Deep Rock Galactic has captivated players with its unique blend of cooperative gameplay, procedurally generated caves, and hordes of alien bugs. For those looking to enhance their mining experience even further, modding offers a wealth of possibilities. This guide will delve into the world of Deep Rock Galactic Mods, providing you with everything you need to know to get started, manage, and even create mods for the game.
Getting Started with Deep Rock Galactic Mods
Deep Rock Galactic officially supports modding through Mod.io, a cross-platform mod distribution service. This integration makes installing and managing mods straightforward and accessible directly from within the game.
How to Install Mods in Deep Rock Galactic
Installing mods is a breeze thanks to the in-game Modding Menu:
- Access the Modding Menu: Launch Deep Rock Galactic and navigate to the Modding Menu from the main menu.
- Link Your Accounts: The first time you access the Modding Menu, you’ll be prompted to link your Steam account to a Mod.io account. You’ll also need to agree to Mod.io’s Terms of Use. This is a one-time process.
- Browse and Subscribe: Once linked, you can browse a wide variety of Deep Rock Galactic mods available on Mod.io directly within the game.
- Install Mods: When you find a mod that interests you, simply subscribe to it. The game will automatically download and install the mod.
- Manage Your Mods: All subscribed mods will appear in your Modding Menu. Here you can enable or disable mods, and organize them to your liking.
This image represents the cooperative and adventurous spirit of Deep Rock Galactic, highlighting the potential for enhanced gameplay with mods.
Understanding Mod Approval Categories
Deep Rock Galactic employs a mod approval system to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players, especially in multiplayer. Mods are categorized based on their impact on gameplay:
- Sandbox: This is the default category for all newly submitted mods. Sandbox mods may introduce significant gameplay changes, and players using them will only be able to play with others who also have Sandbox or Approved mods enabled.
- Approved: Mods in this category have been reviewed and deemed to adhere to specific guidelines. They are generally considered to be more stable and less disruptive to the core game experience than Sandbox mods. Players with Approved mods can play with those using Sandbox or other Approved mods.
- Verified: This category is reserved for mods that have minimal impact on gameplay and are essentially considered quality-of-life improvements or cosmetic changes. Verified mods are designed to be compatible with unmodded games, allowing players using them to join vanilla servers without issue. Examples include local audio changes or minor UI tweaks.
How are Mod Approval Categories Assigned?
Initially, all Deep Rock Galactic mods are assigned the ‘Sandbox’ category upon submission. The Deep Rock Galactic development team and community moderators regularly review new mods and adjust their approval category based on established guidelines. This review process typically occurs on most weekdays.
You can find detailed guidelines for each approval category and general modding practices in the official DRG Mod.io guidelines.
Managing Your Deep Rock Galactic Mods
The Modding Menu in Deep Rock Galactic provides easy tools for managing your mods:
- Enabling/Disabling Mods: You can enable or disable mods directly from the Modding Menu within the Space Rig. Changes take effect immediately after you apply them and are reloaded into the Space Rig, without requiring a full game restart.
- Automatic Updates: Mod.io ensures that your subscribed mods are always up to date. When a mod developer releases an update, it will be automatically downloaded and installed the next time you are in the Space Rig.
The Space Rig is not only a place to prepare for missions but also the hub for managing and updating your Deep Rock Galactic mods.
Playing Multiplayer with Mods
Modding in Deep Rock Galactic is designed to be multiplayer-friendly, but it’s important to understand how mod categories affect matchmaking:
- Mod Compatibility: Players with Approved or Sandbox mods installed cannot join unmodded games. This prevents potential conflicts and ensures a consistent experience.
- Verified Mod Compatibility: Players with Verified mods can join unmodded servers as these mods are designed to be broadly compatible and not significantly alter gameplay for others.
- Joining Modded Servers: When you attempt to join a server with mods you don’t have, the game will prompt you with a list of required mods. You’ll be given the option to automatically download and install these mods. Once you leave the modded session, these mods will be deactivated.
Will Mods Split the Player Base?
The developers are aware of the potential for mods to fragment the player base and are actively monitoring the situation. The category system is designed to mitigate this by allowing players to choose their preferred level of modding and ensuring compatibility within those categories. However, it’s crucial for the community to be mindful of mod categories when hosting or joining games to maintain a healthy multiplayer environment.
For Deep Rock Galactic Mod Developers
If you’re interested in creating your own Deep Rock Galactic mods, Mod.io provides the platform for submission and distribution.
How to Submit Mods
Mod developers can submit their creations via the Deep Rock Galactic Mod.io space: https://drg.mod.io/.
Mod.io was chosen for its Unreal Engine SDK integration, support for the approval category system, and streamlined mod uploading process. While other platforms were considered, Mod.io was deemed the best fit for Deep Rock Galactic’s modding vision, including potential future expansion to platforms like Windows 10 and Xbox.
Appealing Mod Approval Categories
If you are a mod developer and disagree with the assigned approval category for your mod, you can appeal the decision. Refer to the DRG Mod.io guidelines for the most up-to-date information on the appeal process.
Important Considerations for Mod Users
- Offline Play: While not fully tested, it is expected that Deep Rock Galactic mods will function in offline mode. However, you will need an internet connection to initially download and update mods.
- Mod Updates and Vanilla Compatibility: Mod developers are expected to maintain their mods responsibly and ensure they align with their assigned approval category even after game updates. The community and developers rely on the honesty of modders to avoid conflicts.
- Access in China: Currently, Mod.io is not accessible in China, meaning modding support is unavailable for players in that region. The developers are aware of this limitation but do not currently have a solution. They will communicate any changes to this situation if they arise.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Mining with Deep Rock Galactic Mods
Deep Rock Galactic mods offer a fantastic way to customize and expand your gameplay experience. Whether you’re looking for minor tweaks or significant overhauls, the Mod.io integration makes it easier than ever to discover, install, and manage mods. Dive into the Modding Menu, explore the creations of the community, and find new ways to enjoy the deep dives of Hoxxes IV. Rock and Stone!
Rock and Stone! Deep Rock Galactic mods empower players to further celebrate the game and community through customized experiences.
