Installing Mods and Modlets on Your 7 Days to Die Server

Understand Mod Types

Most 7 Days to Die hosting issues trace back to mismatched mod structures, so label the download before uploading:

• Standard mods/modlets: contain ModInfo.xml, Config/, Items/. They simply live inside /Mods/.
• Overhaul installers: Darkness Falls, Undead Legacy, War3zuk, Rebirth, Apocalypse Now. They come with Mods/, Data/Prefabs/, and often GeneratedWorlds.
• Prefab packs: CompoPack, PEP, DFalls POIs. These only touch /Data/Prefabs/ but are mandatory for custom maps.

Prep Downloads Locally

1. Extract the ZIP on your desktop so you can inspect the folder depth.
2. Confirm ModInfo.xml sits directly inside the mod folder (not buried under another folder).
3. Rename the folder descriptively (e.g., War3zuk-AIO-21.2) so you can track versions in FTP history.

Upload & Validate Structure

1. FTP into your server and open /Mods/.
2. Drag the mod folder inside so the final path looks like /Mods/War3zuk-AIO-21.2/ModInfo.xml.
3. Repeat for each standalone mod. Avoid stacking multiple ModInfo.xml files inside the same folder.
4. Restart the server from the panel and watch the console log. You should see Loading Mod: <Name> entries.

Prefab Packs & Dependencies

Whenever a readme mentions prefabs, upload them into /Data/Prefabs/—not inside Mods.

• Missing prefabs cause instant crashes or the dreaded “unexpected data received” message when clients join.
• Large packs can exceed 5 GB; keep FileZilla open until every prefab finishes.

Common Errors & Fixes

• “Unexpected data received”: every player must install the same mods locally when the server runs an overhaul.
• Server boots with no mods: ModInfo.xml is two folders deep. Move the files up one level.
• NullReferenceException on startup: missing prefab or outdated Harmony libraries—re-upload the dependency pack included with the mod.
• Version mismatch: ensure both clients and server are running the same A21 build. Use the Steam “yellow update” button in the panel if needed.