The complete Factorio mods guide: safe sources (Mod Portal + Steam Workshop), install methods, must-have QoL mods, big overhauls, and achievement rules.
Factorio Mods Downloader Guide — How to Install, the Best Mods, and Where to Download Them
The short version: Factorio mods have exactly two official sources — the built-in Mod Portal (mods.factorio.com) and Steam Workshop; any "mod downloader" website is unnecessary (and potentially dangerous). Installing takes two steps: in-game Mods → Browse mods → Install → Apply. The ecosystem splits into three tiers: QoL (experience tweaks), overhauls (Krastorio 2 / Space Exploration / Bob's & Angel's — the game, doubled and then doubled again), and mod packs. This guide covers the sources, install methods, must-have lists, and the achievement rules.
Official resources: Mod Portal (mods.factorio.com) · Steam store page · Official Wiki: Modding · factorio.com
Safe Sources: Exactly Two, Everything Else Is a Trap
Factorio's mod sources are unusually "clean" — two official channels only:
- Mod Portal (mods.factorio.com): Wube's official mod repository; browse and install directly from the main menu → Mods. All mods are free, version-checked, and mostly open source.
- Steam Workshop: subscribe and it auto-installs; content matches the Mod Portal.
Every third-party download site you'll find searching "factorio mods downloader" is unnecessary — mods are small free files that install in seconds through official channels. Any site claiming "Factorio mod APK" or a cracked mod pack is either a mirror or malware.
How to Install (Three Ways)
In-game Mod Portal (recommended)
- Main menu → Mods → Browse mods.
- Search → Install → back to the list → Apply.
- Downloading and install complete; most mods require reloading the save or restarting the game.
Steam Workshop
- Steam library → Factorio → Workshop tab.
- Click Subscribe → launch the game and it downloads automatically.
Content is identical. The Mod Portal has better search filters and version history; Workshop is one-click subscribe. Veterans mostly use the Mod Portal (authors push updates there first).
Manual install (advanced)
Download the zip → extract to %APPDATA%\Factorio\mods (Windows) / ~/Library/Application Support/factorio/mods (macOS) / ~/.factorio/mods (Linux) → the folder name must include the mod's internal name and version (e.g., krastorio2_1.3.18) → launch.
Must-Have QoL Mods (Copy This List)
- Even Distribution: split items evenly across chests/machines in one click.
- Rate Calculator / Max Rate Calculator: select machines and get exact production/consumption ratios (ratio nerds' holy grail).
- Squeak Through: stop getting stuck between buildings.
- Bottleneck Lite: colored dots on machines (working/idle/missing ingredients).
- Todo List: in-game task list.
- Far Reach / Long Reach: extended build/pickup distance.
- Vehicle Snap: vehicles align to the grid.
First playthrough: install only 3-5 QoL mods (any from above), beat vanilla once before touching overhauls — overhauls redo recipes and tech trees, and will scramble your mental model of the base game.
The Big Three Overhauls (Plus One Masochist Option)
| Mod | Positioning | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krastorio 2 (K2) | Newbie-friendly overhaul, vanilla style ×2 | +50-100 hours | First-time overhaul players |
| Space Exploration (SE) | Interplanetary logistics epic | 500+ hours | Deep logistics lovers |
| Bob's & Angel's (BA) | Ore ×N, petrochem stacked | Hundreds of hours | Hardcore veterans |
| Pyanodon's (Py) | Community-approved "life decision" | Thousands of hours | Masochists |
- Krastorio 2: the community's unanimous pick for your first overhaul — keeps the vanilla feel, adds new resources/machines/a full endgame, and stays manageable.
- Space Exploration: build spaceships, run interplanetary factories, alien endgame; "K2 is college, SE is a PhD."
- Bob's & Angel's: dozens of ores and intermediates, petrochemical splitting — recipe hell.
- Pyanodon's: the running joke is that "people who play Py no longer exist."
The official DLC Space Age ($35) overlaps with SE in purpose: Space Age is more approachable, SE is deeper. The community still debates "SE vs Space Age"; both are worth playing (see the Space Age guide).
Mods and Achievements: Simple Rule, Real Cost
- Activating any mod disables achievements for that save (Steam closes them for the file; officially a "modded save gets its own achievement instance" — full list in the achievements guide).
- Recovery: uninstall all mods + load a clean save that never had mods → achievements work again.
- Safe practice: keep achievement saves and mod saves separate; or copy the save first.
Copy a save (%APPDATA%\Factorio\saves) as "modtest" and install mods on the copy; keep your real save clean.
Multiplayer and Load Order
- Multiplayer: everyone must install the same mod set (matching versions); the game detects and warns about mismatches. Overhaul co-op (e.g., a K2 run with friends) is a mainstream community way to play (server setup in the multiplayer guide).
- Load order: most mods auto-sort; dependency conflicts are flagged on the Mod Portal page. For big overhauls, start a fresh save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I download Factorio mods?
The official Mod Portal (mods.factorio.com, browsable in-game) or Steam Workshop. Every third-party "downloader" site is unnecessary.
What's the best overhaul mod?
Krastorio 2 for beginners; Space Exploration for depth-seekers; Bob's & Angel's for hardcore players; Pyanodon's for masochists.
Do mods affect achievements?
Activating any mod disables achievements for the current save; uninstalling mods and loading a clean save restores them. For achievement hunting, keep saves separate.
How many mods should I install first?
Start with 3-5 QoL mods and beat vanilla before considering overhauls.
Are mods compatible with Space Age?
Most QoL mods are; overhauls depend on the author's adaptation (check each mod's Mod Portal page for current K2/SE compatibility with Space Age).
Can I play mods in multiplayer?
Yes. The whole group must install the same mod set; overhaul co-op runs are a mainstream way to play.
Related Guides
- Factorio Space Age Expansion — Complete Guide (Planets, Quality, Space Platforms)
- Factorio Cheats & Console Commands — The Complete List (2026)
- Factorio Multiplayer Guide — Co-op, Dedicated Servers & How to Host
Last updated: August 12, 2026.