Placing files in the directory does not automatically turn them on. You must enable them through the user interface. Launch . Select Mods from the main main menu screen.
Oxygen Not Included (ONI) has an incredibly vibrant modding community that can completely transform your space colony management experience. While the Steam Workshop is the easiest way to manage mods, there are many reasons to learn :
Many modern mods require the PLib library to work. Download it and treat it as a mod itself (see steps below). 🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Install Mods Manually 1. Locate the Mods Folder ONI looks for mods in a specific local directory. Navigate to: Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local Note: If the local folder doesn't exist, create it. 2. Download and Extract the Mod Download the .zip file of the mod you want to install. Extract the contents of the zip file. oxygen not included how to install mods manually
Manual installation gives you total control. You can tweak the source code (if provided), prevent the game from auto-updating a mod that might break your save, and keep your game functional even when the Steam servers are down.
Oxygen Not Included (Klei Entertainment) supports mods through its built-in Steam Workshop, but manual installation is necessary for non-Steam versions (Epic Games Store, GOG, or standalone) or for mods downloaded from external sources (e.g., GitHub, Klei Forums, or third-party repositories). This document outlines the precise steps for manual mod installation, file structure, and troubleshooting. Placing files in the directory does not automatically
: ~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included/mods/local/ 2. Prepare the Mod Files
(Note: If the mods or local folders do not exist yet, navigate to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\ , create a new folder named mods , open it, and create another folder inside it named local .) 🍎 macOS Open . Click Go in the top menu bar, then select Go to Folder . Select Mods from the main main menu screen
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.
Some mods require core utility mods to function. Read the mod description page to see if you need to install prerequisite files.
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\Klei\OxygenNotIncluded\mods\local\
Most manual mods today use the format.
