Modding & Custom Content

The world of Conan Exiles is vast and brutal, but for many Exiles, the base game is just the beginning. Modding allows you to customize your experience, from minor quality-of-life improvements to entirely new gameplay systems, items, and even maps. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of discovering, installing, and managing mods to enhance your journey through the Exiled Lands.

Understanding Modding Platforms

Conan Exiles primarily uses two main platforms for mod distribution:

• Steam Workshop: This is the most common and user-friendly platform for PC players. It integrates directly with your Steam client, making installation and updates largely automated.
• Direct Download / Community Forums: Some mods, particularly those in early development or for specific server setups, may require direct downloads from community sites like the official Conan Exiles forums or dedicated modding communities.

Installing Mods via Steam Workshop (PC)

For the majority of PC players, the Steam Workshop is your go-to for modding. Follow these steps for a seamless experience:

1. Launch Steam: Ensure your Steam client is running and you are logged in.
2. Navigate to Conan Exiles in Library: Find Conan Exiles in your Steam Library.
3. Access the Workshop: On the Conan Exiles game page, look for the "Workshop" tab. Click on it to open the Conan Exiles Steam Workshop.
4. Browse and Subscribe:
   • Use the search bar, filters (e.g., "Top Rated All Time," "Newest"), and categories to find mods that interest you. Popular categories include "Building," "Quality of Life," "Magic," and "New Items."
   • Once you find a mod you want, click on its page. Read the description carefully to understand its features, potential conflicts, and any specific installation instructions from the mod author.
   • Click the "Subscribe" button. Steam will automatically download the mod files to your game directory.
5. Launch Conan Exiles: Start Conan Exiles from your Steam Library.
6. Access the Mod List: From the main menu, select "Mods." This will open the in-game mod management screen.
7. Activate Mods:
   • On the left side, you'll see a list of "Available Mods" (these are the ones you subscribed to).
   • On the right side, you'll see "Selected Mods" (these are the ones currently active in your game).
   • Click on an available mod to move it to the "Selected Mods" list.
   • Crucial Step: Mod Load Order! This is vital for stability. Mods are loaded in the order they appear in the "Selected Mods" list, from top to bottom. Many mod authors specify a recommended load order in their mod descriptions. Generally, larger content mods or overhauls should be loaded earlier, while smaller quality-of-life mods or patches can be loaded later. Use the up/down arrows next to each selected mod to adjust its position. Incorrect load order can lead to crashes, missing assets, or unexpected behavior.
8. Confirm Changes: After arranging your mods, click "Back" or "Apply" (depending on the game version) to save your mod list and load order. The game may prompt you to restart.

Common Modding Pitfalls & Troubleshooting

• Game Crashes on Startup: This is almost always a mod conflict or incorrect load order.
  • Action: Go back to the "Mods" menu. Try disabling recently added mods one by one, or re-arranging their load order according to author recommendations. If all else fails, disable all mods and re-enable them in small batches to isolate the problematic one.
• Missing Textures/Assets: Often due to a mod not loading correctly or conflicting with another.
  • Action: Verify the mod's load order. Ensure all required dependencies (if any) are also installed and correctly ordered. Try unsubscribing and re-subscribing to force a fresh download.
• Server Compatibility: If playing on a server, you MUST have the exact same mods and load order as the server.
  • Action: When attempting to join a modded server, the game will often automatically prompt you to download and activate the necessary mods. If it doesn't, check the server's description or community page for its mod list.
• Performance Issues: Heavily modded games can impact performance.
  • Action: Review your mod list. Consider removing purely cosmetic mods if performance is a major concern. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.

Installing Mods via Direct Download

Some mods, especially those not on the Steam Workshop, require manual installation. This process is more involved:

1. Locate Game Directory: Navigate to your Conan Exiles installation folder. Typically, this is Steam\steamapps\common\Conan Exiles\ConanSandbox\Mods.
2. Download Mod Files: Obtain the mod file(s) (usually with a .pak extension) from the source (e.g., official forums, modder's website).
3. Place Mod Files: Copy the downloaded .pak file(s) directly into the Mods folder you located in step 1.
4. Edit modlist.txt (Advanced):
   • In the same Mods folder, there is a file named modlist.txt. This file dictates the load order for manually installed mods.
   • Open modlist.txt with a plain text editor (like Notepad).
   • Each line in this file should contain the full filename of a .pak mod, including the .pak extension.
   • Add the filename of your newly installed mod to this list. The order of lines in this file determines the load order.
   • Example: If your mod is named MyAwesomeMod.pak, add a line: MyAwesomeMod.pak
   • Save the modlist.txt file.
5. Launch Conan Exiles: Start the game. The manually added mods should now appear in your in-game "Mods" list under "Selected Mods" (if you edited modlist.txt correctly) or "Available Mods" (if the game detected them but they weren't in modlist.txt). Adjust load order as needed.

Modding can significantly extend the life and enjoyment of Conan Exiles. Always remember to back up your save files before making major modding changes, and always consult the mod author's instructions for the best and most stable experience.