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How To Manually Install NSC3

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CaptainX3 edited this page Apr 3, 2024 · 1 revision

Here are the instructions on how to manually install NSC3 from the zip file provided below. DO NOT DO THIS if you are subscribed to the mod on the Steam Workshop - this download is only for those who cannot use the Steam workshop or don't want to.

Before you begin, please take note of the following things:

  • Installing a mod manually for Stellaris requires some basic PC knowledge, such as how to navigate to specific directories in Windows Explorer and opening/editing text files. If you do not know how to do these things, PLEASE subscribe to the mod on the Steam workshop, as it is extremely difficult to explain how to do these basic things in an online chat if you are not familiar with computers in general.

  • Keep in mind that if you manually install NSC3, you will have to repeat this process EVERY TIME NSC3 has an update if you want to always have the latest version of the mod. This manual installation will not automatically change or update itself in any way.


If you're installing NSC3 for the very first time, follow these steps:

(If you're updating your manually-installed copy of the mod, scroll down to that section below.)

  • STEP 1: Download the NSC3 zip file from the Releases section on this site. (You should be able to see the latest release on the right hand side of the main page.)

  • STEP 2: On your PC, navigate to the Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod folder. If this folder does not exist, you'll need to create it.

  • STEP 3: Create a folder called nsc3 in this directory.

  • STEP 4: Open the NSC3 zip file and extract its contents EXACTLY AS THEY ARE into the folder you just created. If you've done this correctly, you should see all of the NSC3 folders in the directory now along with a descriptor.mod file.

Special Note: DO NOT use the Extract button in your ZIP program, as that will create a new folder of its own, and you don't want to do that. Drag and drop the contents of the ZIP file directly into the nsc3 folder you created.

  • STEP 5: Open the descriptor.mod file with any text editor. In this file, look for the line that starts with path= and you'll see a long directory address. You need to replace this line so that it points to where the NSC3 mod folder is.

  • STEP 6: Once you've done that, right click on the descriptor.mod file and select Copy. Go back up to the main mod folder and paste that file here. Once you've done that, rename the file to nsc3.

  • STEP 7: Open the Stellaris launcher and click on Playsets in the left hand menu. This should open your default mod playset. Click the "Add More Mods" button in the upper right corner and select the check box next to the ( NSC3 Github Edition ) mod. Click the Add 1 to Playset button in the lower left of the window. Once the window closes, double check and make sure that the green Enabled button is activated next to the mod.

  • STEP 8: Make sure your mod load order is correct before you start the game!! If you need help with your load order, refer to the troubleshooting images on the NSC3 Steam page (under the blue banner).

  • STEP 9: Enjoy!


If you're updating your manually-installed copy of NSC3, follow these steps:

  • STEP 1: Download the NSC3 zip file from the Releases section on this site. (You should be able to see the latest release on the right hand side of the main page.)

  • STEP 2: On your PC, navigate to the Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod\nsc3 folder.

  • STEP 3: Delete EVERYTHING you see in this folder, it needs to be completely empty. DO NOT extract the zip file and overwrite files, as this can break your game if we made major file changes or deleted old files!

  • STEP 4: Open the NSC3 zip file and extract its contents EXACTLY AS THEY ARE into the folder. If you've done this correctly, you should see all of the NSC3 folders in the directory now along with a descriptor.mod file.

Special Note: DO NOT use the Extract button in your ZIP program, as that will create a new folder of its own, and you don't want to do that. Drag and drop the contents of the ZIP file directly into the nsc3 folder you created.

  • STEP 5: Open the descriptor.mod file with any text editor. In this file, look for the line that starts with path= and you'll see a long directory address. You need to replace this line so that it points to where the NSC3 mod folder is.

  • STEP 6: Once you've done that, right click on the descriptor.mod file and select Copy. Go back up to the main mod folder and paste that file here. Once you've done that, rename the file to nsc3.

  • STEP 7: Open the Stellaris launcher and verify that NSC3 is still part of your playset. If it is not, you'll have to add it back in.

  • STEP 8: Make sure your mod load order is correct before you start the game!! If you need help with your load order, refer to the troubleshooting images on the NSC3 Steam page (under the blue banner).

  • STEP 9: Enjoy!

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