PC gaming has evolved to become an expansive, highly customizable field, with platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store leading the charge. Many gamers enjoy enhancing their gameplay through mods—user-created content that can improve graphics, add new features, or introduce complete gameplay overhauls. However, questions often arise when trying to cross these digital boundaries. A common one is: “Can you run Steam mods on the Epic Games Launcher?” This guide provides a detailed, truthful breakdown that answers that question and shows you how to do it if it’s possible.
TL;DR: Installing Steam mods on Epic Games versions of a game is sometimes possible, but it’s not officially supported. It depends on how mods are implemented for each game. Some games use external mod folders, allowing cross-platform compatibility, while others rely heavily on Steam Workshop integration. You might need to use manual methods or third-party tools, and results may vary depending on the game.
Understanding Mod Platforms: Steam Workshop vs. Manual Mods
The first step in figuring out compatibility is to understand how different platforms manage mods:
- Steam Workshop: An integrated system inside Steam that lets users subscribe to mods with one click. Mods are automatically downloaded and updated.
- Manual Modding: This approach involves downloading files from third-party websites (like Nexus Mods or ModDB) and placing them into the correct game directories yourself.
Steam Workshop makes modding accessible, but it’s tightly integrated with the Steam client. That means games that rely solely on Workshop for mod content require some workarounds if you’re trying to use them on the Epic Games version.
Is It Possible to Use Steam Mods with Epic Games Titles?
In many cases, yes—it is possible. However, this is not due to official support. Instead, it depends on how the game loads mod content. Some games have external mod folders where you can drop any mod files, regardless of the game store used to install it. Others will require you to download the actual files from a third-party tool or extract them manually from their counterparts in the Steam version.
Here’s a breakdown of how common methods function across stores:
- Game-agnostic Mod Folders: Games like Skyrim or Cities: Skylines allow you to manually place mods into local directories. This often works regardless of whether you’re on Steam or Epic Games.
- Steam Workshop Required: Games like People Playground or Garry’s Mod rely heavily on Steam Workshop. Accessing Workshop-only mods via Epic Games is more complicated and often not officially supported.
How to Get Steam Mods Running on Epic Games Launcher
If you’re determined to use a Steam-only mod on your Epic version of a game, use the following steps as a general guide. Remember: this process will vary from game to game, and not all mods or games will work with these methods.
Step 1: Find a Game That Supports Manual Modding
Before attempting anything, confirm if the game can read external mods. To do this, check forums like Reddit, the game’s Nexus Mods page, or official support articles. If the game supports mod loading from a “Mods” folder or has modding tools built in, you have a better chance of success.
Step 2: Download the Mod Files
Since you don’t have Steam Workshop through the Epic Launcher, you’ll need to look for alternatives.
- Search the mod on third-party websites like Nexus Mods or ModDB. Many mod authors upload their mods to multiple platforms.
- Try downloading the mod directly from the Workshop using a tool like SteamWorkshopDownloader.io. These aren’t officially endorsed, and you should use them cautiously.
Step 3: Locate the Game’s Mod or Installation Directory
Find where the Epic Games version of your game is installed:
- Open Epic Games Launcher
- Go to your Library and click on the three dots next to the game in question
- Click “Manage” and then “Open Install Location”
Inside the game folder, you may find a “Mods” folder or something similar. If not, check community forums or modding guides specific to that title.
Step 4: Place the Mod Files in the Correct Location
Once you’ve located the correct folder:
- Extract the mod files (usually in .zip or .rar format)
- Place them in the proper folder, often something like:
C:\Program Files\Epic Games\[GameName]\Mods - Follow any instructions included with the mod, such as editing .ini configuration files or enabling mods in-game
Tips and Keys to Success
Keep in mind that you’re essentially applying a workaround. Not all features, especially things like mod updating or dependencies, will work as smoothly as on Steam.
- Backup Your Files: Always back up your base game folder before adding custom content.
- Use Games with Modding Communities: Larger communities are more likely to provide workaround instructions specifically for Epic users.
- Avoid Mods With Steam DRM: Some mods contain features that directly call Steam APIs and won’t function without Steam running.
In some rare cases, you might even need to create symbolic links or edit launcher scripts to properly load mods—though these methods are advanced and come with a higher risk of breaking the game installation.
Epic Games Launcher vs Steam: Modding Comparison
| Feature | Steam | Epic Games |
|---|---|---|
| Official Mod Support | Yes (via Steam Workshop) | Varies by title |
| One-click Mod Install | Yes | No |
| Mod Auto Updates | Yes | No |
| Manual Modding | Yes | Yes |
| Community Tools | Extensive | Limited |
Common Games Where This Works (and Doesn’t)
- Works Well: Cities: Skylines, Subnautica, The Witcher 3, No Man’s Sky (if mods are installed manually)
- Problematic: Garry’s Mod, RimWorld, Hearts of Iron IV (Steam Workshop is heavily integrated)
Final Thoughts
Using Steam mods on the Epic Games Launcher is possible, but it requires a good understanding of manual mod installation and some hands-on effort. Because Epic Games doesn’t have an equivalent to Steam Workshop, you’ll miss out on features like auto-update, dependency management, and official support. However, for many single-player games and titles with moddable directories, the experience can still be rewarding.
Just remember—modding always comes with some degree of risk. Proceed cautiously, and always respect the work of mod creators by downloading mods from reputable sources.
By learning how game file structures work, navigating third-party sources, and mastering manual mod installation, you can often enjoy a customized game experience—no matter which platform you’re using.