How to add mods to your Sons of the Forest server

Adding mods to your Sons of the Forest server can greatly enhance your gaming experience by introducing new features, mechanics, and fun gameplay options for your survival squad. To successfully use mods, you must install the mod files on both your personal game client and your dedicated server.

Depending on the specific mod you download, you will need either Red Loader or BepInEx. While older mods typically relied on Red Loader, many newer creations use the standard BepInEx framework. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to set up both modding frameworks so you can customize your island adventure!

Important Note on Server Safety

Before modifying any files on your server, it is crucial to safely shut down the game engine. This helps prevent any potential data corruption or issues that could break your world save. Always create a backup of your save file before modding the game to prevent data loss should anything go wrong.

Where to Get Mods

You can find mod files from several reliable sources. Here are two popular sites to download mods for Sons of the Forest:

• Nexus Mods (well documented)

• Sons of the Forest  Soft-Mods (Not much documentation)

  Both options have an automatic installer option, but the guide uses manual method for better explanation.

Part 1: Shutting Down Your Server

1. Log into your server panel dashboard and navigate to Actions > Shutdown to bring your server completely offline before editing any files.

   

    

Part 2: Installing Mods Using BepInEx

1. Download the BepInEx framework pack for SOTF from Nexus Mods, Thunder Store, or the official release page.

2. Extract the BepInEx pack on your computer and copy the contents directly into your local Sons of the Forest game directory (typically located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sons Of The Forest). 

Make sure the BepInEx folder sits in the exact same directory as SonsOfTheForest.exe.

1. Download your desired BepInEx mod file. Extract the downloaded zip and locate the mod's .dll file.

   

    

2. Copy the mod's .dll file into your local game directory under Sons Of The Forest/BepInEx/plugins/.

3. Open your server's File Manager on the dashboard (or connect using an FTP client like FileZilla).

   

    

4. Upload the BepInEx folder and root framework files directly into the server's main directory.

   

    

5. Upload your mod .dll files into the server's BepInEx/plugins/ directory so the server matches your PC.

   

    

Part 3: Installing Mods Using Red Loader

1. Download the mod loader: Start by downloading Red Loader from Nexus Mods.

   

2. Install Red Loader: Once downloaded, extract Red Loader and place it in the game folder. This folder is usually located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sons Of The Forest. It is essential to ensure that Red Loader is in the same directory as SonsOfTheForest.exe.

   

3. Download your desired mod: Once you have selected a mod, download it. Usually, mods will come zipped within a "Mods" folder. Extract the mod files and copy them into the game’s root directory, just like how you did with Red Loader. If you have multiple mods, make sure to place them inside the "Mods" folder you extracted earlier.

   

   

4. Connect to the server using FTP: You will need to use FTP to access your server files. If this is your first time using FTP, please refer to our comprehensive guide here for detailed instructions. Once connected, repeat the installation process of the loader and mods for the server: place Red Loader and the mod files in the root directory or the "Mods" folder of your server.

   

    

Part 4: Restarting the Server

1. Once your files are uploaded to both your PC and your server, navigate to Action > Restart on your server panel dashboard.

   

    

2. Launch Sons of the Forest on your PC. You will see the mod loader indicators loading your active mods as you join your server!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mods are not showing up or you are encountering errors, here are a few troubleshooting steps:

• Mods not showing up: Ensure that you have installed both the mod loader and mods in the correct directories on both your client and server.

• Errors due to a lack of libraries: Some mods may require additional libraries to function. Check the mod’s page for any dependencies and ensure they are placed in the appropriate location. In our example (plane mod) the SonsAxLib library was installed (again, on both client and server directories):

  

• File missing errors: Double-check your file structure. Make sure that all required files are extracted correctly and in the right folders. It's easy to forget to upload a mod .dll or the entire folder if multiple are being installed, especially as each has to be installed twice (one on client and another one on the server).
• Missing Dependency Libraries: Some complex SOTF mods require additional support libraries to function (such as SonsAxLib). Check the mod's download page for any extra requirements and place those .dll files into your plugins folder as well.

Conclusion

Taking the time to install custom mods breathes fresh life into Sons of the Forest, giving your group endless ways to survive the island. Whether you are using BepInEx for the latest mods or Red Loader for classic tweaks, keeping your client and server files matched is the key to a smooth multiplayer experience. Install your favorite mods, reboot your server, and get back to exploring!

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance! 

Happy gaming!