Managing 7 Days to Die Server Mods

Transform your 7 Days to Die server with custom mods using our flexible Custom Mod URL system. This guide explains how to install mods, why we chose this approach, and best practices for mod management.

Understanding 7DTD Mod Management

7 Days to Die has one of the most active modding communities in the survival game genre, with over 6,400+ mods available on platforms like Nexus Mods. Unlike games with standardized plugin frameworks (like Rust's Oxide/uMod), 7DTD mods vary significantly in structure, compatibility, and installation requirements.

Why Custom Mod URL Instead of Built-In Installer?

We carefully evaluated both approaches and chose the Custom Mod URL system for several critical reasons:

Benefits of the Custom Mod URL Approach

• Maximum Flexibility: Install any mod from any source (Nexus Mods, GitHub, ModDB, private URLs)
• Version Control: You control exactly which mod version is installed, critical for server stability
• Overhaul Support: Works with massive overhaul mods that built-in installers struggle with
• No Vendor Lock-In: Not limited to a curated mod list that may exclude your desired mods
• Update Control: Choose when to update mods, preventing unexpected breaking changes
• Private Mods: Install custom or private mods from your own hosting
• Direct Downloads: Faster installation from CDN-hosted files vs API rate-limited requests
• Archive Format Support: Works with ZIP, TAR.GZ, and RAR archives automatically

Drawbacks of Built-In Mod Installers

• Limited Selection: Only featured mods make it into curated lists (typically <200 mods vs 6,400+ available)
• Delayed Updates: Mod updates take days/weeks to appear in installer databases
• Incompatibility Blind Spots: Automated installers can't detect mod conflicts, leading to server crashes
• Overhaul Mod Issues: Large overhauls rarely work correctly with one-click installers due to complex file structures
• Maintenance Burden: Requires constant database updates, mod testing, and compatibility verification
• API Dependencies: Relies on third-party APIs (Nexus, ModDB) which have rate limits and downtime
• No Custom Sources: Can't install mods from GitHub releases, Discord communities, or private repositories

How the Custom Mod URL System Works

Installation Process

During server installation, our Pelican egg checks for the "Custom Mod URL" variable. If provided:

1. Download: The installation script uses curl to download the mod archive from your specified URL
2. File Type Detection: Automatically detects archive format (ZIP, TAR.GZ, RAR) using MIME type detection
3. Extraction: Extracts the archive to /mnt/server/Mods/ directory using the appropriate tool
4. Cleanup: Removes downloaded archive to save disk space
5. Error Handling: Provides clear error messages if download fails or format is unsupported

Supported Archive Formats

• ZIP (.zip): Most common format, extracted with unzip
• TAR.GZ (.tar.gz, .tgz): Linux-standard compression, extracted with tar
• RAR (.rar): Windows compression format, extracted with unrar (auto-installed)

Finding and Installing Mods

Step 1: Finding Mods

Popular 7 Days to Die mod sources:

• Nexus Mods: nexusmods.com/7daystodie - 6,400+ mods (largest repository)
• GitHub Releases: Many modders publish directly on GitHub with version tags
• 7 Days to Die Forums: Official forums with mod releases and community feedback
• ModDB: moddb.com/games/7-days-to-die - Curated mod collection
• Discord Communities: Mod-specific Discord servers often have exclusive beta releases

Step 2: Getting the Direct Download URL

From Nexus Mods:

1. Go to the mod page (e.g., Darkness Falls)
2. Click the "Files" tab
3. Click "Manual Download" on your desired version
4. Important: Nexus requires login, so use the "Mod Manager Download" button and copy the download URL from NexusMods Mod Manager
5. Alternative: Upload the downloaded file to your own hosting (Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub) and use that URL

From GitHub Releases:

1. Navigate to the mod's GitHub repository
2. Go to "Releases" section
3. Right-click the .zip asset and select "Copy Link Address"
4. Example: https://github.com/author/modname/releases/download/v1.0.0/ModName.zip

Step 3: Installing via Pelican Panel

1. Log into your Pelican control panel at panel.ocnetworks.co.uk
2. Navigate to your 7 Days to Die server
3. Click the Startup tab
4. Scroll to the "Custom Mod URL" variable
5. Paste your direct download URL
6. Click Reinstall Server to trigger the installation script
7. Monitor the console for installation progress

Step 4: Verify Installation

1. Go to the Files tab in Pelican panel
2. Navigate to /Mods/ directory
3. Verify your mod files are present
4. Check ModInfo.xml to confirm mod identity
5. Start your server and check console for mod load messages

