Install and Test

The final step is to install the forged mod and load it through PDML.

Runtime prerequisite

PDML is the runtime mod loader used by CrimeForge mods.

CrimeForge creates mods as Unreal plugins, and PDML discovers and handles those plugin-based mods when PAYDAY 3 starts.

Install the forged mod

Place the forged mod in:

PAYDAY3/Mods/

For example:

PAYDAY3/
`-- Mods/
    `-- MyFirstMod/
        |-- MyFirstMod.uplugin
        `-- ...

Use the folder produced by CrimeForge rather than moving only an individual .pak file out of it.

PDML mods belong in PAYDAY3/Mods/.

Do not install normal CrimeForge/PDML mods into PAYDAY3/Content/Paks/.

Keeping mods in the dedicated Mods directory separates community mods from the game’s own cooked content and gives PDML a clean location to discover and manage them.

Launch PAYDAY 3

Start the game with PDML installed.

Verify that PDML initializes successfully before diagnosing the individual mod.

Then verify that your newly forged mod is discovered and loaded.

If the game does not load the mod

Check, in this order:

  1. The Forge completed without cook errors.

  2. The complete mod folder is under PAYDAY3/Mods/.

  3. PDML initialized successfully.

  4. The plugin and mount structure matches the selected mod type.

  5. Required dependencies are present.

  6. The game and modkit versions are compatible.

See Troubleshooting for error-oriented guides.

You now have the complete pipeline

You have gone through the fundamental workflow:

Create plugin mod
  -> Author
  -> Validate
  -> Forge
     -> Cook selected assets
     -> Package mod
  -> Install to PAYDAY3/Mods/
  -> PDML loads mod
  -> Test

That same pipeline is the foundation for more advanced PAYDAY 3 mods.

Next: Next Steps.