7 Days to Die: install Darkness FallsSetting up the big overhaul properly

Published on August 4, 2026 · last updated on November 3, 2026

Requirements

Darkness Falls is an extensive overhaul and has higher requirements than vanilla:

• EAC off - the overhaul uses DLL code (see deactivate EAC).
• Matching game version - always use the Darkness Falls version released for the current 7DtD version.
• More RAM - the overhaul is considerably more resource-hungry; a larger package is recommended.
• Client installation - every player installs the same version.

Install on the server

1. Download the Darkness Falls files from the author's official source (the overhaul is not distributed via the Steam Workshop).
2. Upload the folder via WebFTP/SFTP into the Mods folder of your server.
3. In the serverconfig.xml, set EACEnabled to false.
4. Generate a new world - Darkness Falls brings additional biomes/blocks, so a fresh RWG start or the included map is best.
5. Restart the server.

Set up the client

Every player installs Darkness Falls locally (in the game folder or the installation's Mods folder) and starts 7 Days to Die without EAC. Important: client and server versions have to match exactly - even small version differences lead to connection or display errors.

A new world instead of the old save

An overhaul of this size changes recipes, blocks and world generation. So play Darkness Falls on a new world - an existing vanilla save is not compatible and can lead to errors. If needed, back up your old save via FTP beforehand.

This applies in both directions: the way back to vanilla also needs a fresh save. So keep your backup instead of deleting it after a successful start. Backups are self-service throughout with us via WebFTP or SFTP, see create backups.

What changes compared with vanilla

Darkness Falls is not a mod pack but a game of its own built on 7 Days to Die. Knowing this beforehand helps you go in with the right expectations:

• Classes and progression. Instead of freely distributed points, there are classes with their own skill trees. Progression is designed to take considerably longer than in vanilla.
• New enemies. Additional zombie types and bosses, some with abilities that do not exist in the base game. The first blood moons are noticeably harder.
• Extended crafting. More workbenches, more intermediate steps, more resource types. Building a base takes longer and needs planning.
• Places of its own. Darkness Falls brings additional buildings and quest givers that are taken into account in world generation.

For a server, this mainly means: plan more time. A round that is finished after four weeks in vanilla runs considerably longer with Darkness Falls - and switching servers in the middle of a round is not an option because of the incompatible save.

What you need to plan on the server

Three points distinguish a Darkness Falls server from a vanilla server in operation:

1. EAC has to be off. The overhaul brings its own DLL files, and EasyAntiCheat prevents them from running. At the same time, this costs you playing together with console players - details under deactivate EAC.
2. More memory. Additional blocks, enemies and recipes cost noticeably more RAM. If a vanilla server was only just enough for you, it will not be with Darkness Falls.
3. No automatic update. The overhaul follows its own rhythm. After a 7 Days to Die update, it may temporarily not run - then you wait until a matching version comes out instead of starting on the off chance.

The last point is the most important for a community: announce game updates and, if necessary, deliberately keep the server on the old version until the overhaul has caught up. How mods are generally added and updated is explained under install mods.

Frequently asked questions