exist inside the mods directory, simply right-click and create a new folder named local (all lowercase). 2. Download and Prepare the Mod
When downloading mods manually (from sites like GitHub or WeGame), they usually arrive as a .zip or .rar file. Extract the files: Unzip the folder to your desktop.
Check the structure: Open the extracted folder. You should see a file named mod_info.yaml and a mod.dll (or a strings folder).
Rename for clarity: Rename the top-level folder to the name of the mod (e.g., "WallpaperMod"). 3. Move the Files
Copy your renamed mod folder into the \mods\local directory you located in Step 1.
The final file path should look like this:...\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\YourModName\mod_info.yaml 4. Enable Mods In-Game Once the files are in place, launch Oxygen Not Included. On the Main Menu, click the Mods button.
You will see your manually installed mods listed. They are usually distinguished by a folder icon (local) rather than a Steam icon. Click the checkbox next to the mod to Enable it. The game will prompt you to Restart to apply changes. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mod Not Showing Up: Ensure you didn't nest the folders too deeply. If you open \local\ModName\, you should see the mod_info.yaml immediately, not another folder with the same name.
Crashing on Startup: This usually means the mod is outdated or missing a dependency (like PLib). Check the mod's documentation to see if it requires a specific "library" mod to function.
Version Mismatch: Ensure the mod is compatible with your version of the game (Base Game vs. Spaced Out! DLC).
By managing your mods manually, you gain full control over your colony's stability. Just remember to check for updates periodically to ensure compatibility with Klei’s official game patches!
.zip or .rar archives. Extract the contents to a temporary folder.