Overview
inZOI supports mods through multiple channels: CurseForge (officially integrated into the game), NexusMods (the largest external modding community), and the official ModKit for creating your own mods. This guide focuses on the practical steps for downloading, installing, and managing mods as a beginner. For technical details about mod creation and the ModKit, see the Modding article.
Mods vs. Canvas
Before diving into mods, understand the difference between mods and Canvas:
Feature | Canvas | Mods |
|---|---|---|
What it is | In-game content sharing platform | External modifications to game files |
Content types | Zois, outfits, builds, rooms, furniture (created with in-game tools only) | Clothing, hair, gameplay changes, UI tweaks, visual enhancements, objects, and more |
Safety | Fully curated and safe | Varies by source; use trusted platforms |
Installation | Download directly in-game | In-game (CurseForge) or manual file placement (NexusMods) |
Can modify gameplay | No (cosmetic/design only) | Yes (can change game mechanics, add features) |
Canvas is the safe, simple option for cosmetic content. Mods offer far more power and variety but require some setup.
Method 1: CurseForge (In-Game)
CurseForge is the easiest way to install mods because everything happens inside the game. No manual file management is needed.
Open inZOI and go to the main menu
Click the "Mods" button
Browse mods using the Discovery tab (featured mods) or Browse tab (all mods with category filters)
Click on a mod to see its description and screenshots
Click "Download" to install it
Manage installed mods from the "Installed Mods" tab, where you can enable, disable, or uninstall individual mods
CurseForge Limitations
The CurseForge desktop application does not support inZOI. Mods can only be downloaded through the in-game browser.
There is a 50-mod limit for active CurseForge mods at one time.
CurseForge mods are curated and must pass moderation guidelines, so the selection is smaller but safer than NexusMods.
Method 2: NexusMods (Manual)
NexusMods hosts approximately 900+ mods with a wider variety than CurseForge, including visual enhancements, gameplay tweaks, and performance mods. Manual installation requires a few extra steps.
Step 1: Install the Mod Enabler
Before any NexusMods mods will work, you need the InZOI Mod Enabler. This is a one-time setup.
Go to nexusmods.com/inzoi and download the "InZOI Mod Enabler" (it is mod #1 on the site, created by FrancisLouis)
Extract the downloaded archive (you will get a BlueClient folder)
Copy the BlueClient folder into your inZOI installation directory (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\inZOI\)
When prompted, choose to replace existing files
The Mod Enabler bypasses PAK file signature checks, allowing the game to load unsigned mod files
Step 2: Know Your Mod Folders
Different mod types go in different folders. This is the most confusing part for beginners, so keep this reference handy.
Mod Type | Folder Location |
|---|---|
Legacy .pak mods (pre-ModKit) | Steam\steamapps\common\inZOI\BlueClient\Content\Paks\~mods\ |
ModKit mods (post-May 2025) | Documents\inZOI\Mods\ (each mod has a mod_manifest.json) |
Character appearances / presets | Documents\inZOI\Creations\MyAppearances\ |
3D Printer items | Documents\inZOI\AIGenerated\My3DPrinter\ |
Custom textures | Documents\inZOI\AIGenerated\MyTextures\ |
AI motion files | Documents\inZOI\AIGenerated\MyAIMotions\ |
Config mods (.ini files) | AppData\Local\BlueClient\Saved\Config\Windows\ |
For legacy .pak mods, you may need to create the ~mods folder yourself inside BlueClient\Content\Paks\. The tilde (~) at the start of the folder name ensures it loads after the base game files, allowing mods to override originals.
Step 3: Install a Mod
Download the mod from NexusMods
Extract the archive (.zip, .rar, or .7z)
Check the mod's description page for specific installation instructions. Most mods tell you exactly which folder to place files in.
For .pak/.utoc/.ucas files: place them in the ~mods folder
For ModKit mods with a mod_manifest.json: place the entire mod folder in Documents\inZOI\Mods\
For creation files (character presets, textures): place them in the matching Documents\inZOI\ subfolder
Launch the game and verify the mod is working
Mod Managers
If manually placing files feels tedious, community-built mod managers simplify the process.
Tool | Description |
|---|---|
Vortex Extension | Adds inZOI support to the NexusMods Vortex mod manager. Drag-and-drop installation. Requires game and Documents folder on the same drive. |
IMM (InZoi Mod Manager) | Open-source desktop app with a two-column UI, drag-and-drop enabling, load order management, and archive support (.zip, .rar, .7z). |
Simple Mod Manager | Lightweight tool that auto-detects your game folder and offers to install the Mod Enabler during first run. |
Safety and Trust
Mods involve downloading files from the internet and placing them in your game directory. Follow these practices to stay safe.
Use trusted platforms: CurseForge (in-game) is the safest option since all mods are curated. NexusMods scans uploaded files for viruses and has community ratings.
Check endorsements and comments: On NexusMods, read user comments and check the endorsement count before downloading. Popular, well-reviewed mods are far less likely to cause problems.