Popular 7DTD Mods to Try

Major Overhaul Mods

Darkness Falls

• Type: Complete game overhaul
• Features: New progression system, 100+ new items, enhanced crafting, custom POIs
• Difficulty: Significantly harder than vanilla
• Player Base: Most popular overhaul mod
• Source: Nexus Mods

Undead Legacy

• Type: Hardcore survival overhaul
• Features: Realistic survival mechanics, advanced farming, complex crafting chains
• Difficulty: Extreme - designed for experienced players
• Player Base: Dedicated hardcore community
• Source: Nexus Mods

War of the Walkers

• Type: Zombie-focused overhaul
• Features: 50+ new zombie types, special zombie abilities, enhanced AI
• Difficulty: Very hard - relentless zombie hordes
• Player Base: PvE combat enthusiasts
• Source: Nexus Mods

Quality of Life Mods (Compatible Together)

UI & Interface Improvements

• SMX UI: Enhanced UI with better inventory management and item sorting
• Backpack Mod: Larger inventory capacity with visual backpack slots
• Vehicle Speed Mod: Faster vehicles for less tedious travel
• Stack Size Mod: Increased stack sizes for common materials

Building & Crafting

• Prefab Editor: Build custom structures easier with pre-made components
• More Building Blocks: Hundreds of new building shapes and materials
• Simple UI Plus: Streamlined crafting interface
• Better Storage: Increased storage box capacity

Gameplay Enhancement

• Server Side Zombies: Better zombie spawning and performance
• Bigger Backpack: Expand inventory by 12-24 slots
• Longer Days: Extend daylight hours for more building time
• Skill Point Accelerator: Faster leveling for casual players

Performance & Server Management

• Server Optimization Mod: Reduces server lag with entity optimizations
• Admin Tools Mod: Enhanced admin commands for server management
• CSMM (Community Server Manager Mod): Web-based server management dashboard
• Allocs Server Fixes: Essential stability improvements for dedicated servers

Mod Installation Examples

Example 1: Installing Darkness Falls

1. Download Darkness Falls from Nexus Mods
2. Upload to your hosting (e.g., Dropbox, get public link)
3. Dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/abc123/DarknessFalls_v4.0.zip?dl=0
4. Change ?dl=0 to ?dl=1 for direct download
5. Final URL: https://www.dropbox.com/s/abc123/DarknessFalls_v4.0.zip?dl=1
6. Paste into "Custom Mod URL" variable
7. Reinstall server

Example 2: Installing from GitHub

1. Find mod on GitHub (e.g., github.com/author/modname)
2. Go to Releases tab
3. Right-click latest .zip asset, copy link
4. Example URL: https://github.com/author/modname/releases/download/v2.1.0/ModName.zip
5. Paste into "Custom Mod URL" variable
6. Reinstall server

Example 3: Multiple Small Mods

For multiple compatible mods:
1. Download all mod archives
2. Extract all into a single folder
3. Re-compress the combined folder as a ZIP
4. Upload to your hosting
5. Use that combined ZIP's direct download URL

Troubleshooting Mod Issues

Mod Won't Install

• Check URL: Test the URL in browser - should download file immediately, not show webpage
• Archive Format: Ensure file is ZIP, TAR.GZ, or RAR (other formats not supported)
• URL Expiration: Nexus Mods URLs expire after 24 hours - use alternative hosting
• File Size: Very large mods (>1GB) may timeout - split into smaller archives if needed
• Console Errors: Check server console during reinstall for specific error messages

Server Won't Start After Mod Install

• Mod Compatibility: Check mod page for required game version
• Conflicting Mods: Overhaul mods conflict with each other - only use ONE
• Missing Dependencies: Some mods require other mods - check mod requirements
• Corrupted Files: Re-download mod and verify archive integrity
• EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat): Disable EAC if mod requires it (most overhauls do)

Mod Not Loading In-Game

• Verify File Location: Check Files tab - mods should be in /Mods/ directory
• ModInfo.xml Present: Each mod needs ModInfo.xml file in its folder
• Console Warnings: Check server console for mod load errors
• Client-Side Mods: Some mods require players to also install files - check mod documentation
• Server Restart: Some mods only load on fresh server start, not during runtime

Performance Issues After Modding

• Resource Usage: Large overhauls need more RAM (minimum 6GB recommended)
• Entity Limits: Reduce max zombies/animals in serverconfig.xml
• Chunk Loading: Lower "OptionsGfxPOILights" and "OptionsGfxViewDistance" settings
• Mod Updates: Check if newer mod version has performance fixes
• Contact Support: We can help optimize server settings for modded gameplay

