For Kerbal Space Program 1 (KSP1), use CKAN if it lists the mod: select the right game installation, refresh CKAN’s registry, choose the mod, review its dependencies and changes, then apply. If you install a mod manually, follow its author’s directions; the usual KSP1 destination is the game’s GameData folder. KSP2 uses different possible destinations, so follow the instructions for the specific mod instead of assuming the KSP1 path applies.
Choose a way to install the mod
| Route | Best suited to | What you manage |
|---|---|---|
| CKAN | A mod listed in CKAN’s registry | CKAN uses mod metadata for installation, declared dependencies, conflicts, and game-version compatibility. You still need to select the intended game installation and review the changeset before applying it. |
| Manual | A mod not listed in CKAN, or one whose author specifies manual steps | You download and extract the archive, preserve its folder structure, check dependencies and compatibility, and handle replacement or removal yourself. |
CKAN is a mod manager and metadata repository. Its project describes installation according to declared metadata, including dependencies and conflicts: CKAN project. Use an author’s own project page for manual instructions when possible.
Install a KSP1 mod with CKAN
- Get CKAN. Download it from the CKAN releases page and choose the package described for your operating system. Available packaging and requirements can change.
- Select the KSP installation you want to mod. CKAN looks for a standard Steam installation, but you can add an alternate one. If detection misses your copy, use CKAN’s instance-management workflow and select that installation’s
buildID.txtorbuildID64.txtfile, as described in the CKAN user guide. - Refresh the registry and find the mod. Refresh CKAN’s registry before searching by the mod’s name or identifier so the list and available updates are current.
- Select the mod and inspect the changeset. Review what CKAN plans to install, including required dependencies, then apply the installation.
- Keep compatibility filtering enabled. CKAN normally requires a mod to declare compatibility with the exact KSP version. The user guide warns that relaxing this check can cause instability or errors, including between minor game releases. Change the filter only when you have a specific reason and have checked the mod’s compatibility information.
Install a KSP1 mod manually
Manual steps can vary by mod, so treat the author’s current instructions as authoritative. The common KSP1 pattern is to download the archive, extract it, and put the included mod folder in the KSP installation’s GameData directory. CKAN’s metadata specification also identifies GameData as the ordinary KSP1 destination: CKAN metadata specification.
- Check the mod page first. Confirm the archive is for your game version and note any dependencies or special installation steps. KAS and KIS list CurseForge, SpaceDock, and GitHub as download locations; use the project or author’s own page when available. See the KAS page and KIS page.
- Extract the archive and preserve its folder layout. Place the mod’s folder in
<KSP installation>/GameData/. Avoid creating an extra folder level by mistake. For the KIS example, itsLICENSE.mdfile should end up at<game root>/GameData/KIS/LICENSE.md, not inside an additional nested directory. - Replace an old manual install carefully. If the author says to remove old files before installing an updated version, follow that instruction. The KAS page specifically warns against copying a new version over its old files. Remove only the files for that mod; do not delete unrelated mods or the entire
GameDatadirectory.
What changes for KSP2?
Do not carry KSP1’s usual GameData destination over to KSP2 without checking. CKAN’s metadata specification lists GameData/Mods and BepInEx/plugins as possible KSP2 targets, while KSP1 mods ordinarily target GameData. These are manager destinations, not a universal manual recipe for every KSP2 mod. Follow the specific mod’s current directions and verify its supported KSP2 version.
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