Modding in shapez 2 is alive and growing. While the game is in early access and does not ship with official modding tools, the community has built a robust modding ecosystem using BepInEx and Thunderstore. This guide covers the current state of shapez 2 modding, the tools you need, how to install and create mods, and the limitations you should understand before diving in. Whether you want to install a quality-of-life mod or build your own custom building, this guide will get you started.

Current Modding Status

shapez 2 does not yet have official modding support. The developers have stated that modding tools are on the roadmap, but no official API or mod toolkit has been released. Despite this, the community has reverse-engineered the game assembly using BepInEx and HarmonyX, enabling runtime patching of game code. This means mods work by injecting code into the running game rather than through a supported API. Mods may break with any game update, and mod authors must update their patches when the game assembly changes.

The primary mod distribution platform is Thunderstore, which hosts dozens of shapez 2 mods ranging from quality-of-life improvements to total conversions. Thunderstore handles mod installation, dependency management, and updates. Most mods are open source and hosted on GitHub, making it easy to learn from existing mod code. The shapez 2 modding community is active on the official Discord, where mod authors share tips and help newcomers.

Because modding relies on code injection rather than an official API, there are important caveats. Mods that modify core game systems (like belt throughput or building costs) may conflict with each other. Load order matters: patches applied later in the load order override earlier patches. Always test mods in a separate save file before adding them to your main playthrough. And always back up your saves before installing any mod.

Modding Tools Overview

The table below lists the tools used in the shapez 2 modding ecosystem. Beginners should start with Thunderstore or r2modman for installing mods. Mod creators will need BepInEx, a decompiler, and HarmonyX for patching game code.

Mod Categories on Thunderstore

The shapez 2 modding community produces mods across several categories. Quality-of-life mods are the most popular, followed by building mods that add or modify factory buildings. The table below summarizes the main categories, approximate mod counts, and popular examples in each category.

When choosing mods, start with quality-of-life improvements that do not change core gameplay. Auto-Connect Belts and Stack Info are safe choices that reduce tedium without altering the game balance. Visual mods like Dark Theme are also low-risk. Avoid total conversions and building mods until you have completed the vanilla game at least once.

Game File Locations

Knowing where shapez 2 stores its files is essential for both mod installation and mod creation. The game executable is located in the Steam installation directory, typically at "Steam/steamapps/common/shapez 2/". The managed assembly containing all game code is at "shapez 2_Data/Managed/Assembly-CSharp.dll". This is the file you decompile to inspect game code.

BepInEx mods are installed in the "BepInEx/plugins/" folder inside the game directory. Each mod is typically a single DLL file plus a optional configuration file. Thunderstore handles this automatically, but if you are installing mods manually or developing your own, you need to place the compiled DLL in this folder. Configuration files for mods go in "BepInEx/config/" and use the .cfg format.

Save files are stored in the user profile directory, typically at "AppData/LocalLow/tobspr Games/shapez 2/" on Windows. Each save is a separate file that can be backed up by copying. If a mod corrupts your save, you can restore from backup. Never test mods on your main save file without a recent backup.

Creating a Simple Mod

Creating a shapez 2 mod requires basic C# knowledge and familiarity with Unity. The process involves setting up a class library project, referencing the BepInEx and game assemblies, writing a plugin class with Harmony patches, and compiling to a DLL. Start by creating a new .NET 6 class library project in Visual Studio or your preferred IDE. Add references to BepInEx.dll, UnityEngine.dll, and Assembly-CSharp.dll from the game directory.

Your main plugin class should inherit from BaseUnityPlugin and be decorated with the BepInPlugin attribute. This tells BepInEx the mod name, version, and author. Inside the plugin, use HarmonyLib to patch game methods. A simple example is patching the Painter throughput value to be higher than vanilla. Use a Postfix patch on the Painter initialization method to modify the throughput field after the game sets it.

Configuration is handled through the ConfigFile class provided by BepInEx. Define configurable values as ConfigEntry fields, and BepInEx automatically generates a config file in the BepInEx/config/ folder. Players can edit this file to adjust mod settings without recompiling. Always provide sensible default values and document what each setting does. Test your mod thoroughly before publishing to Thunderstore.

Current Limitations

• No official modding API. All mods rely on code injection via BepInEx and HarmonyX. Game updates may break mods without warning, and mod authors must update patches when the game assembly changes.
• Multiplayer compatibility is limited. Most mods are designed for single-player only. Using mods in multiplayer may cause desync errors or crashes, especially if the mod modifies game logic that is synchronized between players.
• Save file corruption risk. Mods that add new buildings or modify save data can corrupt saves if removed mid-playthrough. Always finish a modded playthrough before removing the mod, or start a new save for modded gameplay.
• No Steam Workshop support. shapez 2 does not integrate with Steam Workshop for mods. All mod distribution goes through Thunderstore. This may change when official modding support arrives.
• Performance impact varies. Some mods, particularly those that add new calculations per tick, can significantly reduce game performance. Monitor frame rates after installing mods and remove any that cause noticeable lag.

Frequently Asked Questions