The Isle director Don is urging players to be careful with client-side mods as some now add new systems and require extra downloads. Depending on how they are built, programs installed on a PC may access files, network connections, or hardware. In a Nov. 4 Steam commentary, Don distinguishes those tools from server-side mods, whose changes only affect the server a player joins.
Voice chat illustrates the tradeoff. It needs microphone access, and audio may pass through servers The Isle’s developers do not operate or vouch for. Don stressed that this does not make voice chat or any particular mod malicious, but players should be able to trust both the creator and the people running the service.
His concern is that harmful software can be disguised as a mod, cheat, or must-have tool. Don also argues that AI tools make it easier for people with little technical experience to build mods, potentially lowering the effort needed to create malicious software. He is not accusing any specific mod or server, and says the warning is not meant to put a stop to modding.
How to check a mod before installing it
Don recommends choosing mods with publicly available source code when possible. Open source does not guarantee safety, but it gives others a chance to review what the program does. Look for creators and download sources you trust, and do not treat a mod’s popularity as proof that it is safe.
Never enter Steam login details or other account credentials into a mod or its website. If you are unsure about a download, ask the community before installing it or skip it. Don also asked client-side mod creators to make their code public where possible and explain clearly what their mods access and why.
What would you want to know about a client-side mod before installing it? Follow the conversations around player-made tools on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
The Isle
Developed by Afterthought Games
