How to Mod No Man's Sky

Modding is PC-only and takes about two minutes: mods are PAK files dropped into a MODS folder inside your install directory. The install method changed with the 5.50 update - here's the current one.

PC only (Steam / GOG) Nexus Mods is the main hub No console mod support

Before you install anything

  1. 1
    Back up your saves

    Saves live in AppData/Roaming/HelloGames/NMS. Copy the whole folder somewhere safe - a bad mod or an update can cost you a fleet.

  2. 2
    Check the version match

    Every mod page lists which game build it supports. Mods written for pre-5.50 will not work on the current version at all.

  3. 3
    Stay out of multiplayer

    Mods don't block crossplay, but modified files in shared sessions can behave oddly - test everything solo first.

Install mods (current method, 5.50+)

Since the Worlds Part II era, the game uses a folder-based system - no more DISABLEMODS.TXT.

  1. 1
    Find your GAMEDATA folder

    Steam: steamapps/common/No Man's Sky/GAMEDATA. GOG: GOG Galaxy/Games/No Man's Sky/GAMEDATA. In Steam you can right-click the game > Manage > Browse local files.

  2. 2
    Create the MODS folder

    Inside GAMEDATA, create a folder named MODS if it doesn't exist already.

  3. 3
    Drop the mod folder in

    Unzip the download and place the mod's folder inside GAMEDATA/MODS. That's the whole install - launch the game and the mod loads.

  4. 4
    Confirm it loaded

    A mod warning screen appears before your save selection when mods are active - that screen is your confirmation.

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Re-enabling after a patch: if mods suddenly stop working, open Binaries/SETTINGS/GCMODSETTINGS.MXML and check that DisableAllMods is set to false - updates can flip it back.

Load order and conflicts

Two mods editing the same game file don't merge - whichever loads last wins, and the other silently does nothing.

RuleWhat it means
Priority orderLoad order is defined in GCMODSETTINGS.MXML - swap two mods' priorities there if one is being ignored.
Merge when possibleCombining two conflicting mods into one is more reliable than fighting the load order.
Patch vs replacement modsPost-5.50 mods can patch targeted parts of a file instead of replacing it - check the mod page for which kind you're installing.

Platform notes

PlatformMod support
Steam / GOG (PC)Full - the MODS folder method above
Game Pass / Microsoft StoreProblematic - the protected WindowsApps path can make the MODS folder read-only
PlayStation / Xbox / Switch / iOSNone - no mod system exists on console or mobile builds

Where to get mods: Nexus Mods hosts almost everything - search "No Man's Sky" there and filter by the current game version. Every major update breaks mods routinely; clear the MODS folder and re-check compatibility before you patch.

FAQ

Can you mod No Man's Sky on console?

No - mods are PC only. PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and iOS builds have no mod support.

Where is the MODS folder?

Inside the install directory: No Man's Sky/GAMEDATA/MODS - create it if missing. (Older guides say PCBANKS; that was the pre-5.50 system.)

Do mods disable achievements or saves?

No - but they can corrupt saves, which is why you back up first. A warning screen shows on launch when mods are active.

Will mods get me banned?

There's no anti-cheat ban system, but playing modded in multiplayer can cause weird behavior for others - keep mods to solo sessions.

My mods stopped working after the update - why?

Every major patch breaks mods. Check DisableAllMods=false in GCMODSETTINGS.MXML, then wait for the mod authors to update.