Adding Mods
Import mods from folders, archives, drag and drop, Nexus Mods, or the Library.
Every imported mod is stored in the Library. Depending on where you start the import, Arsenal can also add it to a profile immediately.
Click Add Mod in the toolbar. The dialog offers three import types:
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Files | Pick .zip, .rar, or .7z archives. Arsenal extracts and validates them. |
| Folders | Pick folders that already contain patch files (or subfolders with patch files). |
| NXM | Opens Nexus Mods (after you sign in) so you can use Mod Manager Download. |
In a profile, the dialog also includes Or select existing mods from your library.
Where the mods go
| Started from | Result |
|---|---|
| A profile | Files are added to the Library and to the profile you currently have open. |
| The Library | If you have more than one profile, Arsenal asks for a target profile. Choose a profile, Library only, or cancel. If you only have Default, imports go there automatically. |
Settings can change the initial enable state. Find both under Settings > Mod Management:
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Automatically Activate Mods After Upload | New imports start enabled in the target profile |
| Automatically Activate All Mods Options After Upload | All options start enabled on those new imports |
Folders
Best for mods you already extracted.
- Click Add Mod
- Choose Folders
- Select one or more folders
- Confirm the target profile if Arsenal asks
A valid folder has manifest.json and/or Helldivers 2 patch files (.patch_0, .patch_1, matching .gpu_resources / .stream files, and so on) in the root or in subfolders.
Archives
Best for freshly downloaded packs.
- Click Add Mod
- Choose Files
- Select
.zip,.rar, or.7zarchives - Confirm the target profile if Arsenal asks
| Format | Extension |
|---|---|
| ZIP | .zip |
| RAR | .rar |
| 7-Zip | .7z |
Drag and drop
Drag .zip, .rar, or .7z archives onto the Arsenal window. Folders are not accepted this way.
If you have multiple profiles, the same target profile picker appears. Progress is shown while archives are extracted and imported.
From the Library
When a profile is open, you can attach mods that are already imported:
- Click Add Mod
- Choose Or select existing mods from your library
- Search, toggle individual mods, or use select-all
- Click Confirm Selection
The picker lists every library mod:
| Detail | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Already in this profile | Green checkmark. Unchecking removes the mod from the profile without deleting Library files. |
| Search / select all | Apply to the visible list. |
| Confirm | Adds newly checked mods and removes newly unchecked ones. |
You can also add from the Library view: use Add to Profiles on a row or on a multi-selection.
Nexus Mods (NXM)
Arsenal registers as a Nexus Mods manager for Helldivers 2.
One-click download
- Sign in to Nexus Mods from the title bar account menu (OAuth or API key)
- Browse Helldivers 2 on Nexus Mods
- Click Mod Manager Download, Vortex, or Arsenal
- The file joins the download queue
- Open the Downloads panel from the title bar download icon and install when complete
Choosing NXM in the Add Mod dialog opens the Nexus Mods site if you are signed in. If you are not signed in, Arsenal opens the login menu instead.
Note
Mod pages are not required to show Mod Manager or Vortex buttons. The Arsenal browser extension adds an Arsenal download button next to manual download so any Helldivers 2 file can be sent through NXM. Get it from rsnl.gg/downloads/extensions.
Downloads panel
Open it with the download icon in the title bar. From there you can:
- Watch pending, downloading, completed, and failed items
- Install a completed download (Arsenal will ask which profile to use, unless the item already belongs to a collection)
- Install All completed items
- Remove items from the queue
- (Nexus Mods Premium) pick a Download Server
Empty-panel help text also links to Nexus Mods and the browser extension.
Installing an update from the list
If Check for Updates finds a newer Nexus Mods file, a cloud-download button appears on the row.
- Premium accounts can start the download in-app
- Other accounts are sent to the Nexus Mods file page with manager download enabled (
nmm=1) - When the queue item finishes, that same button becomes an install control so you do not have to open the panel
After install, the previous "update available" state is cleared.
Nexus Mods collections
Collection import requires a Nexus Mods Premium account, signed in with OAuth.
Opening a collection link in Arsenal then shows an import dialog:
- Required mods and optional mods are listed separately
- Already-installed files are marked and skipped by default
- Version conflicts let you keep your local file or update to the collection version
- Choose Create new profile (default name is the collection name) or Add to existing profile
- Confirm with Import Collection
Queued collection files group together in the Downloads panel. When they finish, install them as usual. Mods already in the Library can be attached without downloading again.
Troubleshooting
No patch files / invalid structure
The selected folder or archive must contain Helldivers 2 patch files or a valid manifest.json. Check that you selected the folder that actually holds those files, not a parent wrapper with only another folder inside.
Note
ReShade presets and similar overlay mods are not supported.
Archive extraction failed
- Confirm the archive is not corrupt
- Confirm there is enough disk space in the mods storage folder (see Settings > Directories)
- Extract manually and import with Folders instead
Mod appears but Options is disabled
Only mods whose manifest.json defines options get an enabled sliders button. Many packs are a single set of patch files with nothing to configure.
Import cancelled
Closing the target-profile picker or cancelling the file dialog leaves the Library unchanged.