# How to Install and Run Mods on Your 7 Days to Die Game Server

Congratulations on setting up your very own 7 Days to Die game server! Now that you’ve taken the first step into the exciting world of gaming, you might want to enhance your experience by adding some mods. Mods can improve gameplay, introduce new features, and even fix bugs (or introduce them, but let's ignore that :) ha ha) . In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to install and run mods on your server. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Mods

Step 1: Download the Mod

1. Visit the Mod Website: Go to [7daystodiemods.com](https://7daystodiemods.com/).
2. Browse or Search for Mods: Look through the categories or use the search bar to find the mod you want to install.
3. Download the Mod: Click on the mod's title and locate the download link. Download the mod file to your computer. This file typically comes in a compressed format (like a .zip or .rar).

Step 2: Extract the Mod Files

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Go to your computer’s downloads folder and find the downloaded mod file.
2. Extract the Files: If it's compressed, right-click on the downloaded file and select “Extract All…” (or use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip) to unpack the files.
3. Find the Mods Folder: After extraction, you should find a folder containing the mod files. Look for a subfolder named “Mods.” Capital M is important, the game will look for the folder named exactly like that, otherwise mods won't be recognized.

Step 3: Place the Mod in Your Local Game Folder

1. Navigate to the Local Game Folder: Open your 7 Days to Die installation directory. This is usually located in `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\7 Days to Die\` if you have it from Steam.
2. Locate the Mods Folder: Inside your game directory, look for a folder named “Mods.” If it doesn't exist, you can create it.
3. Copy the Mod Files: Drag the extracted mod folder (not the .zip file) into the “Mods” folder in your local game directory. Double-check that the folder structure remains intact.

Step 4: Transfer the Mod to the Server

1. Access Your Server via FTP: It's always safer to have your server shut off before transfering files, but it's not needed for adding files. To upload the mod to your game server, you'll need to access it using an FTP client (like FileZilla). Use credentials provided by PingPlayers to log in.
2. Find the Server Mods Folder: Once logged in, navigate to the “Mods” folder on the server.
3. Upload the Mod: Drag and drop the mod folder from your local “Mods” folder into the server's “Mods” folder. Wait for the transfer to complete.

Step 5: Restart Your Server

1. Restart Your Server: Go to your PingPlayers control panel. Find the option to restart your game server. This will allow the new mod to be loaded into the game.
2. Check for Updates: Ensure your game server is running the same version of 7 Days to Die as the mod. Mismatched versions can lead to issues.

Step 6: Enjoy the Mod!

1. Join Your Game Server: Open 7 Days to Die and join your server. You should now see the effects of the mod in action.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best of us encounter bumps along the way. Here are some common problems when installing mods and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Wrong Game Version

Issue: If the mod does not run after installation, check if the mod is compatible with your version of 7 Days to Die.
Solution: Make sure your game and server are updated to the latest version, and verify that the mod is designed for the same version.

2. Mod Not Showing Up

Issue: You may have placed the mod files incorrectly, or the server might not have restarted properly.
Solution: Double-check that you copied the entire mod folder (not just the files inside it) into the "Mods" folder both locally and on the server. Restart the server again.

3. Server Crashes or Errors

Issue: The mod may conflict with other mods you've installed or with the game itself.
Solution: Remove recently added mods one by one and check the server's stability after each removal. Consult the mod’s documentation for compatibility information.

With these steps, you should be well on your way to enhancing your 7 Days to Die experience with mods. Happy gaming! If you run into any further issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to PingPlayers support for assistance.