When the Console of a PlayNHost Factorio server shows Failed to load mod <name>: Incompatible Factorio version (current: 2.0, required: 2.1), one mod in the mods folder was built for another Factorio version than the server runs, and Factorio refuses to start with it. Update that mod to a matching release, or remove it, then start again.
Fix it
- Read the line in the Console. It names the mod, the version the server runs (
current) and the version the mod needs (required). - Open the Modding tab and click Installed. Find the mod.
- If Update shows on it, click it: updates only offer releases for your server's version. Or open Options for on it, choose Choose a version, and pick a release made for the
currentversion. - If no release fits, open Options for and choose Uninstall. Remove the mods that need it too.
- Start the server and wait for
Hosting game at.
You can also delete the mod's .zip in the mods folder under Files. Mod files are named name_version.zip, for example somemod_1.2.0.zip.
Why did it happen?
- The game and the mod moved apart. Factorio 2.1 became stable on 23 October 2026, and Wube warned that some mods would not be ready yet (Friday Facts #449). A server that updated to 2.1 refuses a mod that only has 2.0 releases, and the other way round.
- A zip uploaded by hand was built for another version. The Modding tab picks the matching release for you; files you upload yourself are not checked.
- A version switch. After moving between
experimentalandlatest, mods installed for one may not fit the other: How to switch your Factorio server to the experimental version.
Can I keep the mod by holding the game version?
Only if the server still runs the version the mod needs. Setting Factorio Version to a number holds the installed build; it does not install an older one: How to update your Factorio server. Players would then need that same older version too.
Related: How to update or remove mods on your Factorio server, Factorio server problems and fixes.
