Using Mods Guide
Learn how to find, install, enable, and manage mods in tModLoader.
Finding Mods
There are two main ways to discover and install mods in tModLoader. Make sure you've completed the installation first:
In-Game Mod Browser
Built into tModLoader, browse and install mods without leaving the game.
- Access directly from main menu
- Search by name or description
- View mod details and dependencies
- One-click installation
Steam Workshop
Subscribe to mods through Steam for automatic downloads and updates.
- Browse on Steam website or client
- Automatic mod updates
- Community ratings and reviews
- Share collections with friends
Installing Mods
Method 1: In-Game Mod Browser
Launch tModLoader
Start tModLoader from Steam or your installation directory
Open Mod Browser
Click "Mod Browser" from the main menu
Search for Mods
Use the search bar or browse categories to find mods
Download
Click "Download" button next to the mod you want
Enable Mod
Go to "Mods" menu, check the box next to the mod, and click "Reload Mods"
Method 2: Steam Workshop
Subscribe to Mods
Click "Subscribe" on mods you want to install
Auto-Download
Steam automatically downloads subscribed mods
Enable in Game
Launch tModLoader, go to "Mods" menu, enable and reload
Managing Mods
Enabling/Disabling
Control which mods are active:
- • Go to "Mods" in main menu
- • Check/uncheck boxes
- • Click "Reload Mods"
Updating Mods
Keep mods up to date:
- • Workshop: Auto-updates via Steam
- • Browser: Shows "Update" button
- • Check regularly for updates
Removing Mods
Uninstall unwanted mods:
- • Mods menu → Click "Delete"
- • Workshop: Unsubscribe on Steam
- • Reload mods after removal
Mod Profiles
Save mod configurations:
- • Create different loadouts
- • Switch between playstyles
- • Export/import profiles
Understanding Mod Dependencies
Some mods require other mods to function. tModLoader handles this automatically.
How Dependencies Work
- When downloading a mod with dependencies, tModLoader shows required mods
- You can download all dependencies with one click
- Mods won't enable if dependencies are missing
- Dependencies must be enabled for dependent mods to work
Common Dependency Examples
Requires: Calamity Mod (obviously needs base mod)
Works with: Any boss mod (automatically detects modded bosses)
Independent: No dependencies, works with any mod
Mod Load Order
The order mods load can affect compatibility. Here's what you need to know:
General Load Order Rules
-
1.
Libraries first: Mods that provide functionality for other mods
Example: Mod Helpers, Shader Libraries
-
2.
Content mods next: Major gameplay mods
Example: Calamity, Thorium, Spirit
-
3.
Utility/QoL after: Helper and convenience mods
Example: Magic Storage, Recipe Browser
-
4.
Visual mods last: Cosmetic and UI modifications
Example: Better Zoom, Census
Good News!
tModLoader usually handles load order automatically. You only need to worry about this if you experience conflicts. Most mods specify their requirements in their descriptions.
Common Mod Issues
Mod Won't Enable
Possible causes:
- ✗ Missing dependencies - check mod description
- ✗ Incompatible tModLoader version - update both
- ✗ Corrupted download - try re-downloading
- ✗ Conflicts with another mod - disable others to test
Game Crashes with Mods
Solutions:
- ✓ Disable all mods, enable one by one to find culprit
- ✓ Check mod browser for known issues
- ✓ Update all mods to latest versions
- ✓ Check logs folder for error details
Mod Content Not Appearing
Check these:
- ✓ Mod is enabled and reloaded
- ✓ Created new world if mod requires it
- ✓ Check mod description for spawn conditions
- ✓ Some content only appears in specific biomes/stages
Pro Tips from Experienced Players
Start Small, Scale Up
Begin with 5-10 QoL mods before adding large content mods. This prevents overwhelming yourself and helps identify conflicts.
Read Mod Descriptions
Always read mod descriptions for compatibility info, dependencies, and known issues before installing. Check the comments section for user experiences.
Backup Regularly
Before adding major mods, backup your worlds and characters. Location: Documents/My Games/Terraria/tModLoader. Copy Players/ and Worlds/ folders.
Check Compatibility
Some mods don't work together. Read reviews and comments to learn about common conflicts. Test mods individually before combining.
Use Workshop Collections
Steam Workshop collections let you subscribe to multiple mods at once. Perfect for sharing mod packs with friends or following curated lists.
Monitor Performance
If game slows down, disable visual mods first. They're often the most resource-intensive. Use F11 to check FPS in-game.
Popular Mod Combinations
Tried and tested mod packs from the community.
Essential QoL Pack (Beginner)
Perfect first mod pack. No gameplay changes, just convenience:
Centralized storage system
View all recipes in-game
Extra accessory slot
Track progression
Calamity Complete Pack (Advanced)
Full Calamity experience with recommended additions:
Main content mod (200+ hours)
Epic boss music tracks
Handle 3000+ items easily
Track 20+ new bosses
Browse new recipes
Helpful NPCs for buffs
Balanced Content Pack (Intermediate)
Mix of content and quality-of-life without extreme difficulty:
Balanced content expansion
More biomes & items
Storage management
Recipe lookup
Boss tracking
Camera controls