Got Questions? We Have Answers!
Welcome to the Starsector Mods FAQ — the ultimate knowledge base for modding Starsector. Whether you’re a new captain looking to install your first mod or a veteran fine-tuning your load order, this page answers all the most common questions players have. Each answer is written in detail to help you install, troubleshoot, and choose the best mods for your gameplay.
Common Questions
Explore our most frequently asked questions.
To download mods, simply browse our Mods Library, find a mod you like, and click the download button. Make sure to read any included instructions for installation.
Mods are modifications created by players to enhance the StarSector experience. They can add new features, improve graphics, or change gameplay mechanics.
Installing mods is easy! Download your chosen mod, extract the files, and place them in the ‘mods’ folder of your StarSector installation directory. Be sure to follow any specific instructions provided.
Yes, mods shared on our site are screened for safety. We recommend only downloading from trusted sources to avoid any potential issues.
You can contribute by creating and sharing your own mods, providing user feedback, or participating in community discussions. We love to see player creations!
General Modding Questions
FAQs for Starsector Mods
Starsector mods are community-created modifications that enhance, change, or expand the base game. They can add new ships, weapons, factions, graphics improvements, quality-of-life features, or even completely overhaul the game’s mechanics.
Yes. Almost all Starsector mods are free to download and use. However, many mod creators accept donations via Patreon, Ko-fi, or PayPal to support ongoing development.
You can download mods from:
Our Starsector Mods Library (organized by category with installation guides).
The official Starsector Forum Mod Index.
NexusMods and GitHub for certain projects.
Common reasons include:
Mod version is not compatible with your Starsector version.
Missing required library mods (e.g., LazyLib, MagicLib).
Incorrect installation folder structure.
Corrupted download — try re-downloading.
Most mod pages list the compatible Starsector version number. If it’s outdated, you may need to find an unofficial update from the community.
If your save file depends on assets from that mod (ships, weapons, factions), removing it will cause your save to become unplayable. Always back up saves before removing mods.
Make sure the mod’s folder is directly inside /mods and not nested in another folder after extraction.
Download the mod’s ZIP or RAR file from a trusted source.
Extract it using 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Move the extracted mod folder to:
Starsector/modsOpen the Starsector launcher, click Mods, check the box, and launch the game.
Yes. Starsector runs on Java. Most players use Java 8 for maximum mod compatibility. If you encounter crashes, try switching Java versions.
You can install multiple mods by placing them all into your /mods folder and enabling them in the launcher. However, make sure they are compatible with each other to avoid crashes.
Generally, no. Most major overhaul mods (e.g., Nexerelin, Industrial Evolution) are designed to work alone or with limited overlap. Always check the mod description for compatibility notes.
Yes, heavy modding can impact performance, especially if you add many factions or high-resolution graphics. You can improve performance by:
Increasing allocated RAM in
starsector.vmparams.Lowering graphics settings.
Removing unused mods
The base game runs on 2GB RAM, but for heavily modded setups, 4GB–6GB RAM allocation is recommended.
Yes, but you should stick to lightweight mods (QoL, small ship packs) and avoid large faction overhauls or graphical upgrades.
Advanced Modding Questions
Popular & Recommended Mods
LazyLib — Required by many mods.
MagicLib — Adds essential scripting.
GraphicsLib — Improves visuals.
Nexerelin — Expands gameplay with diplomacy & invasions.
While numbers change over time, Nexerelin and Ship/Weapon Pack are consistently among the most downloaded mods in the community.
Yes, many faction mods exist, including Diable Avionics, Blackrock Drive Yards, and more. These add ships, fleets, and unique playstyles.
Possible causes:
Incompatible game version.
Missing required library mods.
Too many mods exceeding memory limits.
Yes. The community provides tools, APIs, and example mods to help you get started. You’ll need basic Java knowledge for coding and image editing for assets.
Read the mod’s update notes carefully.
Avoid updating during an active playthrough unless it’s a minor bug fix.
Always back up your save before updating.
Yes, most ship packs are compatible, but avoid adding too many at once if you want to maintain game balance.
This usually means a mod is missing a dependency or is broken. Disable mods one by one to find the problem.
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Modding Starsector opens up limitless possibilities, but it also requires attention to compatibility and performance. Bookmark this FAQ for quick reference, and visit our Mods Library for the latest downloads and updates.