Troubleshooting Guide

Satisfactory, a beloved factory-building and automation game, supports a wide range of mods to enhance gameplay, and the Satisfactory Mod Manager (SMM) makes managing these mods easier. However, like any tool, SMM can encounter issues. Below is a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common problems users face when using the Satisfactory Mod Manager.

1. Installation Issues with Satisfactory Mod Manager

Problem: “Installation Stuck” or Errors During Setup

Sometimes, the installation process of SMM might freeze, or users may receive errors when trying to install the tool.

Solution:

  1. Check Admin Privileges: Make sure you’re running the installation file as an administrator. Right-click the installer and choose “Run as administrator.”
  2. Verify .NET Framework: SMM relies on the .NET Framework, so ensure that you have the latest version installed. You can download it from Microsoft’s official site.
  3. Antivirus Conflicts: Your antivirus software might block SMM’s installation. Temporarily disable any real-time protection, install the tool, and re-enable it afterward.

2. Satisfactory Mod Manager Doesn’t Recognize Game Install Location

Problem: SMM can’t detect Satisfactory installation.

Users may encounter errors where the mod manager is unable to find the correct game directory.

Solution:

  1. Manual Directory Setup: You can manually set the correct path for the game within SMM. Go to Settings in the SMM, locate the path for the game, and browse to the correct installation folder (SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/Satisfactory).
  2. Game Not Launched Before Installing SMM: Ensure that you have launched Satisfactory at least once before using SMM. This allows the necessary configuration files to be created.
  3. Folder Permissions: If SMM is installed on a different drive from Satisfactory, ensure that all drives have the correct read/write permissions.

3. Satisfactory Mod Manager Stuck on Errors During Use

Problem: “Satisfactory install was found, but it points to a folder that doesn’t exist.”

This is a common issue for users who’ve reinstalled the game or moved it to a different drive.

Solution:

  1. Reinstall Mod Manager: Uninstall SMM completely and then reinstall it. Make sure all related folders are deleted, including any remaining files in AppData/Local and AppData/Roaming.
  2. Verify Game Files: In Steam, right-click on Satisfactory, go to Properties, select Installed Files, and click Verify integrity of game files. This will check for missing or corrupt files.
  3. Edit or Delete Config Files: Deleting the configuration files (AppData\Local\FactoryGame\Saved\Config\Windows) and allowing Satisfactory to regenerate them on the next launch often resolves the issue.

4. Mod Compatibility Issues

Problem: Mods Not Loading or Causing Crashes

Solution:

  1. Outdated Mods: Ensure all mods are compatible with the current version of the game. Some mods may break after game updates. If you’re running into persistent crashes, visit the mod page to check for updates or alternative versions.
  2. Mod Conflicts: Some mods may not work well together. Disable all mods, then re-enable them one by one to find the conflict. You can also use the “Mod Profiles” feature in SMM to separate mods into different play sessions.
  3. Satisfactory Mod Loader (SML) Issues: If you’re seeing errors like “Plugin SML failed to load,” it’s often due to corruption in the mods folder. Deleting the entire mods folder located at SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Satisfactory\FactoryGame/Mods and re-downloading the mods should fix this.

5. Satisfactory Not Launching with Mods

Problem: Game Won’t Launch After Installing Mods

Solution:

  1. Clear the Mods Folder: Navigate to your Satisfactory install directory and delete the Mods folder, then try launching the game again. If it works without mods, the issue lies with a mod.
  2. Reinstall Satisfactory: As a last resort, uninstall Satisfactory entirely, delete any leftover game files, and reinstall the game. Reinstall the mods one by one to ensure they are compatible.

6. Mod Manager Crashes or Freezes

Problem: Mod Manager Freezes When Launching or Installing Mods

Solution:

  1. Check for Updates: Make sure that your SMM is updated to the latest version. New patches often resolve issues with freezing or crashing.
  2. Reinstall SMM: If the program still freezes, uninstall SMM and reinstall the latest version from the official site. Be sure to back up your mod profiles beforehand.
  3. Conflict with Overlays: Steam’s or Epic’s overlay can interfere with mod loading. Try disabling these overlays to see if performance improves.

7. Performance Drops or Stuttering with Mods

Problem: Lag or FPS Drops After Installing Mods

Solution:

  1. Disable Graphically Intensive Mods: Some mods can put a strain on your system’s performance, especially graphical overhaul mods. Disabling or removing these mods may improve performance.
  2. Check for Mod Updates: As Satisfactory updates, mods may need optimization to work correctly. Ensure you’re running the latest version of each mod.

8. Best Practices for Modding Satisfactory

  1. Backup Saves: Before installing new mods or updating existing ones, always back up your save files. This ensures you can restore your game if a mod corrupts your save.
  2. Join Modding Communities: Join Satisfactory modding communities like the official Discord or forums to stay updated on the latest issues, patches, and mod compatibility news. Often, community members provide solutions faster than official support channels.
  3. Use Mod Profiles: SMM allows you to create multiple mod profiles. Utilize this feature to keep your mods organized and reduce the chances of conflicts between different mods.

9. Multiplayer Mod Issues

Problem: Mods Not Working in Multiplayer Sessions

When using mods in Satisfactory multiplayer sessions, users can sometimes encounter problems where mods fail to sync between players, or the game crashes during multiplayer.

