Extract your mod folder into the Dwarf Fortress/mods/ directory.
Your zip should contain a folder named with your Mod ID (e.g., MyUsefulMod ), containing: : Essential metadata defining your mod. DwarfFortressMod.zip
Create a new text file inside objects/ (e.g., item_useful_armor.txt ) to add new craftable armor or weapons. Extract your mod folder into the Dwarf Fortress/mods/
Upon world generation, the game copies your mod to /data/installed_mods/ . Key 2026 Modding Tips create init.lua in your mod root.
If your mod includes scripts, it should be designed to run with DFHack , the primary tool for automated management and advanced, user-friendly gameplay modifications.
For complex behavioral changes, create init.lua in your mod root.