Installing Mods

• Overview
• Supported Platforms / Prerequisites
• Why use a Mod Manager?
• Installing a Mod Manager
  • Recommendations
  • Other Options
• Initial Setup and Installing Mods
• Configuring your mods
  • Enabling/Disabling Mods
  • Mod Configuration Editor
• Updating mods
  • How to Update
    • A Note on Core Frameworks
• Troubleshooting & Getting Help
  • Reporting a Bug
• Interested in Creating Mods?
• Supporting the Modding Community
  • Support Mod Authors Directly
  • Support the Open-Source Tools

Overview

This guide explains how to install mods for Monster Train 2 that are hosted on Thunderstore, the primary community hub for our game's modifications. Because Monster Train 2 does not feature native Steam Workshop support as of this writing, we the modders have chosen to use the Thunderstore platform to host and manage custom content. This approach allows for automated installation, easy dependency management, and safe toggling between modded and vanilla gameplay.

This guides also covers the main mod managers that interface with the Thunderstore platform and the benefits of mod managers over (waiting for) Steam Workshop support.

Supported Platforms / Prerequisites

Before getting started, please ensure your system meets these requirements as modding only works on these platforms:

• Operating System: Modding is fully supported on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Steam Deck (SteamOS).
• Platform Note: This guide is intended for the PC/Steam version of Monster Train 2. Modding is not supported on closed console platfoms (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch) or mobile devices, as the necessary framework (BepInEx) requires access to the local game files that are restricted on those platforms.
• .NET Runtime: Most mod managers will automatically prompt you to install the necessary .NET Desktop Runtime if it is missing. If you experience errors on launch, ensure you have the latest Microsoft .NET Runtime installed.

Why use a Mod Manager?

While you maybe are looking forward to potential future official mod support, you do not need to wait for Steam Workshop to start customizing Monster Train 2. In fact, dedicated mod managers provide several features that Steam Workshop lacks, ensuring your game remains stable and easy to manage.

Mod managers offer several benefits over Steam Workshop:

1. Safe "Vanilla" Play: Easily toggle between running the game with mods and without (vanilla/clean) . Want to play a Daily Challenge without uninstalling/disabling your mods? Simply launch the the game in "Vanilla" mode—your files remain untouched, and your achievements stay safe. Vanilla mode also is helpful when the developers release a new patch that breaks mods, just run in Vanilla mode instead of finding an uninstalling mods that broke.

2. Automatic Dependency Handling: No more crashes when you forget to install a required mod. The mod manager automatically detects and installs the required dependencies for every mod you download, eliminating common errors.

3. Version Control & Rollbacks: Steam Workshop forces auto-updates, meaning a single bad update from a mod author can cause the game to not load or behave unexpectedly. With a mod manager, you can pin a mod to a stable version or roll back instantly if an update causes issues.

4. In-App Configuration: Stop hunting for hidden .cfg or .ini files in your game directory. You can edit conveniently edit mod settings directly inside the manager's interface with a few clicks.

5. Profile Sharing: Create the perfect "mod pack" for a specific challenge or playstyle and export it. You can share a simple code with friends so they can replicate your exact mod setup in seconds.

Installing a Mod Manager

To interface with the Monster Train 2 mod database, you need a mod manager. While there are three common options, we recommend using r2modman or Gale for a cleaner experience.

All three programs connect to the same Thunderstore database, so your mod selection remains identical regardless of which software you choose.

Recommendations

• Gale Mod Manager (Best for Power Users): A modern, ultra-lightweight alternative (under 20 MB). It features an intuitive UI, excellent handling of configuration files, and advanced profile controls. Gale also offers multiple language support.

• r2modman (Recommended for most players): The community standard. It is mature, stable, and offers the exact same interface as the official manager without any dependencies on Overwolf.

Other Options

• Thunderstore Mod Manager: The official client. While user-friendly, it requires the Overwolf platform and includes advertisements which helps to support Thunderstore. The dependency on Overwolf and ads may turn people away.

Initial Setup and Installing Mods

Once you have installed and opened your chosen manager (r2modman or Gale), follow these steps to get your first mod running:

1. Game Selection: On the launch screen, search for Monster Train 2. Click on the game title to pin it to your selection menu for future launches.
2. Create a Profile: You will be prompted to select a profile. Click Create New, give it a name (e.g., "Modded Run"), and select it.
3. Find & Install Mods: Navigate to the online tab on the left pane:
   • r2modman: Click "Online".
   • Gale: Click "Install Mods"
   • TMM: Click "Get Mods" Browse the list or search for a specific mod, then click Download. (Alternatively, you can browse the Thunderstore MT2 Page directly).
4. Verify Dependencies: The manager will ask if you want to download required dependencies. Always select Yes/Download. These core frameworks are required for the main mod to function properly.
5. Launch the Game: Return to the Installed tab to confirm your mod appears in the list. Finally, click the Start Modded button near the top left of the manager.

Important

Always use the "Start Modded" button within the mod manager to launch the game. Launching Monster Train 2 directly through Steam will bypass the mod manager entirely and start the standard, unmodded game.