Solution:

  1. All Players Must Have the Same Mods: One of the most common issues in multiplayer arises from players not having the same set of mods installed. Ensure that all players in the session have the same mods installed, including matching versions. Using SMM’s profile feature can make this easier.
  2. Mod-Specific Multiplayer Bugs: Some mods may not be optimized for multiplayer use. Check the mod’s page to see if there are known issues with multiplayer. Disable mods one by one to isolate the problem.
  3. SML Update for Multiplayer: Make sure your Satisfactory Mod Loader (SML) is updated to the latest version, as mod compatibility, especially in multiplayer, often relies on having the most recent loader.

10. Mod-Specific Errors

Problem: “Mod XYZ Failed to Load” Error

Occasionally, you may see specific errors related to a particular mod failing to load. This issue can arise for several reasons, including incompatibility with other mods or the current version of Satisfactory.

Solution:

  1. Check for Mod Updates: Go to the mod’s page and ensure you have the latest version. Often, mods break after game updates and may need to be patched by the mod developer.
  2. Mod Dependencies: Some mods rely on other mods or libraries. Double-check that you have installed all necessary dependencies. These should be listed on the mod’s description page.
  3. Disable Conflicting Mods: If the error persists, try disabling other mods, as certain mods may conflict with each other. This is especially common with mods that change game mechanics or graphics.

11. Unable to Uninstall Mods

Problem: Mods Remain Installed After Deletion

Sometimes, even after using SMM to uninstall a mod, remnants of the mod files may persist, causing issues when you try to launch the game.

Solution:

  1. Manually Delete Mod Files: Navigate to the Satisfactory game folder (FactoryGame/Mods) and manually delete any lingering mod files. This can help ensure that no leftover files interfere with the base game or other mods.
  2. Clear Mod Cache: In the Satisfactory Mod Manager, there’s an option to clear the mod cache. Using this feature can help remove temporary files or data that may be causing issues.
  3. Reinstall SMM: If mods are still not uninstalling correctly, try reinstalling the Satisfactory Mod Manager. Uninstall it via the control panel, then reinstall the latest version.

12. Performance Optimization for Modded Satisfactory

Problem: Poor Performance with Mods Installed

Modding Satisfactory can be resource-intensive, and players often report frame drops, stuttering, or increased load times when running multiple mods.

Solution:

  1. Limit the Number of Mods: Running too many mods simultaneously can put a strain on your system. Try reducing the number of mods or disabling large, complex mods to see if performance improves.
  2. Optimize Graphics Settings: Some mods introduce high-quality assets or graphics tweaks that can affect performance. Lowering in-game graphics settings, especially for textures and shadows, may alleviate performance issues.
  3. Use SSD for Mod Storage: Ensure that your game and mod files are stored on an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This can greatly reduce loading times and improve overall performance.
  4. Remove Unused Mods: Even mods that are not currently active can sometimes affect performance if they are still installed. Regularly clean up and remove any mods you are not using.

13. Satisfactory Mod Loader (SML) Corruption

Problem: SML Crashes or Fails to Load

The Satisfactory Mod Loader (SML) is a crucial component that allows mods to function in the game. If SML becomes corrupted, mods will not load properly.

Solution:

  1. Reinstall SML: The most straightforward solution is to reinstall the mod loader. In the SMM, go to the settings and reinstall SML. Alternatively, you can download the latest version manually.
  2. Verify SML Compatibility: Ensure that the version of SML you are using is compatible with the current version of Satisfactory. If the game updates, the mod loader may also need to be updated.
  3. Delete and Rebuild SML Config Files: Sometimes, SML config files can become corrupted. Navigate to the Satisfactory folder (AppData\Local\FactoryGame\Saved\Config\Windows), and delete the SML-related files. Launch the game or SMM to rebuild these files.

14. Frequent Crashes When Using Mods

Problem: Game Crashes Randomly When Mods Are Enabled

Crashes can occur when a mod is incompatible, poorly optimized, or conflicts with another mod or the base game.

Solution:

  1. Check for Known Issues: Before trying other solutions, visit the mod’s page on ficsit.app or forums like Steam or Reddit to see if the mod is known to cause crashes with the current version of Satisfactory.
  2. Update All Mods: Ensure that every mod you have installed is up to date. Using outdated mods is one of the most common reasons for game crashes.
  3. Test Mods Individually: Disable all mods and enable them one by one to identify the culprit. Start with mods that are complex or modify core game mechanics, as they are more likely to cause crashes.
  4. Check System Requirements: Some mods, especially those that add large assets or complex mechanics, may push your system beyond its capabilities. If you’re running a large number of resource-heavy mods, consider reducing the number of mods or upgrading your hardware.

15. SMM Error Logs

Problem: No Clear Explanation for Errors

Sometimes, SMM will throw errors without providing a clear explanation for the problem.

Solution:

  1. View Log Files: In SMM, you can view detailed log files that may offer clues about the issue. These logs are often located in the AppData/Local/FactoryGame/Logs folder.
  2. Contact Support or Forums: If you’re unable to resolve the issue based on the logs, consider reaching out to the modding community or the official support forums for help. Many users post their logs on forums like Reddit or Discord for community assistance.