---
title: "How to install Modlets and Overhaul Mods in 7 Days to Die"
description: "Upload mod files with intact ModInfo.xml files, verify successful console loading lines, and explore overhauls worth a clean server wipe."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/7-days-to-die/how-to-install-modlets-and-overhaul-mods/"
category: "7 Days to Die"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/7-days-to-die/"
published: "2026-03-21T17:20:20.493Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T21:06:09.541Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# How to install Modlets and Overhaul Mods in 7 Days to Die

7 Days to Die mods come in two types: client-required (changes assets, recipes, UI) and server-only (changes spawning, balance, scripts). Server-only mods need nothing from players.

## Installing a Mod

### Step 1: Find a Mod

- **7DaysToDieMods.com** has the largest collection
- **Nexus Mods** has popular ones
- **GitHub** hosts many community overhauls (Darkness Falls, Undead Legacy, War of the Walkers)

### Step 2: Check the Structure

Mods come as folders, sometimes inside a zip. Extract locally first. A mod folder should contain at least a `ModInfo.xml` plus `Config/` or `Scripts/` folders.

### Step 3: Upload via SFTP

Open the SFTP credentials in the **Settings** tab of [your rented 7 Days to Die server](/games/7-days-to-die-server-hosting/) and connect with FileZilla or WinSCP. Navigate to `Mods/` in the server root (create it if missing). Upload the **entire mod folder**, not just its contents:

```
Mods/
  MyAwesomeMod/
    ModInfo.xml
    Config/
    Scripts/
```

### Step 4: Restart

On boot the console shows `INF Loaded mod: MyAwesomeMod`. If a mod fails, the error appears with the file name and line.

### Step 5: Client-Side Mods

> [!IMPORTANT] Players must install client-required mods too
> If a mod requires clients to install something, players need the same mod folder in their local `7 Days To Die\Mods\`. Large overhauls (Darkness Falls, Undead Legacy) require this.

Document the required list and link it in your server description.

## Popular Overhauls

| Mod | Type | Notes |
|-----|------|-------|
| Darkness Falls | Total overhaul | New zombies, classes, lore. Very popular. Client-required |
| Undead Legacy | Total overhaul | Reworks crafting and progression. Client-required |
| War of the Walkers | Total overhaul | Closer-to-vanilla feel with new content |
| CSMM Patrons | QoL collection | Improved settings, anti-cheat |
| BetterLife | QoL | Recipe rebalance, more loot |
| BCM (Better Crafting Menu) | UI | Cleaner crafting UI. Client-required |

## What to Read Next

- [Managing your 7 Days to Die server](/knowledge-base/7-days-to-die/7d2d-maintenance/) and **always back up before adding or removing a mod**
- [serverconfig.xml Reference](/knowledge-base/7-days-to-die/serverconfig-xml/) for the custom-map workflow some overhauls use
- [Your first 7 Days to Die boot and connection](/knowledge-base/7-days-to-die/7d2d-new-user-guide/) if the server has not started yet

---

Made with 💜 by GameServerKings
