How to Install Workshop Mods on Your Barotrauma Server
Download Steam Workshop mods via SteamCMD, enable them in serversettings.xml, and keep clients in sync with the server mod list.
How Barotrauma Mods Work
Barotrauma uses Steam Workshop (AppID 602960 for the base game) for mods. The dedicated server needs mods installed separately from Workshop — the server doesn't have a Steam client running. You download them via SteamCMD and place them in the Mods/ folder.
Most mods need to be installed on both the server and every client. Mod mismatches prevent players from joining.
Downloading Mods via SteamCMD
Find the mod's Workshop ID in the URL on the Steam Workshop page:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=XXXXXXXXX
Run SteamCMD with a Steam account (anonymous login doesn't work for Workshop downloads):
login yoursteamuser yourpassword
workshop_download_item 602960 XXXXXXXXX
quit
The mod downloads to:
steamapps/workshop/content/602960/XXXXXXXXX/
Installing the Mod
Copy the downloaded mod folder into your server's Mods/ directory:
# Linux
cp -r steamapps/workshop/content/602960/XXXXXXXXX/ Mods/ModFolderName/
Each mod folder contains a filelist.xml — that's the entry point.
Enabling Mods in serversettings.xml
Add the mod to the <EnabledPackages> block:
<EnabledPackages>
<Package name="ModName" path="Mods/ModFolderName/filelist.xml" />
<Package name="AnotherMod" path="Mods/AnotherModFolder/filelist.xml" />
</EnabledPackages>
The name value is for readability — use the mod's display name. The path must point to the correct filelist.xml.
Restart the server after adding mods.
Keeping Clients in Sync
All clients must have the same mods installed and enabled in the same order. The easiest way to manage this:
- Share the Workshop IDs with your crew
- Have everyone subscribe to each mod in Steam
- Launch Barotrauma and enable the mods in the same order via the in-game mod manager
Joining with mismatched mods shows a "Content package mismatch" error. The client won't connect until the mod list matches.
Client-Side Only Mods
Some mods only affect visuals or UI and don't need to be installed on the server. The mod's Workshop page should note this. If it says "client-side only" or "cosmetic only," clients can run it without the server needing it installed. When in doubt, install on both sides.
Updating Mods
Re-run the SteamCMD workshop_download_item command to get the latest version. Overwrite the old folder in Mods/, restart the server, and make sure clients also update their subscriptions.