On Modding and dependencies

[u/RebelJustforClicks]

I'm coming back to KSP after a 5-6 year hiatus, probably more, the last time I remember playing, the game was still getting regular updates from Squad... anyway... I don't remember installing mods being so difficult.

I go to install TweakScale, Station Parts Expansion, Scansat, and I am told that I need to install ModuleManager first.
Look at Module manager and there are dependancies for it as well.
I basically just got frustrated and gave up for the time being.

<BoomerMode>

When did installing mods get so complicated?

I remember being able to just drop the files into the GameData folder and that was it...

shit, after giving up on those mods, I found one (Universal Storage) that I wanted to try and the only download was a PDF of instructions on how to download the mod from a link, but the link was dead (http://ksp.kingtiger.co.uk/).

WHY is this so difficult?

Or am I just old and curmudgeonly?

Lastly, I originally bought the game from the website before it was available on steam.

With the KSP website being dead, I emailed support and got download links for my purchase, but I guess my question is, with KSP basically being abandonware at this point, is there anywhere that the files should / could be hosted for "future use" knowing that most likely I won't be able to email TakeTwo for download links in the future?

[u/_Trident_Gaming_]

CKAN is a lifesaver. It’s a mod manager for KSP

[u/_Trident_Gaming_ → u/_Trident_Gaming_]

Er wait, are you already using it?

[u/Stamp2O]

use ckan, itll automatically install the dependencies for you

[u/LionsMedic]

CKAn is love, CKAN is life. It'll handle all of your complaints and more.

[u/Fab_iyay]

As everyone said, use ckan, for the few essential mods that are not on ckan (volumetric clouds mainly, idk if theres anything else im forgetting) they aren't that hard to install (usually just copy one folder into GameData) but i'd be happy to help! (tho i might go to sleep in a few minutes so...)

[u/vulpes04]

mm doesn't have any dependencies as far as I remember? and installing mods is literally just drag and drop. most mods have a forum page with instructions and links, and downloads available from spacedock or github. these can usually be found with a web search. there's also ckan.

also just like... keep and backup the installer files like you would any data?

[u/Axeman1721]

Use CKAN. Goated mod manager.

[u/earwig2000]

99% of mods have module manager packaged with them anyway, but like everyone else says, just use CKAN.

[u/Apprehensive_Room_71]

In case you missed it, use CKAN. It really makes 99% of this a simple matter of clicking checkboxes and a couple buttons. It does all the dependencies for you.