Avoid unknown sources: Do not download mods from random websites or unverified links. Stick to CurseForge and NexusMods.
Antivirus flags: The Mod Enabler uses DLL injection to bypass signature checks, which some antivirus software flags as suspicious. This is typically a false positive, but only download it from the official NexusMods page.
KRAFTON's warning: The developer has officially cautioned against unauthorized mods from unofficial sources, stating they can compromise personal data. Use your judgment and stick to reputable platforms.
Updates and Compatibility
Game updates are the most common cause of mod issues. Here is what to expect and how to handle it.
Mods auto-disable on update: When inZOI receives a patch, all mods are automatically disabled for stability. You must manually re-enable them afterward.
Mods may break: Some mods stop working after a game update because the game files they modify have changed. Check the mod page on NexusMods or CurseForge for an updated version.
Wait before updating: If you rely on specific mods, consider waiting a few days after a game update before patching. This gives mod authors time to release compatibility updates.
Remove broken mods: If the game crashes after an update, remove all mods from the ~mods folder and the Documents\inZOI\Mods\ folder. Re-add them one at a time to identify which mod is causing the issue.
How to Uninstall Mods
CurseForge Mods
Go to the main menu and click "Mods"
Navigate to the "Installed Mods" tab
Click on the mod and select "Uninstall", or use "Uninstall All Mods" to remove everything
NexusMods / Manual Mods
For .pak mods: delete the .pak, .utoc, and .ucas files from the ~mods folder
For ModKit mods: delete the mod folder from Documents\inZOI\Mods\
For creation files: delete the relevant files from the matching Documents\inZOI\ subfolder
To completely remove all mod support: delete the Mod Enabler files from the BlueClient folder (or verify game files through Steam to restore originals)
Recommended First Mods
If you are new to modding, these widely-used mods are good starting points.
Mod | What It Does | Source |
|---|---|---|
Enhanced InZOI Visuals | Disables vignette and chromatic aberration, increases draw distance and shadow quality. Subtle but noticeable visual improvement. | NexusMods |
Higher Quality Skin and Faces | Restores high-quality character textures from the 2024 demo build. Makes faces and skin look sharper. | NexusMods |
Skip Intro | Skips the intro sequence and jumps straight to the main menu. Small quality-of-life improvement. | NexusMods |
Remove Shower Blur | Removes the blur effect during shower scenes. | NexusMods |
InZOI Optimizer | Performance optimization for mid-range and lower-end PCs. Can improve frame rates by 15-25% depending on hardware. | NexusMods |
Troubleshooting
Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
Mods not appearing in game | Confirm the Mod Enabler is installed correctly. Check that .pak files are in the ~mods folder (not a subfolder within it). For ModKit mods, ensure mod_manifest.json has "bEnable": true. |
Game crashes on startup after installing a mod | Remove all mods from the ~mods and Documents\inZOI\Mods\ folders. Re-add them one at a time to identify the problem mod. |
Mods disappeared after game update | All mods are auto-disabled on update. Re-enable them from the CurseForge Installed Mods tab or check that manual mod files are still in place. |
CurseForge shows no mods available | Check your internet connection. CurseForge requires online access to browse mods. Also ensure you are using the in-game mod browser, not the CurseForge desktop app. |
Antivirus flags the Mod Enabler | This is typically a false positive due to DLL injection. Add an exception for the inZOI game folder in your antivirus settings if you trust the source (official NexusMods page). |
Vortex cannot find the game | The game installation and Documents folder must be on the same drive partition. Symlinks are not supported by the Vortex extension. |
OneDrive interfering with mods | Exit OneDrive completely and restart inZOI. OneDrive can lock mod files and prevent the game from reading them. |
Future of Modding
The inZOI modding ecosystem is expanding rapidly. The 2026 roadmap includes:
Real-time mod installation during gameplay (March 2026)
Vehicle modding support (June 2026)
PS5 and Mac mod support (June 2026)
Official Lua script modding added to the ModKit (December 2026), enabling gameplay logic modifications without community frameworks
AI wizard tools to simplify mod creation for non-technical users
Multiplayer-linked modding for sharing mods in online sessions
General Tips
Start with CurseForge. The in-game browser is the simplest and safest way to try your first mods.
Back up your save files before installing gameplay-altering mods. Saves are in Documents\inZOI\Saves\.
Install a few mods at a time rather than dozens at once. This makes it easier to identify which mod causes a problem if something breaks.
Read the mod description page carefully. Many installation issues come from putting files in the wrong folder.
The Simple Mod Manager on NexusMods auto-detects your game folder and offers to install the Mod Enabler for you. Good for first-time setup.
Performance mods (like InZOI Optimizer) are worth installing even on capable hardware. They reduce stuttering and improve frame pacing.
If a mod has not been updated in several months and the game has received major patches, it is likely broken. Check comments for confirmation before installing.