How to Install Mods on a 7 Days to Die Server (V3, 2026)

To install mods on a 7 Days to Die server, stop the server, upload each mod's folder into the Mods folder in the server's main directory (so you get Mods/ModName/ModInfo.xml), and start it again. XML only modlets run server side and are sent to players automatically when they join, with Easy Anti-Cheat left on. Mods with new models, textures, icons or client side code must also be installed by every player, and need EACEnabled set to false.

Short answer

1. Stop the server and take a backup.
2. Download the mod and unzip it on your PC.
3. Upload the mod folder into Mods/ in the server's root folder.
4. Check the path is Mods/ModName/ModInfo.xml, not Mods/ModName/ModName/ModInfo.xml.
5. If the mod has DLLs or new assets, set EACEnabled to false in serverconfig.xml and have every player install it too.
6. Start the server and check the log for the mod loading.

Where is the Mods folder?

In the server's install directory, next to serverconfig.xml and the 7DaysToDieServer executable:

7 Days to Die Dedicated Server/
  Mods/
    MyLootTweaks/
      ModInfo.xml
      Config/
        loot.xml
  serverconfig.xml

If there is no Mods folder, create it. The folder name is case sensitive on Linux, so Mods, not mods.

The single most common mistake is one folder too deep. Zip files often unpack to ModName/ModName/. The server only sees a mod when ModInfo.xml sits directly inside the mod's folder.

Server side vs client side: what do players need?

When a player joins, the server sends its patched XML configs to them ("Receiving and loading configs" on the loading screen). That is why some mods work without the player installing anything.

The rule of thumb: if the mod download contains a .dll file or a Resources folder with asset bundles (.unity3d), assume players need it too. If it is only XML in a Config folder, it is server side.

When a player is missing a required client mod, they usually get kicked with a data validation error on join.

What is a modlet?

A modlet is a small mod that changes one thing using XPath edits to the game's XML files, instead of replacing whole files. A loot modlet might only add <append> lines to loot.xml. Because modlets patch rather than overwrite, several of them can run together, and they usually survive game updates better than full file replacements.

A modlet needs a ModInfo.xml with at least a name and version:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<xml>
  <Name value="MyLootTweaks" />
  <DisplayName value="My Loot Tweaks" />
  <Description value="More ammo in gun safes" />
  <Author value="You" />
  <Version value="1.0.0" />
</xml>

When do you need to turn off Easy Anti-Cheat?

EAC blocks modified game code on clients. Turn it off with this line in serverconfig.xml:

<property name="EACEnabled" value="false"/>

Players then also need to launch the game without EAC. The Steam launcher for 7 Days to Die has an option to start without anti-cheat.

Turning EAC off has two side effects:

• No console players. Crossplay requires EAC on and no mods. A modded server is PC only.
• No cheat protection. On a public modded server, keep the whitelist or password tight and use admin tools.

Do mods work after a game update?

Often not right away. V3 changed a lot under the hood (including moving gameplay settings into the SandboxCode), and big overhauls are usually updated weeks or months after a major release. Before updating:

1. Check the mod's page for the game version it supports.
2. If it is behind, keep the server on that older version with a Steam branch. For example, with SteamCMD: +app_update 294420 -beta <branch name> validate. Branch names are listed under Betas in the game's Steam properties.
3. Every player switches their game to the same branch under Properties, Game Versions and Betas.

Start overhauls on a fresh world. Adding or removing an overhaul mid save tends to break blocks and items. Small XML modlets are usually safe to add to an existing world, but back up first. Version errors on join are covered in 7 Days to Die version mismatch fix.

How do I know a mod loaded?

Check the server log after start. Each mod is listed as it loads, and XML errors show the file and line. A broken XPath in one modlet can stop just that change, or in the worst case stop the server loading the game's configs. If the server will not start after adding mods, remove the newest one and try again.

How much RAM do modded servers need?

XML modlets cost almost nothing. Overhauls add lots of new items, zombies and blocks, and use clearly more RAM and CPU, especially on big random worlds. Plan for 12 GB or more for an overhaul with friends. Lag after mods is covered in 7 Days to Die server lag fix.

Installing mods on GamezServers

1. Press Backup, then Stop.
2. Upload the mod folder into Mods in the Files tab. For overhauls with thousands of files, use the SFTP login from Settings.
3. For mods with DLLs or assets, turn off Easy Anti-Cheat in Settings.
4. If the mod needs an older game version, put the branch name in Game version and press Update game. Your worlds stay.
5. Press Start.

Mods need the PC server type. The Crossplay type keeps EAC on and runs vanilla so PlayStation and Xbox players can join. Plans and server types are on 7 Days to Die server hosting, and the quick start covers the first setup.

FAQ

Do players need to install 7 Days to Die server mods?

Not for XML only modlets, which are sent on join. For mods with new assets or code, including all overhauls, every player installs the same mod and version.

Can I use mods with EAC on?

Yes, XML modlets and many server side only tools work with EAC on. Anything that changes client code or adds assets needs EAC off.

Why does my mod not show up on the server?

Usually the folder is nested one level too deep, so ModInfo.xml is not directly inside Mods/ModName/. Also check the folder is called Mods with a capital M on Linux servers.

Can console players join a modded server?

No. Crossplay needs EAC on and no mods. Run a separate vanilla server for console friends.

Can I add an overhaul like Darkness Falls to my existing world?

Not safely. Start a new world for overhauls, and keep a backup of the old one.