Oxygen Not Included How To Install Mods Manually May 2026
You have downloaded a mod. It is likely a .zip file named something like PliersFix.zip or BlueprintsFixed.zip. Follow these steps precisely:
No manual file moves usually required.
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 oxygen not included how to install mods manually
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 You have downloaded a mod
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!
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/ How to Install Oxygen Not Included Mods Manually
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
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.