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Signs of Life

Mod troubleshooting

Start with Mod Prep → Validate. Keep the source project open so paths and errors refer to the files you are actually editing.

The mod is not listed

  • Confirm the folder containing modinfo.json is directly under Documents/My Games/Signs of Life/Mods/, or use Install / Refresh Test Copy.
  • A zip must contain the mod folder and its modinfo.json. Do not put a zip inside an otherwise empty folder.
  • Use Open Mods Folder from the game's Mods menu (or from Mod Prep) to verify the exact path.

The mod says Pending

Installed Mods lists mods as Loaded or Pending. Pending means the files are there, but this session has not loaded them yet.

  • For a local mod, press Load Now in single-player, or restart.
  • For a Workshop mod, Steam may still be downloading it. Wait for the install to finish and reopen Mods.
  • Mods that change global configuration or world types may need a restart instead of Load Now.

Load Now fails

  • Read the error prompt and copy it if needed.
  • Run Mod Prep Validate again after the latest edit.
  • Check the game log under Documents/My Games/Signs of Life/Logs/ for the source file and error. Mod Prep's Open Game Logs button opens that folder.
  • Restore the last working edit, then add changes back one at a time.
  • Load Now is blocked during multiplayer. Leave the session or restart offline.

The item exists but its sprite is missing

  • Keep the picture path relative to the mod folder (for the starter item, Sprites/sample_widget.png).
  • Match filename spelling and extension exactly.
  • Keep inventory art inside the mod. Do not point at a file elsewhere on your computer.

A staged package is not listed

  • Stage it with Mod Prep's Stage for in-game button instead of zipping by hand.
  • In the game, open Mods → Staged Mods, or Open Staging Folder. A ready package needs workshop.json, a preview image, and the inner mod zip in the same folder.
  • Stage again after moving the source project or the staging folder.

Steam upload fails

  • Steam must be running, logged in, and started with the game.
  • Read the upload error; staged files stay available for another attempt.
  • Accept the Steam Workshop legal agreement if Steam asks for it.
  • Leave the first upload private until its page, preview, and download have been checked.

An update would create the wrong item

Cancel. Open the original project in Mod Prep and stage it again. That project remembers its Workshop identity in .solmodproject.json next to modinfo.json. Do not rely on matching titles when two published items have the same name.