Configuring your mods

Most mods work perfectly with their default settings, but some allow you to customize gameplay, UI, or difficulty.

Enabling/Disabling Mods

You can quickly enable or disable any installed mod by toggling the switch next to the mod name in your Installed list. This is useful for troubleshooting without having to uninstalling your content.

Mod Configuration Editor

If a mod has customizable settings, you can edit them directly through your Mod Manager without touching your game’s root files.

• Generate the Files: Launch the game at least once with the mod installed. Mods do not create their configuration files until the first time they run.

• Open Config Editor: Select Config Editor from the left-hand menu in your manager.

• Select the File: You will see a list of files. Look for files ending in .cfg located in the BepInEx/config/ folder.

  Note: Only edit files with a .cfg extension. Other file types in other folders are often modded game content that should not be changed.

• Edit Settings: Click Edit Config. The manager will open a simple interface (or a text editor) where you can change values.

• Save & Restart: Save your changes and close the editor. You must restart the game for these changes to take effect.

Tip

If you accidentally break a configuration file, simply delete the .cfg file from the Config Editor and restart the game. The mod will automatically regenerate a fresh, default version of the file.

Updating mods

Keeping your mods updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes. Your Mod Manager will automatically notify you when updates are available for your installed mods.

How to Update

When an update is available, you will see an "Update" icon or a notification badge on your Installed mods list. Simply click the update button to download the latest version.

A Note on Core Frameworks

You will frequently see updates for core dependency mods, such as Trainworks-Reloaded or Conductor. These mods are our core modding libraries that modders use to make content for this game, and they are frequently updated with new features for modders.

Best Practice: While it is generally safe to update everything, you do not need to update core frameworks immediately unless you are experiencing issues (i.e. the developers releases a new game patch which broke mods) or a specific mod requires a newer version to function.

Because these frameworks act as the foundation for your other mods, they are designed to be backward compatible. If you find that a game update breaks a specific mod, the Mod Manager’s update system makes it easy to rollback to a previous, stable version (found in the "Versions" tab of the specific mod) until the developer releases a fix.

Troubleshooting & Getting Help

Most issues are caused by outdated mods or conflicting configurations. If your game fails to launch or crashes during a run, follow these steps before reaching out for support:

1. Check for Updates: Often, a game update requires a mod update. Check your Download tab in the manager for any pending updates. Mod breakages due to developers updates are generally fixed same day within a few hours of release, look for a Trainworks-Reloaded and Conductor update.

2. Verify Files: If the game won't launch, right-click Monster Train 2 in your Steam Library > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.

3. The "Binary Search" Method: Disable half of your installed mods and launch the game. If it works, the culprit is in the disabled half. Repeat this to isolate the specific mod causing the crash. Once found, report the bug to the mod developer on their respective github repository or report it in the link below

Reporting a Bug

If you are still stuck, please provide the following info when asking for help in Shiny Shoe #mt2-modding. We cannot fix errors we cannot see!

• The Issue: A brief description of what happened (e.g., "Crashes on startup" or "Custom clan cards are invisible").

• BepInEx Log: In your Mod Manager, go to Settings > Browse profile folder > BepInEx > LogOutput.log.

• Game Log: Navigate to C:\Users\[username]\AppData\LocalLow\Shiny Shoe\MonsterTrain2\ and locate logfile.log.

Please upload these files to Pastebin and include the links in your support request.

Interested in Creating Mods?

Do you have an idea for a new clan, a custom artifact, or a balance tweak? We are always looking for new contributors to join the Monster Train 2 modding scene!

Everything you need to get started—from setting up your development environment to understanding the game's architecture—is documented in our official Trainworks Reloaded Wiki.

Get started here:
Official Monster Train 2 Modding Wiki

Community Tip: If you have questions or get stuck on a specific piece of code, Visit us in the Shiny Shoe Discord #mt2-modding channel. We are always happy to help new developers get their first mod off the ground!

Supporting the Modding Community

If you want to support the Monster Train 2 modding scene, please consider the following ways to give back:

Support Mod Authors Directly

The mods in Thunderstore are totally free, but they represent hundreds of hours of volunteer work.

1. Check the Mod Page: When you download a mod from Thunderstore, click on the mod author's name. Many creators include links to Ko-fi, Patreon, or GitHub Sponsors in their profiles.

2. Leave Feedback: A simple "Thanks for the mod!" or reporting a bug with a helpful log file is more valuable to a developer than you might think. It keeps them motivated to maintain their work.

3. Endorse Mods: On the Thunderstore page for your favorite mods, click the Upvote/Endorse button. This helps other players find high-quality, stable mods.

Support the Open-Source Tools

The Mod Managers recommended in this guide are developed and maintained by volunteers. You can support them by:

• Starring the Repositories: If you use r2modman or Gale, visit their GitHub pages and click the Star button. This helps boost their visibility to other developers.

• Reporting Issues: If you find a bug in the mod manager itself, submit an "Issue" on their GitHub page with clear reproduction steps. Improving the software helps everyone in the community.