EU4: How to Install Mods Manually | Europa Universalis 4

Installing mods in Europa Universalis IV (EU4) can significantly enhance your experience, as it adds SOOOOOO much more!

This ModdedGaming guide will guide you through the manual installation process step by step:

Step 1: Enable File Extensions
Step 2: Access Paradox Mods
Step 3: Download the Mod
Step 4: Extract the Mod Files
Step 5: Create a New Folder for Your Mod
Step 6: Locate the Descriptor File
Step 7: Edit the Descriptor File
Step 8: Move the Descriptor File
Step 9: Launch EU4
Step 10: Add Your Mod to the Playset

Step 1: Enable File Extensions

First, enable file extensions in Windows by clicking on File Explorer. In the toolbar, click on ‘View’, then ‘Options’, and ‘View’ again. Locate the line that says ‘Hide extensions for known file types’ and ensure it is not checked. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

Step 2: Access Paradox Mods

Open Google Chrome or your preferred web browser and type “Paradox Mods” in the search bar. Click on the link that says “Paradox Mods”. Make sure to create an account or log in to download mods.

Step 3: Download the Mod

Click on the mod you want to download, then click ‘Download Mod’. Ensure ‘Open when done’ is selected, and the mod’s files will appear in a new window.

Step 4: Extract the Mod Files

Click on ‘Extract all’, then ‘Browse’. Navigate to Documents > Paradox Interactive > Europa Universalis IV.

Locate the ‘mod’ folder or create one by right-clicking, hovering over ‘New’, and clicking ‘Folder’. Name it ‘mod’, then double-click to open it.

Step 5: Create a New Folder for Your Mod

Right-click inside the ‘mod’ folder, select ‘New’, and then ‘Folder’. Name this folder based on your mod (e.g., ‘Jerusalem’). Double-click on the new folder and select ‘Folder’ when the extraction window appears.

Step 6: Locate the Descriptor File

After extraction is complete, find the ‘descriptor.mod’ file. It could be in the main folder or within subfolders. Right-click on it and select ‘Rename’. Name it the same as the folder you created in Step 5 (e.g., ‘Jerusalem’).

Step 7: Edit the Descriptor File

Right-click on the renamed descriptor file, select ‘Open with’, and choose ‘Notepad’. Scroll to the bottom of the file and create a new line. Type ‘path = “mod/Jerusalem”‘ (replace ‘Jerusalem’ with your mod’s name).

path = "mod/Jerusalem — path = “mod/Jerusalem

…this line tells Paradox where the mod files are located. Save and close the file.

Step 8: Move the Descriptor File

Right-click the edited descriptor file and select ‘Cut’. In the search bar, click on ‘mod’, then right-click on an empty space and select ‘Paste’. The descriptor file should now be inside the ‘mod’ folder.

Step 9: Launch EU4

Exit File Explorer and Chrome. Launch EU4 and wait for it to load. Click on ‘Playsets’ and choose an existing playset or create a new one by clicking ‘Add new playset’ and entering a name.

Step 10: Add Your Mod to the Playset

Go to ‘All installed mods’, find your mod, and click ‘Add Mods’. Checkmark the mod and click ‘Add to Playlist’. Click ‘Home’ and then ‘Play’.

If your mod does not work after following these steps, it could be a Paradox issue. You can try searching for a solution, but if nothing works, the mod might not be compatible with your game version.