Best Practices

Before Installing Mods

• Backup Your Server: Use Pelican's backup feature before any mod changes
• Read Mod Documentation: Check requirements, known issues, and installation notes
• Test Compatibility: Research if mods work together before combining
• Check Game Version: Ensure mod supports your current 7DTD version
• Upgrade Server Resources: Overhauls typically need 6-8GB RAM vs 4GB for vanilla

Mod Management

• One Overhaul Only: Never install multiple overhaul mods simultaneously
• Document Installed Mods: Keep a list of installed mods and their versions
• Update Carefully: Test mod updates on a staging server first
• Monitor Performance: Use Pelican's performance graphs to track impact
• Player Communication: Inform players before major mod changes

Hosting Mod Archives

• Dropbox: Free, reliable, remember to change ?dl=0 to ?dl=1
• Google Drive: Use "Get shareable link" and modify for direct download
• GitHub Releases: Best for versioned mods, direct download links
• Self-Hosted: Most reliable but requires web server
• Avoid: File-sharing sites with ads/captchas (won't work with automated downloads)

Advanced: Manual Mod Installation

Via SFTP/File Manager

For mods that don't fit the Custom Mod URL workflow:

1. Download mod archive to your computer
2. Extract archive locally
3. In Pelican panel, go to Files tab
4. Navigate to /Mods/ directory
5. Create new folder with mod name
6. Upload extracted mod files into that folder
7. Verify ModInfo.xml is in the folder
8. Restart server

Mod Configuration Files

Most mods generate config files in /Mods/ModName/Config/:

• Edit via Files tab in Pelican panel
• Common formats: XML, JSON, TXT
• Always backup before editing
• Restart server after config changes
• Check mod documentation for available options

Recommended Mod Combinations

PvE Survival Server

Base: Darkness Falls Overhaul
+ Server Side Zombies (performance)
+ Admin Tools (management)
+ Backpack Mod (quality of life)

Hardcore PvP Server

Base: Undead Legacy Overhaul
+ CSMM (server management)
+ Longer Nights (increased difficulty)
+ Reduced Loot (more competitive)

Casual/Beginner Server

Vanilla 7DTD with:
+ SMX UI (better interface)
+ Bigger Backpack (quality of life)
+ Stack Size Mod (less inventory management)
+ Vehicle Speed Mod (faster travel)
+ Skill Point Accelerator (faster progression)

Building-Focused Server

Vanilla 7DTD with:
+ More Building Blocks (hundreds of new shapes)
+ Prefab Editor (easier construction)
+ Better Storage (larger chests)
+ Longer Days (more building time)
+ Peaceful Mode or low zombie spawns

Mod Resources

Finding Mods

• Nexus Mods: Primary mod repository
• 7DTD Forums: Official mod forum
• GitHub: Search "7 days to die mod" for open-source mods
• ModDB: Curated mod collection
• Reddit: r/7daystodie mod discussions and recommendations

Modding Communities

• Discord Servers: Most large mods have dedicated Discord servers
• Darkness Falls Discord: Largest overhaul mod community
• 7DTD Modding Discord: General modding help and development
• Undead Legacy Discord: Hardcore survival mod community

Learning to Create Mods

• Official Modding Guide: 7DTD Wiki modding documentation
• XML Modding Tutorial: Learn to create simple XML mods
• GitHub Examples: Study open-source mods for structure
• Community Mentorship: Ask in modding Discord servers

Why We Support This Approach

While built-in mod installers are convenient for small mod collections, 7 Days to Die's diverse modding scene demands a more flexible approach. The Custom Mod URL system puts you in control while maintaining the simplicity of automated installation.

Need Help?

Our support team has extensive experience with 7DTD modding:

• Live Chat: Available 24/7 in client area (2-minute average response)
• Email Support: support@ocnetworks.co.uk (1-hour response time)
• Discord Community: Join our Discord for community help and mod recommendations
• Mod Setup Service: We can help install and configure complex mod setups

Next Steps

Enhance your 7DTD server further:

• Server Configuration: Optimize gameplay settings for modded content
• Performance Tuning: Adjust resource allocation for large overhauls
• Backup Strategy: Set up automated backups before mod experiments
• Community Building: Promote your modded server to attract players

Ready to Transform Your Server? Choose a mod from the recommendations above and follow the installation guide. Need personalized mod recommendations? Contact our support team!