Modding & Custom Maps Guide

Timberborn has a thriving modding community that adds new buildings, mechanics, factions, and entirely custom maps to the game. Whether you want to install your first mod or build a map from scratch, this guide walks you through every step. The developers at Mechanistry have actively supported modding since early access, and the 1.0 release brought an official modding pipeline that makes creating and sharing content easier than ever.

Where to Find Mods

Timberborn mods are available on several platforms. The Steam Workshop is the most popular destination for Steam players, offering one-click installation and automatic updates. The mod.io platform serves as the official cross-platform hub and is integrated directly into the game client. Thunderstore hosts a growing library of Timberborn mods, particularly popular among BepInEx users. Nexus Mods also has a Timberborn section with additional community creations. Each platform has its own upload and review process, so the same mod may appear on multiple sites.

How to Install Mods

The simplest way to install mods is through the in-game mod browser. From the main menu, open the Mods section to browse and subscribe to mods hosted on mod.io. Steam Workshop mods can be subscribed to through your web browser or the Steam client, and they will download automatically the next time you launch the game. For manual installation, download the mod archive and extract it into your Timberborn mods folder (typically located at Documents/Timberborn/Mods on Windows). Always check the mod description for specific installation instructions, as some mods require BepInEx or other mod loaders as a prerequisite.

The Built-in Map Editor

Timberborn includes a powerful Map Editor accessible from the main menu. The editor provides a suite of terrain tools for raising and lowering land, painting different soil types, and sculpting the landscape. Water sources can be placed to create rivers, lakes, and seasonal water flows. You can define starting positions for beaver settlements, set resource spawns for trees and bushes, and configure the map size. The editor supports multi-layer terrain, allowing you to create cliffs, valleys, and elevated plateaus. Once your map is ready, you can test it immediately by starting a new game on it.

Creating Custom Maps Step by Step

Start by opening the Map Editor and choosing your map dimensions. Begin with the terrain: raise the ground level to create landmasses and carve out river channels. Next, place water sources at the edges or center of the map to establish rivers. Add trees and other vegetation to provide starting resources. Place at least one starting location marker where beavers will begin. Configure the drought cycle in the map settings to control difficulty. Playtest your map several times to ensure water flows correctly and that the starting area has enough resources to survive the first drought. When satisfied, save and upload your map to the Steam Workshop or mod.io for others to enjoy.

Introduction to Code Modding

Timberborn is built on the Unity engine, and code mods are written in C#. The 1.0 release introduced an official modding pipeline with a well-documented API, making it significantly easier to create gameplay modifications. To get started, you will need Visual Studio or another C# IDE, the BepInEx mod loader, and the Timberborn modding SDK. The SDK includes project templates, example mods, and documentation for the game systems you can hook into. Common code mods include new buildings, modified recipes, UI enhancements, and entirely new game mechanics. The official Timberborn Discord server has a dedicated modding channel where experienced modders can help you get started.

Popular Mods to Try

Several mods have become community staples. ChooChoo adds a full train system for transporting goods between districts. TimberbornTerrainTools expands the in-game terrain manipulation abilities. Mods that add new building tiers, decorative items, and additional crop types are consistently popular. Map packs that feature challenging terrain layouts or recreations of real-world geography also attract many subscribers. Check the most-subscribed lists on the Steam Workshop and mod.io to see what the community recommends.

Troubleshooting Common Mod Issues

If the game crashes on startup after installing a mod, try disabling mods one at a time to identify the culprit. Version mismatches are the most common cause of mod failures; always check that the mod supports your current game version. Conflicting mods can also cause issues, especially if two mods modify the same game system. Check the game log file (found in the Timberborn logs directory) for error messages that point to the problematic mod. If a mod worked before but broke after a game update, check the mod page for an updated version. When in doubt, start with a clean mod folder and re-add mods one by one.