Hey Kenshi fans! Are you tired of your carefully curated mod load order getting messed up every time you launch the game? Do you spend more time tweaking your load order than actually playing? Well, fear not, because this guide will show you exactly how to save your Kenshi mod load order, ensuring your game stays the way you want it, every single time. We'll break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, so even if you're a complete beginner, you'll be a mod-organizing pro in no time. Let's dive in and get your Kenshi experience back on track!

Why Saving Your Mod Load Order is Crucial

Let's be real, guys, modding Kenshi is half the fun! From adding new factions and weapons to completely overhauling the game's mechanics, mods can breathe new life into the already amazing world of Kenshi. But here's the catch: mods often conflict with each other. This is where the load order comes into play. The order in which your mods load can drastically affect how they interact. A poorly organized load order can lead to anything from minor graphical glitches to game-breaking crashes. Imagine spending hours building up your squad, only to have your save file corrupted because of a mod conflict! That's why saving your mod load order is so important. It ensures that your mods load in the correct sequence, minimizing conflicts and keeping your game stable. Think of it like building a house; you need to lay the foundation before you can put up the walls. Your load order is the foundation of your modded Kenshi experience. When you get your load order right, you are effectively creating a stable platform for all the awesome content the mods add. You can finally focus on exploring the vast and unforgiving world of Kenshi, without constantly worrying about something breaking. Plus, saving your load order makes it easy to share your setup with friends or recreate it on a new computer. No more struggling to remember which mods you were using and in what order. It's all saved and ready to go. For anyone serious about modding Kenshi, mastering the art of saving your mod load order is an absolute must. It's the key to unlocking a truly customized and stable gaming experience. So stick with us, and we'll show you exactly how to do it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Kenshi Mod Load Order

Okay, let's get down to business. Here’s how to save your Kenshi mod load order:

1. Organize Your Load Order in the Kenshi Launcher

First things first, you need to actually have a load order that you want to save. Open the Kenshi launcher. You'll see a list of all your installed mods. This is where the magic happens. Now, carefully arrange the mods in the order you want them to load. This is often a process of trial and error, but here are some general tips:

• Put core mods first: These are mods that fundamentally change the game, like overhaul mods or those that add new races. They should generally be at the top of the load order.
• Place compatibility patches near the mods they're designed for: If you have a patch that makes two mods compatible, make sure it's loaded after both of those mods.
• Load smaller, more specific mods last: Things like texture packs, weapon packs, or minor tweaks should go towards the bottom.
• Experiment and test: The best way to find the perfect load order is to test it in-game. If you encounter issues, try moving the problematic mod up or down the list.

Don't be afraid to move things around and experiment. Restart Kenshi and see what works. And always, always, always back up your save files before making significant changes to your mod load order. A stable foundation is key for your game to run smoothly. It may take time to find the perfect combination for your own game. But once you do find it, the game is far more enjoyable to play.

2. Locate the "loadorder.txt" File

Once you are happy with your mod order, you need to locate the file where Kenshi stores this information. This file is named loadorder.txt, and it's usually found in your Kenshi installation directory. This is the same directory where you find the Kenshi.exe file. The exact location may vary depending on where you installed the game, but here are a few common places to look:

• Steam Installation: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Kenshi
• GOG Installation: C:\GOG Games\Kenshi
• Other Installations: Check the directory where you chose to install Kenshi during the setup process.

Once you've found the Kenshi installation directory, look for the loadorder.txt file. It should be a simple text file containing a list of your mods in the order they are loaded. If you are having trouble finding the Kenshi installation, you can try right clicking Kenshi in your Steam library, going to Properties, then the Local Files tab, and clicking Browse Local Files. This will open the folder that Kenshi is installed in. This folder will contain the loadorder.txt file.

3. Back Up the "loadorder.txt" File

Now, for the crucial step: backing up your loadorder.txt file. This is like creating a save point in your game, but for your mod load order. Simply copy the loadorder.txt file and paste it somewhere safe, like a folder on your desktop or in your documents. You can rename the backup to something descriptive, like loadorder_backup_2024-01-01.txt, so you know when it was created. Having a backup of this file is essential for several reasons:

• Preventing Loss: If Kenshi resets your load order for any reason (like a game update or a mod conflict), you can easily restore your saved order by replacing the current loadorder.txt file with your backup.
• Sharing: You can share your backup with friends, allowing them to easily replicate your mod setup.
• Experimentation: If you want to experiment with new mods or load order configurations, you can always revert to your backup if things go wrong.

