How to Use Steam Workshop Mods with Non-Steam Game Versions


Last updated: January 2025 | By: Cross-Platform Gaming Team

Bought your favorite game on Epic Games Store, GOG, or Microsoft Store? You're not alone. These platforms often offer better deals, but there's one significant trade-off: no native Steam Workshop access. Fortunately, you absolutely CAN use Steam Workshop mods with non-Steam versions of games. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly how, covering compatibility considerations, installation methods, and platform-specific tricks.

Understanding Cross-Platform Compatibility

Why It Works (Most of the Time)

The secret is simple: most games are identical across platforms. Whether you bought Cities: Skylines on Steam, Epic, or GOG, the underlying game files are essentially the same. Mods modify these game files, not the platform's launcher or DRM system.

What Makes Mods Platform-Independent:

- Mods modify game assets (textures, models, scripts)

- Game engines process these assets identically

- File structures are consistent across platforms

- Most modders don't code platform-specific features

When Compatibility Issues Arise

Not all mods work perfectly across platforms. Here's what to watch for:

Steam API Dependencies: Some mods use Steam's Workshop subscription system for automatic updates or Steam-specific features like achievements. These mods may fail on non-Steam versions.

Hardcoded Paths: Poorly coded mods might reference specific Steam installation directories that don't exist on other platforms.

Version Mismatches: Different platforms may update at different times. A mod built for Steam version 1.17.1 might not work with Epic version 1.16.5.

DLC Requirements: If a mod requires DLC and platforms have different DLC naming or installation methods, compatibility issues can occur.

Platform Comparison: What You Need to Know

Epic Games Store

Advantages:

- Often identical game builds to Steam

- Simple file structure

- Easy to locate game directories

- No additional DRM on many titles

Challenges:

- Updates may lag behind Steam

- No built-in mod management

- Smaller player base for troubleshooting

- Some games use Epic's achievement system

Mod Compatibility Rate: Approximately 85-90% of Steam Workshop mods work perfectly with Epic versions.

GOG (Good Old Games)

Advantages:

- DRM-free games are easiest to mod

- Full file system access

- Older games often better supported

- Active modding community

Challenges:

- Version numbers sometimes different from Steam

- Missing some newer features

- Update schedules independent of Steam

- Documentation often Steam-centric

Mod Compatibility Rate: Approximately 90-95% compatibility, especially for DRM-free titles.

Microsoft Store / Xbox App

Advantages:

- Game Pass integration

- Cloud saves

- Cross-play features

- Increasingly better file access

Challenges:

- UWP (Universal Windows Platform) restrictions

- Protected game folders requiring special permissions

- Mod support varies by game

- More complex file access

Mod Compatibility Rate: Approximately 70-80%, with more challenges than other platforms.

Xbox Game Pass for PC

Similar to Microsoft Store but with additional considerations:

- Games may be removed from subscription

- Updates automatic and frequent

- Mixed mod support depending on title

- File access improving over time

Step-by-Step: Getting Workshop Mods on Non-Steam Versions

Step 1: Verify Game Compatibility

Before downloading any mods:

1. Check Game Version: Compare your game's version number with the Steam version. Open the game and look in Settings > About or similar.

2. Research Platform Compatibility: Search "[game name] [platform] mods" to find community reports of compatibility.

3. Identify DLC Requirements: Ensure you own any DLC that mods require.

4. Check Modding Forum Posts: Game-specific forums often have cross-platform compatibility threads.

Step 2: Download the Workshop Mod

Since you don't have Steam, use one of these methods:

Method A: Online Workshop Downloader

- Visit any Steam Workshop downloader website

- Paste the Workshop item URL

- Download the mod file

Method B: SteamCMD

\`\`\`bash

steamcmd +login anonymous +workshop_download_item [APP_ID] [WORKSHOP_ID] +quit

```

Method C: Browser Extension

- Install a workshop downloader extension

- Browse Steam Workshop normally

- Click the download button added by extension


Step 3: Locate Your Game Directory

Epic Games:

```

C:\Program Files\Epic Games\[Game Name]\

```

Or check in Epic launcher: Library > [Game] > Settings icon > Manage > Installation

GOG:

```

C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Games\[Game Name]\

```

Or: GOG Galaxy > [Game] > More > Manage Installation > Show Folder

Microsoft Store:

```

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\[Publisher].[Game]\

```

Note: Requires special permissions to access. Right-click folder > Properties > Security > Advanced > Change owner to your user account.

Xbox App:

Similar to Microsoft Store, check: Settings > Storage > [Drive] > View contents > Choose folder

Step 4: Install the Mod

Installation location varies by game. Common patterns:

Documents Folder Mods:

