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Learn how to install custom skins and mods for League of Legends using the Fantome mod format.

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Prerequisites

Before installing mods, ensure you have:
  • cslol-manager installed and running
  • League of Legends game path configured
  • Downloaded .fantome or .zip mod files from trusted sources

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Installation Methods

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Method 1: Install from Fantome/Zip File

This is the most common method for installing pre-packaged mods.
1

Open the File Dialog

In cslol-manager, click the Install Mod button or use the file menu to open the mod installation dialog.The application accepts both .fantome and .zip file formats.
2

Select Your Mod File

Browse to the location where you downloaded your mod file and select it.Supported formats:
  • .fantome - Standard Fantome mod format
  • .zip - Compressed mod archives
3

Wait for Import Process

The manager will automatically:
  • Extract the mod contents
  • Validate the mod structure (checks for META/info.json)
  • Optimize against game files to reduce size
  • Remove unmodified entries when rebasing
You’ll see status updates during this process:
  • Installing Mod
  • Done! when complete
4

Verify Installation

Once installed, the mod will appear in your mod list with:
  • Mod name, version, and author information
  • Preview image (if included)
  • Installation status
The mod is now ready to be added to a profile.

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Method 2: Install from RAW Folder

For advanced users working with unpacked mod files.
1

Prepare Your Folder

Ensure your folder contains:
  • META/info.json with mod metadata
  • WAD/ directory with .wad.client files
  • Optional: META/image.png for preview
2

Use Import Command

The mod-tools CLI will detect the folder structure and import it:
mod-tools import ./MyModFolder ./installed/MyMod --game:/path/to/league
3

Check Results

The imported mod will be optimized and appear in the installed mods directory.

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What Happens During Installation

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Automatic Optimization

When you install a mod, cslol-manager automatically:
  1. Rebases against game files - Compares mod files with original game WADs
  2. Strips unmodified entries - Removes files identical to the base game
  3. Filters TFT assets - Excludes Teamfight Tactics files if the blacklist option is enabled
  4. Validates structure - Ensures the mod has required metadata

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File Structure

Installed mods are stored in: 
cslol-manager/
└── installed/
    └── ModName V1.0 by Author/
        ├── META/
        │   ├── info.json      # Mod metadata
        │   └── image.png      # Preview image (optional)
        └── WAD/
            └── *.wad.client   # Game asset files

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Common Installation Issues

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”Already exists” Error

If you see this error:
  • A mod with the same name is already installed
  • Delete the existing mod first, or
  • Rename the new mod file before installing

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Missing mod-tools.exe

If installation fails with this error:
  • Verify your anti-virus isn’t blocking cslol-tools/mod-tools.exe
  • Reinstall cslol-manager to restore missing files
  • Check the log.txt file for detailed error information

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Import Failed

If the import process fails:
  • Ensure the mod file isn’t corrupted
  • Verify the mod is compatible with your League version
  • Check that the League of Legends path is correctly configured

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Next Steps

After installing mods:

Managing Profiles

Learn how to organize mods into profiles

Creating Mods

Create your own custom mods
Performance Tip: Enable the TFT blacklist option in settings if you only play Summoner’s Rift. This reduces mod size and overlay build time by excluding Teamfight Tactics assets.

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