How to Add Mods to The Forest with ModAPI
The Forest has a community mod ecosystem around ModAPI, not an official Steam Workshop server-mod system. Treat every third-party download as untrusted software, back up the world first, and confirm whether a mod is client-side, host-side, or compatible with a dedicated server.
Compatibility warning: Endnight's official patch notes have documented that the dedicated server is not compatible with Oxide. Do not advertise Oxide as a safe server-side mod path for The Forest.
Before installing
- Back up the dedicated-server saves and
server.cfg. - Record the current game and server build.
- Read the mod's own compatibility notes and comments.
- Test on a copy of the world, not the only live save.
Install the community launcher
Download ModAPI only from a source you trust and review the files before running them. The launcher and individual mods can change game files, so keep the original installation recoverable and use Steam's file verification if the unmodified game must be restored.
Client and server responsibilities
| Mod type | Who needs it? | Risk to a dedicated server |
|---|---|---|
| Client-only UI or convenience mod | Usually the player using it | May not affect the server, but can still cause version or anti-cheat concerns. |
| Gameplay or world-state mod | May require every participant or a compatible host | Test explicitly; a hosted server may not support it. |
| Server framework/plugin | Dedicated server and possibly clients | Do not assume support; official server compatibility and provider policy control. |
“All players must run the same mods” is too broad: some mods are client-only, while others need coordinated files. Follow the individual mod's instructions.
Multiplayer troubleshooting
- Remove the newest mod and reproduce the issue on a clean copy.
- Ensure everyone uses compatible game files and the same required dependency versions.
- Check the dedicated server's logs and restore the pre-mod save if world state is damaged.
- Do not solve a connection problem by adding Oxide, RCON, or an undocumented server flag.
Related guides
- Dedicated-server setup
- server.cfg configuration
- Sons of the Forest server guides
- Hosting and mod-support costs
Want a stable vanilla baseline before experimenting? Host The Forest with Supercraft and keep an independent backup.