This guide will show you how to add mods on your Chivalry Medieval Warfare server.
Adding mods to your Chivalry: Medieval Warfare server allows you to introduce custom maps, game modes, and unique content that can dramatically enhance the player experience. Whether you're hosting epic battles in Minas Tirith or experimenting with fan-made mechanics, this introduction will guide you through the essential steps to get started.
Adding Mods on your Chivalry Medieval Warfare Server
Distributing and running maps/mods without the workshop (for testing):
If you're not using the Steam Workshop, you'll need to manually distribute your mod files to both your server and any testers. These files are located in the UDKGame\CookedSDK\ directory. Each mod will have its own folder within this directory, typically named after the mod and followed by a unique string of characters. Locate the correct folder, compress it into a .zip file, and share it with your server host and anyone who needs access for testing. This ensures that all necessary assets are properly transferred and recognized by the game engine during runtime.
Hosting off-Workshop content
To host mods or custom content not distributed via the Steam Workshop, you'll need to use the client version of Chivalry: Medieval Warfare the same files you receive when downloading the game through Steam. These client files function similarly to the dedicated server files but are significantly larger in size. When launching your server with these files, it's essential to include the server parameter in your command line to ensure the game runs in server mode. This enables proper handling of multiplayer sessions and custom content.
For e.g.
UDK.exe server AOCTO-Shore_alpha_p?steamsockets?modname=BlackKnight -sdkfileid=230012942 -sdkfileid=232823090 -sdkfileid=229405113
Other methods for getting the Workshop items onto a server
It’s still possible to manually obtain and upload .cmwsdk files to your server without relying on automatic downloads. These files can be sourced outside of the game typically from mod creators or local builds and then transferred directly to your server. While this method remains functional, it offers no practical advantage over the current supported system. In fact, manual uploads were once the only way to distribute custom content, but that’s no longer the case. Today, streamlined Workshop integration and automated server-side downloads are preferred for ease and reliability. That said, if you choose to go the manual route, ensure the .cmwsdk files are correctly placed and referenced in your server configuration to avoid compatibility issues.
Downloading mod packages outside of the game using WorkshopServerTool.exe
1. Open the example download list file at ServerDirectory\Binaries\Win32\ServerDownloadList.txt. You'll see a list of URLs that correspond to entries in the Steam workshop. Edit the list so that it contains only things you want to download for your server, then save it there or save it to a new file
2. Open a command prompt window (Start -> Run -> cmd -> enter)
3. Head into ServerDirectory\Binaries\Win32
4. Run:WorkshopServerTool.exe -downloadfiles ServerDownloadList.txt
This will download the .cmwsdk files for every mod whose workshop URL you include in ServerDownloadList.txt. The files get placed in ServerDirectory\UDKGame\CookedSDK\__CMWSDKFiles
Optional command line switches for WorkshopServerTool
-forcedownload – forcibly redownloads every file in the download list. Otherwise, the tool only updates files that have changed.
Downloading Mod Packages Using the Launcher
To manually obtain mod packages for your server, follow these steps:
1. Subscribe to Workshop Items
Open Steam and subscribe to the desired Chivalry: Medieval Warfare mods via the Workshop.
2. Launch the Game
Start Chivalry: Medieval Warfare through Steam. This will trigger the Launcher to begin downloading the subscribed Workshop content.
3. Locate the Downloaded Files
Once the download completes, navigate to: ClientDirectory\UDKGame\CookedSDK\__CMWSDKFiles
This folder contains the .cmwsdk files for each mod.
4. Upload to Your Server
Transfer the downloaded .cmwsdk files to your server’s corresponding directory: ServerDirectory\UDKGame\CookedSDK\__CMWSDKFiles
This method allows you to manually manage mod content, ensuring your server has the exact files needed without relying on automatic downloads.
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