How to Open the Darkest Dungeon Mod Manager Preview on Steam

Check that you are using the announced preview

Red Hook announced its new Mod Manager on the coming_in_hot branch in September. This guide covers that Steam preview, rather than assuming it is available in every retail build or console edition. The announcement limits official support for the manager to the Steam version at that point. [1]

Make the save backup the developer requests

Before opening the preview tool, make a separate backup of your campaign saves. Red Hook says the manager creates backups too, but still asks players to make their own. Treat that as preparation before using the new tool, rather than assuming its automatic backup is your only copy. [1]

Steps

1. Back up the save files for the campaign you intend to use before proceeding with the manager. Keep that copy available while trying the preview. [1]

Open the manager through Steam’s Play launch options

Steps

1. With the announced preview installed, press PLAY for Darkest Dungeon in Steam and launch the Mod Manager offered there. The publisher specifically identifies Steam’s Play entry as the way to find it. [1]

Decide which mod interface you want to use

The new manager is intended to help launch and organize mods and set their load order. It does not replace the classic in-game mod menu as a requirement: Red Hook says players satisfied with that menu, including Sherin’s Better Mod Menu, may continue using it. [1]

Use the manager’s HELP section for its interface instructions. Red Hook was collecting feedback on that section and planning a fuller official Steam guide when the preview was announced. For absent mods or a screen full of conflict warnings, consult the separate issues master for the preview’s stated limitations. [1]