Manual mod installation for Oxygen Not Included (ONI) depends on whether you use the Steam built‑in mod loader or a third‑party modloader (e.g., ONI‑Modloader). Below is a concise, step‑by‑step guide covering both methods, file locations for Windows/macOS/Linux, how to install individual mods, how to install a modloader (optional), verifying compatibility, and troubleshooting.
ONI supports two mod structures:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\OxygenNotIncluded\Mods
If the Mods folder doesn’t exist, create it manually.
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 oxygen not included how to install mods manually
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!
Manually installing mods for Oxygen Not Included (ONI) is a straightforward process, primarily used by players on the Epic Games Store or those troubleshooting Steam Workshop issues. By bypassing the automated workshop system, you gain more control over your mod versions and can use mods sourced from external platforms like GitHub or Nexus Mods. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
To manually install a mod, you must place the files in a specific "Local" folder within your game's user directory:
Locate the Mods Directory: Navigate to the following path based on your operating system:
Windows: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\
Mac: /Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/unity.Klei.Oxygen Not Included/mods/ Linux: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/
Create the "Local" Folder: If it doesn't already exist, create a new folder named local (or Local for Linux/Mac) inside the mods directory.
Prepare Mod Files: Download your desired mod and extract its contents. Ensure the files (like mod.yaml and .dll files) are inside a dedicated subfolder for that specific mod. Manual mod installation for Oxygen Not Included (ONI)
Install: Move your mod's folder into the local folder you created. The resulting path should look like: .../mods/local/[ModName]/[ModFiles].
Enable In-Game: Launch the game, click the Mods button on the main menu, and ensure your local mod is enabled. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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. If the Mods folder doesn’t exist, create it manually
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
Oxygen Not Included (ONI) is a popular space-colony simulation game that offers a lot of flexibility and customization options, including the ability to install mods. While there are tools and platforms like Steam Workshop that make mod installation straightforward, some mods might not be available there, or you might prefer to install mods manually for various reasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manually install mods for Oxygen Not Included:
Manual installation in Oxygen Not Included is a powerful skill. Use it when you need a mod not on the Workshop, when you want to manage versions precisely, or when the Workshop is unavailable. However, for most players, the Steam Workshop remains the recommended method: it’s safer, easier, and handles updates automatically. Consider manual installation a tool for your troubleshooting kit, not your daily driver. By following this guide carefully—especially the folder structure and backup steps—you can safely expand your colony’s possibilities beyond what Klei originally designed, turning a hard survival game into a personalized sandbox of creativity and efficiency.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to manually installing mods for Oxygen Not Included (ONI).
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