7 Days to Die has an active modding community that extends the game with new weapons, vehicles, UI improvements and total gameplay overhauls. In this article you learn how to install mods on your server, which types of mods exist and what to watch out for with EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat).
Types of mods
There are three main categories of mods in 7 Days to Die:
| Type | Installation | EAC compatible |
|---|---|---|
| XML modlets | Folder in Mods/ | Yes |
| Harmony/DMT mods | Requires DMT patcher | No, EAC must be off |
| Overhaul mods | Replaces game files | No, EAC must be off |
XML modlets
XML modlets are the simplest form of modding. They modify the existing XML files of the game (recipes, items, blocks) through small patch files. The advantage: they are compatible with EAC and easy to install.
- Download the modlet (usually a .zip file) from the 7D2D mod forum or Nexus Mods.
- Extract the archive.
- Upload the extracted folder to the
Mods/folder of your server. If this folder does not exist yet, create it. - Restart the server.
Each modlet has a ModInfo.xml file with the name, author and version. The server loads all folders in Mods/ automatically.
Harmony and DMT mods
Harmony and DMT (Dll Mod Toolkit) mods go a step further: they inject C# code into the game and can therefore add functionality that is not possible with XML alone. Examples include new UI elements, advanced AI and custom vehicle physics.
These mods require EAC to be disabled, both on the server and for every player. Start the server with the -UserDataFolder parameter and disable EAC in the launch options.
Overhaul mods
Overhaul mods (such as Darkness Falls, Undead Legacy or War of the Walkers) are total conversions that drastically change the game. They contain new classes, crafting systems, enemies and map generation.
Installation differs per overhaul, but the principle is the same:
- Start with a clean server installation.
- Download the overhaul mod and follow the included installation instructions.
- Disable EAC.
- Generate a new world (overhauls are rarely compatible with existing saves).
Disabling EAC
Easy Anti-Cheat prevents cheating but also blocks mods that use DLL files. To disable EAC:
- Server: add
-configfile=serverconfig.xmland setEACEnabledtofalsein the configuration file. - Client: start the game via the "Show Game Launcher" option in Steam and choose the version without EAC.
XML modlets work with EAC enabled. Only disable EAC if you use Harmony, DMT or overhaul mods.
Popular mods in 2026
| Mod | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Darkness Falls | Overhaul | Complete conversion with classes, demons and extra biomes |
| Undead Legacy | Overhaul | More realistic survival with expanded crafting system |
| War of the Walkers | Overhaul | Extra enemies, weapons and vehicles |
| Bdubyah's Vehicles | Modlet/Harmony | Dozens of new vehicles |
| WOTW Horde Every Night | XML modlet | A horde attack every night |
| Better HUD | XML modlet | Improved interface with extra information |
Mod management tips
- Add mods one at a time and test after each addition. This way you find conflicts quickly.
- Always make a backup of your world and server files before adding or updating mods.
- Read the compatibility information of each mod. Not all mods work together.
- Keep mods up to date after game updates. An outdated mod can cause crashes.
- Communicate to your players which mods are required and whether EAC needs to be off.
Do mods work after a game update?
Not always. After a major 7 Days to Die update, mod authors need to update their mods. XML modlets are the quickest to become compatible; Harmony mods and overhauls can take days to weeks. Wait with updating until your most important mods have been updated, or run a fixed version via SteamCMD.
Why HostValues?
7 Days to Die servers at HostValues run on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X hardware with NVMe storage and DDoS protection included. Upload mods through the game panel and restart with one click. All plans can be cancelled monthly. Check out 7 Days to Die hosting.
