Installing mods is what turns BeamNG.drive from a great sandbox into an endless one. New cars, real-world maps, custom configurations and gameplay tweaks are all just a few clicks away — once you know where the files go. This guide walks you through every method, from the built-in Repository to manual .zip installs, plus the mistakes that trip up most new players.
Where BeamNG.drive keeps its mods
BeamNG does not store mods inside the game’s install folder. Instead, everything lives in your user folder. On Windows the default path is:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\BeamNG.drive\<version>\mods\
The fastest way to open it is from inside the game: launch BeamNG, open the Repository or Mod Manager, and click the small folder icon — it opens the exact mods folder for the version you are running. This matters because each game version (for example 0.34, 0.35, 0.36) has its own folder, and a mod dropped into the wrong version’s folder will simply never appear.
Method 1 — The in-game Repository (easiest)
The official Repository is the safest way to install mods because every file is version-checked and scanned by BeamNG.
- Launch the game and open the Repository from the main menu.
- Browse or search for a mod, then click Subscribe.
- The mod downloads and activates automatically. Subscribed mods also update themselves when the author releases a new version.
If a mod you want is not on the Repository — which is the case for many community releases — use the manual method below.
Method 2 — Manual .zip install
This is how you install mods you downloaded from a website. The golden rule: never unzip the file. BeamNG loads mods directly from the .zip.
- Download the mod’s
.zipfile. - Open your
modsfolder (see the path above, or use the folder icon in the Mod Manager). - Drag the
.zipstraight into themodsfolder — do not extract it. - Start the game (or, if it is already running, open the Mod Manager and press Refresh).
- In the Mod Manager, make sure the new mod is toggled On.
Finding your mod in-game
Where a mod shows up depends on what it is:
- Car / vehicle mods appear in the vehicle selector (press Ctrl+W or use the radial menu).
- Map / level mods appear under Levels when you start a new scenario or free-roam session.
- Configuration mods appear as extra configs under an existing vehicle, in the parts/config selector.
Updating and removing mods
Repository mods update automatically. For manually installed mods, delete the old .zip from the mods folder and drop in the new one. To remove a mod completely, turn it off in the Mod Manager and delete its .zip. If something still lingers, use Clear cache in the Mod Manager.
The 5 most common mistakes
- Unzipping the mod. Leave it as a
.zip. Extracted folders are ignored. - Wrong version folder. A 0.35 mod placed in the 0.34 folder will not load. Match the version.
- Mod left disabled. Open the Mod Manager and confirm the toggle is On.
- Version mismatch. A mod built for an older game version may not work after a game update — check the author’s notes.
- Corrupted download. A half-downloaded
.zipfails silently. Re-download if in doubt.
Quick troubleshooting
If a freshly installed mod does not show up: refresh the Mod Manager, confirm the toggle is On, clear the cache, and double-check the game version. Still stuck? Our dedicated guide BeamNG.drive mod not working? 10 common fixes covers every cause in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to unzip BeamNG mods?
No. Place the .zip directly into the mods folder. BeamNG reads the archive as-is.
Why can’t I see my installed mod?
The most common reasons are a disabled toggle in the Mod Manager, the wrong game-version folder, or a mod built for a different game version. Refresh the Mod Manager and clear the cache.
Are mods free?
The vast majority of BeamNG mods, including everything on CrashMods, are free to download and use.
Will mods break my game?
Mods cannot harm your hardware. A badly built mod can cause a crash or visual glitch, but disabling or deleting it returns the game to normal. When in doubt, install one mod at a time so you can identify any troublemaker.
Looking for cars and maps to try first? Browse the full BeamNG.drive mods collection on CrashMods.