Treat your loadorder.txt backup like gold. It's the key to maintaining a stable and enjoyable modded Kenshi experience. Make multiple backups as you make changes to your load order. It's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with mods.

4. Restoring Your Saved Load Order

So, the worst has happened: your Kenshi load order has been reset! Don't panic. Restoring your saved load order is a piece of cake. Simply locate your loadorder.txt backup file and copy it. Then, navigate back to your Kenshi installation directory and paste the backup file there, replacing the existing loadorder.txt file. That's it! Your saved load order should now be restored. Launch Kenshi and check the mod list in the launcher to confirm that everything is back in its proper place. If for some reason, this does not work, make sure that the mods listed in the loadorder.txt file are still installed. If a mod was uninstalled, Kenshi will likely remove it from the loadorder.txt file, and possibly reset the load order. This process is particularly useful after game updates or when you're trying out new mods. It allows you to quickly revert to a known stable configuration if things go awry. Remember to always back up your save files before making any changes to your mod load order. And that's all there is to it. Enjoy playing Kenshi with your restored mod load order.

Advanced Tips for Mod Load Order Management

Alright, you've mastered the basics of saving and restoring your Kenshi mod load order. But if you really want to become a modding guru, here are some advanced tips to take your load order management to the next level:

• Use a Mod Manager: While Kenshi's built-in launcher is functional, a dedicated mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 can offer more advanced features, such as virtual file systems, conflict detection, and easier mod management. It may take some time to learn how to use a mod manager, but they are essential for people who want to use a lot of mods.
• Understand Mod Dependencies: Some mods require other mods to function correctly. Make sure you understand the dependencies of each mod and load them in the correct order. The mod description will usually list any mods that it is dependent on.
• Read Mod Descriptions Carefully: Mod authors often provide specific instructions on where their mod should be placed in the load order. Always read the mod description carefully before installing and using a mod.
• Join the Kenshi Modding Community: The Kenshi modding community is a wealth of information and support. Join forums, Discord servers, and other online communities to ask questions, share tips, and learn from other modders.
• Create a Spreadsheet: For complex mod setups, it can be helpful to create a spreadsheet to track your mods, their dependencies, and their load order. This can make it easier to manage your load order and troubleshoot issues.
• Test in Stages: When adding new mods, don't add them all at once. Add them in stages, testing the game after each addition to identify any conflicts or issues. This makes it much easier to pinpoint the source of any problems.

By following these advanced tips, you can take your Kenshi modding skills to the next level and create a truly customized and stable gaming experience.

Troubleshooting Common Mod Load Order Issues

Even with the best planning, you might still run into issues with your Kenshi mod load order. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Game Crashes: If your game crashes frequently, it could be due to a mod conflict. Try disabling mods one by one until you identify the culprit. Start by disabling the most recently added mods.
• Graphical Glitches: Visual issues like missing textures, distorted models, or flickering can also be caused by mod conflicts. Try rearranging the load order or disabling conflicting mods.
• Script Errors: Script errors can cause unexpected behavior in the game. Check the Kenshi console (usually accessed by pressing ~ or \ ) for error messages that can help you identify the problematic mod.
• Incompatible Save Games: Sometimes, adding or removing mods can make your save games incompatible. You may need to start a new game after making significant changes to your mod load order.
• Conflicting Overrides: Some mods override the same game files, leading to conflicts. Use a mod manager to identify conflicting files and resolve the conflicts by choosing which mod's files to use.

Remember to always back up your save files before making any changes to your mod load order. And don't be afraid to ask for help from the Kenshi modding community. With a little patience and troubleshooting, you can overcome most mod load order issues and enjoy a stable and customized gaming experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Saving your Kenshi mod load order is essential for a stable and enjoyable gaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your mods load in the correct sequence, minimizing conflicts and keeping your game running smoothly. Remember to back up your loadorder.txt file regularly, experiment with different load order configurations, and don't be afraid to ask for help from the Kenshi modding community. With a little effort, you can create a truly customized and stable Kenshi experience that you can enjoy for years to come. Now go forth and conquer the harsh world of Kenshi, with your mods perfectly in order! Happy gaming!