Client-side Only Mods vs. Both

[Velynicus]

I'm building a mod but between me and Chat GPT we can't get the server-side stuff to work. Nothing that would happen on the server is any different from what would happen on the client.

Here is my question: Assuming its a mod-concept that people want, would the fact that it is client-only dissuade people from using it?

 

 

Edited September 28, 2025 by David Weisser
wanted to folow

[LadyWYT]

3 hours ago, David Weisser said:

Here is my question: Assuming its a mod-concept that people want, would the fact that it is client-only dissuade people from using it?

Anything is possible, though I think whether or not players will use the mod hinges more heavily on what the mod concept is, and how well the concept is executed. A concept that has high demand, but is poorly executed, probably won't see a lot of success. Likewise, a concept that executed exceptionally well, but otherwise has no demand, probably won't see a lot of downloads either. The most popular mods tend to have broad appeal and execute their core ideas quite well.

In any case though, when making a mod, I think it's more important to make something that you yourself wish to make as the author, and not just try to be popular. As for whether being client-only affects a mod's likelihood of being used...my understanding is that client-only mods can still be used on servers in many cases, just the users will need to handle the download and installation of the mod themselves instead of letting the server prompt them. Client-only also doesn't prevent a mod from becoming popular. A couple of good examples of popular mods that are client-only are Freedom Units and the HUD mod, and both of those will still work on servers(though only if the user installs the mod themselves).

[Echo Weaver]

Yeah, if it works as a client-only mod, then it's fine, but what client-only mods can do is limited.