So, you’ve found a super cool mod on the Steam Workshop. But! You play the same game on GOG. Now you’re wondering, “Can I use that mod from Steam on my GOG version of the game?” Great question! Let’s break it down simply and answer that for you.
TL;DR
Yes, in many cases you can transfer and use Steam Workshop mods with GOG games. But it’s not always easy or guaranteed to work. You’ll need to download the mod manually and place it in the correct folder on your GOG game. Compatibility depends on the game and the mod itself.
First, What Is the Steam Workshop?
The Steam Workshop is a feature built into Steam that lets you browse, download, and install mods. Mods are cool extras made by players—think new levels, characters, or tools. You click “Subscribe,” and Steam handles the install. That’s pretty sweet, right?
GOG: Same Game, Different Launchpad
GOG (Good Old Games) is another place you can buy and play games. It’s DRM-free, which means no extra software gets in your way. Great for freedom, maybe trickier for mods that Steam handles automatically.
So… Can You Use Steam Mods on GOG?
Yes! But you’ll need to do the work manually. That means:
- Finding the mod you want from the Steam Workshop
- Downloading it without using Steam (because you don’t own the game there)
- Placing it in the right folder of your GOG installation
- Sometimes editing a few config files
It’s like cooking without a microwave. Totally doable. Just takes a few more steps!
Step-by-Step: How To Do It
Let’s walk you through how to move Steam Workshop mods to a GOG game.
Step 1: Find the Steam Workshop Mod
Go to the Steam Workshop using your browser. Look for your game. Click the mod you want. Copy the URL from your browser bar. Example:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=123456789
Step 2: Use a Steam Workshop Downloader
Since you’re not using Steam, you’ll need to download the mod another way. Some websites and tools let you do this:
Paste the Workshop URL into the downloader. It will give you a zipped file.
Step 3: Unzip and Locate Your GOG Folder
Inside that zipped file is usually a folder with files and a file called “meta.txt” or something similar. Don’t worry if things look complex—just follow the guide or instructions included in the file. Some mods may come with a ReadMe to help.
Now: Find your GOG game install folder. It’s usually in:
C:\GOG Games\[Your Game Name]
Or wherever you chose to install it. Inside there should be a folder for mods—or you can create one!
Step 4: Drop the Mod Into the Right Place
Copy the mod folder you just unzipped into the GOG game’s mod directory. Sometimes it’ll be:
...\Mods
Or
...\UserData\Mods
Every game is different. If the game supports mods like Cities Skylines, RimWorld, or Stardew Valley, it’ll have a spot for them.
Step 5: Activate the Mod (if Needed)
Some games have a mod menu in-game. Open your GOG game and see if your shiny new mod shows up! If it doesn’t, check the instructions again or see if you need to change a .cfg or .ini file to make the game recognize it.
Important Warnings & Notes
- Not all mods will work outside Steam. Some need Steam Services to function.
- Updates won’t happen automatically. You’ll need to re-download new versions if the mod gets updated.
- Mod compatibility can depend on your game version. Make sure your GOG version is up to date or matches the one the mod supports.
Popular Games Where This Works
Here are some games where people successfully use Steam mods with GOG versions:
- Stardew Valley – Very mod-friendly. Make sure you use SMAPI (a modding tool).
- RimWorld – Tons of mods can be manually added. Just copy to the correct Mods folder.
- Cities: Skylines – Some Workshop assets work, especially maps and props.
- Skyrim & Fallout 4 – GOG versions support mods. Many Steam mods can be used with tools like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2.
Can You Upload Mods From GOG to Steam?
Ah, reverse direction? That gets trickier. Steam usually requires you to own the Steam version of the game to upload mods to the Workshop. Otherwise, you’re kinda locked out. But you can upload mods on Nexus Mods or similar sites that anyone can access.
Alternative Mod Sources to Steam
Can’t get into Steam Workshop, or a mod is locked behind Steam? Try these alternatives:
- Nexus Mods – One of the biggest mod sites ever.
- Mod DB – Great for older games and indie titles.
- LoversLab – NSFW mods but very powerful tools.
- Reddit, game forums, and Discords – Great for niche titles.
Using non-Steam sources means more freedom and sometimes better compatibility with GOG games.
Bonus Tips!
If you’re getting deep into modding, consider these pro tips:
- Use mod managers. Tools like Vortex and Mod Organizer 2 simplify installations, even for GOG.
- Create backups. Always back up save files before adding new mods.
- Check dependencies. Some mods need other mods to run. Don’t skip those!
Final Thoughts
Using Steam Workshop mods with GOG games is possible—but not seamless. You’ll need some internet sleuthing, patience, and maybe a few YouTube tutorials. But hey, once it works, you get the best of both worlds: DRM-free gaming with top-tier mods!
Just think of it like building LEGO sets without the instructions. Takes more time, but way more fun when you get it right.
Happy modding!