Get the current Windows setup file, keep the manager separate from your game, and verify the first profile before adding a full modpack.
For a normal installation, use r2modman-Setup-3.2.19.exe from the current release. The setup build integrates with Windows like a regular desktop app and is the simplest option to maintain. A portable executable can help with temporary testing, but it should not be confused with the installer or placed inside a game folder.
Keep r2modman in a normal application location, separate from Steam libraries, BepInEx, and the game itself. The manager needs to serve multiple games and profiles. Separating it from game files also makes updates, removal, and troubleshooting safer because an app update cannot be mistaken for a game-file change.
Choose the game, open Settings → Locations, and compare the detected path with Steam’s Browse local files result. Create a blank profile, install the community-required loader, add one well-documented mod, and use Start modded. This produces a small, observable baseline before a large modpack adds dozens of variables.
The manager installer and third-party mod DLLs have different trust boundaries. If Windows or security software blocks a file, confirm its exact filename, version, size, and SHA-512 value before deciding what to allow. Do not disable system-wide protection merely to run an unknown DLL. The download center lists the current installer checksum and release context.
Before updating the manager or a large modpack, export the profile as a code and .r2z file, copy any irreplaceable configs, and keep a known-good profile. After an update, test the loader first and restore mods in small batches. This keeps manager changes, game updates, and mod updates from becoming one untraceable failure.
A normal per-user installation usually should not require permanent administrator access. Follow Windows policy prompts when required, but avoid solving game-path problems by always running everything as administrator.
It is not recommended. Keep the application, game, and profile data separate so updates and removal do not overwrite unrelated files.
The download center includes the complete public release archive with each version’s original assets.
Research note: September 13, 2026 snapshot. Release assets and platform behavior can change; verify important details again before installation.
Recommended path: read this guide → download or create a minimal profile → record the result → expand to the full modpack.