How to Add Mods to The Forest
The Forest does not support Steam Workshop. Mods are installed client-side through the community-built ModAPI Hub launcher. Because mods are client-side, every player in a multiplayer session must install the same mod set.
Step 1: Download ModAPI Hub
- Visit the official ModAPI Hub site.
- Select The Forest from the game list.
- Browse and tick the mods you want.
- Download the generated ZIP — it bundles the launcher and your selected mods.
Step 2: Install the Launcher
- Extract the ZIP into a new folder (anywhere on your disk — keep it outside Program Files to avoid permission issues).
- Run ModAPI.exe.
- The launcher auto-detects your Steam install of The Forest. If not, point the Game Folder setting at your install (default:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Forest). - From the sidebar, activate the mods you want active for this session.
- Click Start Game from inside ModAPI — do not launch via Steam directly, or your mods won't load.
Step 3: Multiplayer Mod Coordination
Important: The Forest's mod loading is client-side. Mods cannot be installed server-side. Every player in a session must have the same mods installed for the game to behave consistently.
- Pick a single host or "mod authority" — usually the dedicated-server admin.
- Share the mod list (mod names + versions) on Discord or in a pinned post.
- Each player installs the listed mods via ModAPI before connecting.
- If anyone runs a different mod set, expect crashes, item desync, or "client out of sync" disconnects.
Popular Mod Categories
| Category | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Building improvements | Custom blueprints, reduced resource cost, larger build radius. |
| Inventory + UI | Bigger backpacks, better hotbars, item search. |
| Combat tweaks | Damage rebalances, smarter cannibal AI, enemy variety. |
| Cosmetic | Texture and lighting overhauls, character outfits. |
| Utility | Auto-save extensions, faster building animations, fall damage tweaks. |
Common Issues
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Mods don't load" | You launched via Steam. Always start through ModAPI.exe. |
| "Game crashes on start" | One mod is incompatible with your Forest version. Disable mods one-at-a-time to find the culprit. |
| "Joined a modded server, instantly kicked" | Your mod list doesn't match the host's. Compare with the host and align. |
| "ModAPI doesn't detect my game" | Manually browse to your Forest install folder via ModAPI's settings panel. |
Server-Side Reality Check
If you run a dedicated server and want a "modded experience," your only path is to publish your mod list publicly so connecting clients install the same mods. There is no server-side mod injection. This is unique to The Forest — Sons of the Forest, in contrast, has a different (also unofficial) modding pathway.
Build a modded survival camp. Host a The Forest server with Supercraft and run your modded co-op session.