```

Documents\My Games\[Game]\Mods\

Documents\[Publisher]\[Game]\Mods\

%LOCALAPPDATA%\[Game]\Mods\

```

Game Directory Mods:

```

[Game Install]\mods\

[Game Install]\data\mods\

[Game Install]\addons\

```

Example - Cities: Skylines on Epic:

1. Download mod from Workshop

2. Navigate to: \`%LOCALAPPDATA%\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Addons\Mods\\\`

3. Extract mod folder here

4. Launch game via Epic

5. Enable mod in Content Manager

Game-Specific Cross-Platform Guides

Cities: Skylines (Epic/GOG/Microsoft)

100% Compatible: Cities: Skylines mods are highly platform-independent.

Installation Path (All Platforms):

```

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Addons\

├── Mods\

└── Assets\

```

Special Considerations:

- Mods go in Mods folder

- Assets (props, buildings) go in Assets folder

- Enable in in-game Content Manager

- Load order matters - core mods first

Troubleshooting:

- If mod doesn't appear, check for dependencies

- Some mods require specific DLC

- Harmony 2 is required for many mods (download separately)

Civilization VI (Epic/Microsoft)

90% Compatible: Most mods work, but check version numbers.

Installation Path:

```

Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Mods\

```

Special Considerations:

- Epic version occasionally has different version numbers

- DLC mods require exact DLC match

- Enable in Additional Content menu

- Some mods need specific load order

Known Issues:

- Steam-exclusive multiplayer mods won't work

- Some UI mods break on version mismatches

Euro Truck Simulator 2 / American Truck Simulator (Epic/GOG)

95% Compatible: Nearly perfect cross-platform support.

Installation Path:

```

Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\mod\

Documents\American Truck Simulator\mod\

```

Special Considerations:

- Mods are .scs files

- Drop directly in mod folder

- Activate in Mod Manager (main menu)

- Pay attention to mod priority

Compatibility Notes:

- SCS Software ensures good cross-platform support

- Most Workshop mods explicitly state "all platforms"

- Map mods sometimes have version requirements

Stellaris (GOG/Microsoft)

85% Compatible: Most work, but some have Steam dependencies.

Installation Paths:

Game Files:

```

[Install Directory]\mods\

```

Mod Descriptor Files:

```

Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod\

```

Installation Steps:

1. Download mod from Workshop

2. Extract mod folder to \`[Install]\mods\\\`

3. Copy .mod descriptor file to Documents path

4. Edit .mod file to update path if necessary

5. Enable in launcher

Troubleshooting:

- Some mods use Steam Workshop subscription checks

- Edit .mod file to remove Steam requirements (advanced)

Total War Series (Epic/Microsoft)

80% Compatible: Varies by specific title.

Installation Path:

```

%APPDATA%\The Creative Assembly\[Game]\mods\

```

Special Considerations:

- Separate data and content mods

- Check game version match carefully

- Some mods need Assembly Kit (Steam only)

- Enable in Mod Manager

Skyrim Special Edition / Fallout 4 (Microsoft Store)

70% Compatible: Microsoft Store version has restrictions.

Major Challenge: Microsoft Store uses UWP protection. Mod managers like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 require special configuration.

Solutions:

- Use Vortex Mod Manager with "UWP Support" enabled

- Grant folder permissions

- Some script extender mods (SKSE, F4SE) may not work

- Consider purchasing on GOG for better mod support

Rimworld (GOG)

95% Compatible: GOG version is DRM-free and mod-friendly.

Installation Path:

