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How to Fix Thunderstore “File Not Found” Error

Thunderstore is one of the most popular mod distribution platforms for games like Risk of Rain 2, Valheim, and Dyson Sphere Program, offering an intuitive interface via mod managers like r2modman and Thunderstore Mod Manager. However, users occasionally encounter the frustrating “File Not Found” error during installation or launching a mod. This issue can disrupt gameplay and demotivate even the most enthusiastic modders. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to troubleshoot and resolve this error.

TL;DR:

If you’re seeing the “File Not Found” error on Thunderstore, it’s typically due to either an incomplete mod installation, incorrect folder paths, or issues with your mod manager. First, check if the mod is fully downloaded and installed. Then make sure your game and mod manager are correctly configured with the correct directory paths. If that doesn’t help, clearing the cache or performing a reinstall often resolves the issue.

Common Causes of the “File Not Found” Error

Understanding the root cause of this error can help you apply the right fix more quickly. Below are the most common reasons users encounter this problem:

  • Corrupted or Partial Mod Downloads: Sometimes, a download might get interrupted, leaving the mod only partially installed.
  • Incorrect Folder Path: The mod manager might be pointing to the wrong directory, causing the loader to miss essential files.
  • Deleted or Moved Files: Users may have accidentally deleted or moved mod files outside the expected directories.
  • Compatibility Issues: Some mods may have file dependencies that aren’t installed properly or are incompatible.
  • Outdated Mod Manager or Game Version: Incompatibility between versions can lead to missing file references.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Thunderstore “File Not Found” Error

1. Double-Check Mod Installation

The first step should always be to verify whether the mod that is throwing the error has been fully and correctly downloaded.

  1. Open your mod manager (Thunderstore Mod Manager or r2modman).
  2. Navigate to the profile where the mod is installed.
  3. Check for any red error indicators or missing dependencies listed under the mod.
  4. If anything looks suspicious, uninstall and reinstall the mod.

Re-downloading often fixes errors caused by an incomplete or corrupted download.

2. Verify Mod Folder Path

Make sure the mod manager is pointing to the correct game installation directory. If it’s not configured correctly, the game won’t find the necessary files.

  1. Open the mod manager settings.
  2. Navigate to the location where you set the game path.
  3. Compare it with the actual installation path in your system by right-clicking the game in Steam, selecting Properties > Installed Files > Browse.
  4. If it doesn’t match, update the mod manager’s path to the correct directory.

This is especially common if you’ve installed the game on a secondary drive.

3. Clear the Mod Manager Cache

Sometimes, residual files from failed downloads or previous mod installations can confuse the mod manager. Clearing the cache helps reset things.

  • Close the mod manager.
  • Navigate to the cache directory. For Windows, it’s usually located at: %AppData%/Thunderstore Mod Manager/ or %AppData%/r2modman/.
  • Delete the Cache and Temp folders, if present.
  • Restart your mod manager and try installing the mod again.

Clearing the cache can significantly improve mod stability and reduce unexplained errors.

4. Run Mod Manager with Administrator Privileges

Permission or access issues may also prevent certain files from being installed or located. Running the mod manager as an administrator ensures it has full file access.

  1. Right-click on the mod manager shortcut or executable.
  2. Select Run as administrator.
  3. Try reinstalling or relaunching the mod.

This is often effective on Windows machines that are configured with restricted file permissions.

5. Reinstall the Mod Manager

In some scenarios, the issue lies not with the mods themselves but the mod manager’s core files.

  1. Uninstall the current version of the mod manager via Control Panel or Settings.
  2. Navigate to your AppData folder and delete any residual folders named Thunderstore Mod Manager or r2modman.
  3. Download and install the most recent version of the mod manager from Thunderstore.io.
  4. Reconfigure your game path and reinstall your desired mods.

This reset often clears out deeply embedded issues that other fixes don’t address.

6. Check for Mod Conflicts and Dependencies

Some mods require other specific mods or frameworks to be installed in order to work correctly. Thunderstore often indicates dependencies, but it’s worth verifying manually.

  1. Open the mod’s page on Thunderstore.io.
  2. Scroll to the dependencies section if available.
  3. Make sure all required mods are installed through the manager.

If you’ve recently added a new mod and you’re seeing the error, try disabling or removing it to see if the issue resolves.

7. Review Log Files for Specific Error Messages

If the above steps haven’t resolved the problem, reviewing the log files can offer detailed insights into what’s actually going wrong.

  • Navigate to the log directory. This is often located in the mod manager’s folder or within the game’s directory under logs.
  • Look for terms like "FileNotFoundException" or specific file paths noted as missing.
  • Use this information to identify what file is missing and which mod it belongs to.

Advanced users can often resolve complex mod conflicts or pathing errors by pinpointing log file entries.

Additional Tips to Keep Thunderstore Error-Free

  • Frequently update both your mods and mod manager — version compatibility is a common cause of broken mod functionality.
  • Use profiles for different mod configurations — this can keep experimental mods isolated from stable builds.
  • Back up your working mod setups — saving copies of functioning profiles can allow for fast recovery.

When to Seek Help from the Community

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to turn to the community for help:

  • Reddit: Subreddits like r/Modding or game-specific communities often have helpful users familiar with Thunderstore.
  • Discord: Many game modding communities have active Discord servers where you can post logs and ask questions.
  • Thunderstore Forums or GitHub Issues: Developers often monitor these platforms and can provide direct assistance.

Conclusion

The “File Not Found” error on Thunderstore can be truly frustrating, but it’s rarely unfixable. By methodically working through installations, folder paths, permissions, and cache files, most users can resolve the issue on their own. Always start with verifying mod integrity and folder paths, as these are the most common culprits. If that fails, don’t hesitate to clear caches, reinstall the manager, or dig into logs.

A structured, logical approach will not only fix the current problem but also equip you to handle future modding hiccups effectively. In an ever-evolving modding ecosystem, staying informed and organized is your best defense against errors like these.