The Ultimate Guide to Axom Mods

Understanding Axom Mods

Axom, the indie strategy title from Hairy Penguin, offers a rich base game with procedural worlds and physics-driven hordes. However, the community has already begun creating mods to expand the experience. Mods can alter everything from tower balance to visual effects, and even introduce new enemy types. Before diving in, it's crucial to understand that Axom is a single-player, non-free game on Steam. Modding is community-driven and not officially supported, so you must proceed with caution.

Always back up your save files before installing any mod. You can find save file locations in our save file guide. Most mods require a mod loader, which acts as a bridge between the game and the custom content.

How to Install Axom Mods

Installing mods for Axom typically involves a few straightforward steps. The most common method uses a universal mod loader like BepInEx, which is compatible with many Unity-based games.

1. Download BepInEx

   Visit the official BepInEx GitHub page and download the latest stable release for your operating system (Windows is the primary platform for Axom).

2. Install BepInEx

   Extract the contents of the BepInEx archive directly into your Axom game folder. The default location is usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Axom. After extraction, run the game once to generate the necessary configuration files.

3. Find and Download Mods

   Browse community hubs like Nexus Mods or the Axom Steam Community forums. Look for mods that specify compatibility with BepInEx. Download the mod files, which are often .dll files.

4. Place Mods in the Plugins Folder

   Copy the downloaded .dll files into the BepInEx/plugins folder inside your Axom directory.

5. Launch the Game

   Start Axom. If the mod is installed correctly, you should see a console window appear briefly, or a notification in the main menu. Check the mod's description for specific activation instructions.

Top Axom Mods to Try

The Axom modding community is still growing, but several essential mods have already emerged. These mods are designed to improve your experience without breaking the core game balance.

Quality of Life Mods

• Better Build Preview: This mod shows the exact area of effect for towers and walls before you place them, making defensive planning much easier.
• Faster Wave Skip: Reduces the delay between waves, speeding up the early game when you are waiting for resources.
• Resource Display Overhaul: Adds a detailed breakdown of your income and expenses per second, helping you optimize your economy.

Gameplay Expansion Mods

• New Tower Pack: Adds five new towers with unique mechanics, such as a slow-field generator and a long-range artillery piece.
• Harder Hordes: Increases the variety and density of enemy types in later runs, providing a greater challenge for experienced players.
• Randomized Start: Gives you a completely random set of starting buildings and upgrades, perfect for a fresh Roguelite experience.

Safety and Performance Tips

Modding can sometimes lead to performance issues or game instability. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these guidelines.

• Use a Mod Manager: Tools like r2modman or Vortex can help you manage mod profiles, making it easy to enable or disable mods without editing folders manually.
• Check for Conflicts: If the game crashes, disable all mods and re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit. Pay attention to mods that modify the same game files.
• Monitor Performance: Some mods, especially those adding new visual effects or enemies, can impact frame rate. Lower your graphics settings if you notice lag.
• Backup Saves: Before installing any mod, copy your save files to a safe location. You can find them in %AppData%/Axom or a similar directory.

The Future of Axom Modding

As Axom continues to receive updates from Hairy Penguin, the modding community will likely grow. The developer has not announced official modding tools, but the game's Unity engine makes it accessible for talented modders. Expect to see more complex mods, including total conversions and new campaign scenarios, in the coming months.

For the most current information, visit the Axom community guide or check the official Steam page. Remember to always download mods from trusted sources to avoid malware.