```

[Install Directory]Mods```

Or:

```

%LOCALAPPDATA%....LocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosMods```

Special Considerations:

- Each mod in separate folder

- Check load order in mod config

- Harmony mod required for many mods

- Usually updates same day as Steam

Garry's Mod (None - Steam Exclusive)

Unfortunately, Garry's Mod is Steam-exclusive and requires Steam to run, even if you could buy it elsewhere. Workshop mods are integrated into the game client.

Handling Mod Dependencies

Identifying Dependencies

Most mod pages list required mods in the description:

Common Dependency Types:

- Framework mods (e.g., Harmony for Rimworld, SMAPI for Stardew Valley)

- Core gameplay mods that others build on

- Required DLC

- Specific game versions

Installing Dependency Chains

Correct Order:

1. Core game

2. Required DLC

3. Framework/library mods

4. Base gameplay mods

5. Dependent mods

6. Cosmetic/UI mods


Tools for Dependency Management

While Steam Workshop auto-handles dependencies, non-Steam users need manual methods:

Mod Organizer 2:

- Supports multiple games

- Visualizes dependencies

- Easy enable/disable

- Profile management

Vortex:

- By Nexus Mods team

- Automatic LOOT sorting (for Bethesda games)

- Dependency graphing

- Supports multiple platforms

Troubleshooting Cross-Platform Issues

"Mod Doesn't Show in Game"

Epic/GOG Checklist:

1. Verify correct installation path

2. Check game version matches mod requirements

3. Enable in in-game mod menu

4. Verify all dependencies installed

5. Check for platform-specific issues in mod comments

Microsoft Store Extra Steps:

- Ensure folder permissions granted

- Run game as administrator (test only)

- Check if mod uses Steam Workshop API

"Game Crashes with Mods"

Debugging Process:

1. Test mods individually: Disable all mods, enable one at a time

2. Check error logs: Usually in Documents/[Game]/logs or similar

3. Verify game files: Use platform's verification tool

4. Update game: Ensure latest version

5. Check mod version: Ensure mod updated for your game version

"Mod Features Don't Work"

Common Causes:

Steam API Dependencies: Mod uses Steam features

- Solution: Look for non-Steam alternative or contact mod author

Missing Dependencies: Required mods not installed

- Solution: Carefully read mod description for requirements

Platform-Specific Code: Mod checks for Steam

- Solution: Advanced users can sometimes edit code to bypass checks

Version Mismatch Issues

Symptoms:

- Mod appears but features broken

- Crashes on specific actions

- UI elements missing

Solutions:

1. Check mod's version compatibility

2. Wait for mod update

3. Download older game version (GOG allows this)

4. Look for alternative mods

Advanced Techniques

Editing Mod Files for Compatibility

Some mods hardcode Steam paths. You can edit these:

1. Extract mod archive

2. Open .xml, .ini, or config files in text editor

3. Find Steam-specific paths

4. Replace with your game's path

5. Save and test

Example - Config file edit:

\`\`\`xml

C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\GameName\data

C:\Program Files\Epic Games\GameName\data

```

Using Mod Managers

Vortex Setup for Non-Steam Games:

1. Install Vortex

2. Settings > Games > Scan for manually added games

3. Add your non-Steam game

4. Use Vortex to install and manage mods

5. Vortex handles file paths automatically

Mod Organizer 2 for Bethesda Games:

1. Download MO2

2. Point it to your Microsoft Store / GOG game directory

3. May need to grant folder permissions

4. Install mods through MO2 interface

5. Launch game through MO2 to apply mods virtually

Creating Compatibility Patches

Advanced users can create patches when mods conflict:

1. Identify conflicting files

2. Use mod-specific tools (Creation Kit for Skyrim, etc.)

3. Merge changes or create override

4. Test thoroughly

Platform-Specific Tips

Epic Games Store

Best Practices:

- Always check Epic version number vs Steam version

- Epic sales often mean influx of new modders - check recent forum posts

- Epic updates sometimes lag - consider staying on older version if mods work

GOG

Best Practices:

- Take advantage of DRM-free to backup working mod setups

- GOG often allows downloading older game versions - useful for mod compatibility

- GOG community generally very mod-friendly and helpful

Microsoft Store

Best Practices:

- Grant folder permissions before attempting mods

- Consider using Vortex for better UWP support

- Some games work better than others - research first

- Game Pass games complicate modding due to install/uninstall cycles

Legal and Community Considerations

Respecting Mod Creators

- Don't redistribute mods without permission

- Credit creators when showcasing mods

- Report bugs politely and constructively

- Consider supporting creators on Patreon or Ko-fi

- Leave positive ratings on Workshop pages even if using non-Steam

Reporting Compatibility Issues

Help the community:

- Comment on Workshop pages about non-Steam compatibility

- Create compatibility guides for your favorite games

- Share working mod combinations

- Document version numbers when reporting issues

Conclusion

Using Steam Workshop mods with non-Steam versions of games is not only possible but increasingly common. With game sales fragmented across multiple platforms, the modding community has adapted to ensure mods remain accessible to all players regardless of where they bought their games.

Key Takeaways:

1. Most mods work across platforms (85-95% compatibility for most games)

2. Installation is manual but straightforward once you know the paths

3. Version matching is more important than platform

4. Community resources exist for nearly every popular game

5. Mod managers can simplify cross-platform modding significantly

Whether you bought your game on Epic for the free giveaway, on GOG for DRM-free benefits, or have Xbox Game Pass, you deserve access to the incredible content the modding community creates. With this guide, you're equipped to enjoy Workshop mods regardless of your platform.

Happy modding, and remember: the platform you use doesn't define your gaming experience - the mods you choose do!

---

*Updated January 2025. Verified working across Epic Games Store, GOG, Microsoft Store, and Xbox App. For game-specific help, check dedicated modding communities on Reddit and Discord.*