Practical steps for installation, daily use, multiplayer sync, and fixing common issues.
First-time installation
After installing the app, you will select a game, create a profile, and browse Thunderstore for your first mods.
Windows
Get R2ModMan the latest package from the download page using your configured official link.
Extract the zip archive to a dedicated folder.
Run r2modman Setup with the current version number in the filename.
Choose install scope for current user or all users when prompted.
Select install directory and wait for completion.
Open R2ModMan, pick your game from the grid, and create a new profile.
Create your first profile
Profiles keep mod lists isolated. Use Default for everyday play, or create separate profiles for co-op packs and experimental setups.
Select an existing profile or click Create new.
Name the profile and confirm with Select profile.
Install your first mod
Open the Online tab in the sidebar.
Search for a mod or framework such as BepInExPack.
Open the mod page and click Get R2ModMan.
Confirm Get R2ModMan with dependencies when prompted.
Linux
Get R2ModMan the Linux zip or AppImage from your official source.
Extract and locate the AppImage inside the archive.
Enable execute permission on the AppImage file.
Launch the AppImage and select your game directory when asked.
Report distro-specific packaging issues through the community modding discord channels listed in official documentation.
Mod update tutorial
Method 1: One mod at a time (recommended)
Open the profile containing mods to update.
Click Installed if not already active.
Select a mod showing the cloud update icon.
Click Update and confirm Get R2ModMan with dependencies.
You can also click the cloud icon on the card without expanding details.
Method 2: Update all at once
Open the target profile.
Go to Settings, then the All tab.
Scroll down and click Update all mods.
Confirm Update all.
Updating one by one helps identify which mod caused a regression after a game patch.
How to configure mods
Select the profile whose settings you want to edit.
Open Config editor in the sidebar.
Adjust values for BepInEx or individual mods.
Click Save before launching the game.
You can also browse the profile folder manually: Settings > Locations > Browse profile folder > BepInEx/config. See the config editor feature for supported builds.
Launch and play
Open the profile you want to use.
Click Start modded in the sidebar.
Wait for the game title screen to appear.
Play as normal through your launcher.
Use Start vanilla to launch without mods. For Steam on Linux, copy the launch command from the Help tab into Steam Launch Options if mods fail to load under Proton.
Share your mod list with friends
Host steps
Select the profile to share.
Settings > Profile > Export profile as a code.
Copy and send the code to your group.
Friend steps
Settings > Profile > Change profile.
Click Import, then From code.
Paste the code and confirm Import.
Wait for mods and configs to download.
Export codes expire after roughly one hour. Use file export for longer-term sharing.
Switch profiles
Open Settings.
Go to the Profile tab.
Click Change profile and select another entry.
You can also return to the profile picker from the game selection flow using Back to game selection, then re-enter your game.
Antivirus warnings explained
Security software may flag R2ModMan or individual mod DLLs because they inject into game processes and download unsigned community binaries. This behavior is expected for modding tools and does not automatically mean the file is malicious.
What to do
Confirm you downloaded from an official source listed on download.html.
Verify SHA hashes when the release publishes them.
Never install repacks from search engine ads or unknown file hosts.
Quarantine only unknown files; restore R2ModMan after hash verification.
Common problems
Game does not start modded
Confirm the correct game path in settings, ensure BepInEx pack is installed in the profile, and disable mods one by one to find conflicts.
Mods missing after game update
Update BepInEx and dependent mods first. Check Thunderstore for compatibility notes on each mod page.
Linux Steam launch fails
Use the Help tab launch options, try .forceproton in the game folder, or test native versus Proton in Steam compatibility settings.
Manager errors
Check the official wiki first. If unresolved, join the community modding discord and ask in the channel for your specific game.
Multiplayer desync
All players need matching mod versions. Export and import the same profile code before hosting.
Best practices
Create a backup profile before major mod updates.
Install dependencies via Get R2ModMan with dependencies every time.
Update mods individually after game patches.
Read mod descriptions and compatibility tags on Thunderstore.
Use dark mode if the default theme strains your eyes: Settings > Other > Switch theme.
Keep the manager itself updated via built-in auto-update on close.