[OUTDATED] How to "Update" "Old" Mods That Just Need a Version Change

Stellaris updates so often that mod authors often don't bother to update the version number even when that is all that needs to change. So here's a guide to doing that on your own.

So you have that little Icon

Stellaris updates so often that mod authors often don't bother to update the version number even when that is all that needs to change. So here's a guide to doing that on your own. From my experiments, it looks like steam does not actually update mod files unless you unsub or the mod author makes an update of some kind, so you should only need to do this when you unsub, or Stellaris or the mod are updated. Remember that mods can be updated fairly often if it's an active author. Authors will often post a link to another mod and leave one or the other for legacy so watch for that as well. Moving on!

And it's annoying

Now, how do you fix this? Start by going to the mod workshop page. The URL for the page has the number steam uses to identify the mod at the end of it. You will need this number.
Now you need to go to:
C:\Users\<your user profile name>\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod.
In this folder you will find a whole bunch of .mod files. These are really just txt files, so you can open them with any old text editor. Remember that number I had you find? Here is where you need it. ugc_<mod id number>.mod. You need to open the file with the id number of the mod you want to change.

But it's an easy fix

Almost there! Now in the file you just opened, you will find a line that looks like this:
supported_version = "2.3.1"
All you have to do from here is change the version number to your current version. Whatever that is. To save a bit of time between minor updates, you can replace the patch number (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH) with an asterisk (*). E.g. 2.3.*
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Save that ♥♥♥♥♥, and you're done! Have fun purging those xenos!

[The Piano Armstrong]

is there a non outdated version? And how do you update a mod that requires a previous game version to work?

[Snaximus]

For anyone on the current version (2.8.* as of 11/11/20), after changing the version in the notepad, right click the file and set it to "read-only". After opening the Stellaris launcher again, disable and reenable all mods, and the errors should disappear.

[Professor UwU]

@Pork, right click the file, look for the option that says "open with", ten open it with notepad or word

[Pork]

So all my files in mods are videos and I cant open them, help?

[Stolas OVO]

whenever I changed it and play the game nothing changes, am I doing something wrong?

[electroboy11]

Can't find it help plz

[lordsith54]

god will give a speacial place in heaven just for you! lol in all seriousness thnaks!!!

[Randomgamer]

THX

[Daughter]

If the version has a third digit like 2.5.1 do you keep the asterisk or replace it with the third digit? Thanks :)

[Zipr]

This piece of advice does work, but there needs to be a warning attached. If you update the mod version in the file, and it turns out the base code of the game has changed so the mod no longer works - or worse, crashes the game - you just wasted your time and caused frustration. Keep that in mind when you're modding, and realize that you are not a developer - just a player that wants a better gaming experience. Modding is not a panacea, and messing with game files may cause unintended consequences.