ChunkLoader (Unofficial Fix)

This is an unofficial fix for the currently broken ChunkLoader mod by Frogger. All credits for the original idea and code go to Frogger. I will take this down once the original author updates their mod.

What is this?

Valheim normally unloads the world (chunks/zones) when players move far away. This causes processing workstations (like Smelters, Kilns, etc.) to pause their active processing while you are away. This mod adds a Chunk Loader Stone, called Observation Pillar in-game (found in the Hammer build menu, misc category), that forces the surrounding game zone to stay active in real-time, even when you are on the other side of the map! Perfect for keeping your automatic farms and workstations running continuously.

Changes in this fork

• Fixed for Valheim Deep North (v1.x.x): The original mod threw Harmony exceptions on FindSectorObjects and InActiveArea due to game code changes in the Deep North update. This version updates the Harmony patches to match the new game methods.
• Fixed NullReferenceException: Added safety checks to prevent errors when shaders are missing.
• Ghost Mode (performance): Objects in chunk-loaded areas far away from you are no longer rendered and their lights, sounds, particles and wear-and-tear ticks are paused. The chunks keep running, but distant bases put far less load on your rendering and FPS. Can be disabled or tuned in the config.
• Fixed startup hang: Fixed an infinite loop during localization setup that could freeze the game on the black screen before the main menu.
• Safe Upgrade Path: Mod GUID is changed to com.zeecamelsnake.ChunkLoaderFix to avoid conflicts, but the in-game Prefab name remains identical. This means your previously built Chunk Loader Stones will NOT disappear when you switch to this fix!

Installation

Using a Mod Manager (Recommended)

1. Uninstall Frogger's original ChunkLoader (if present).
2. Install this mod via one of the following mod managers:
   • Gale
   • r2modman
   • Thunderstore Mod Manager

Manual Installation

1. Uninstall Frogger's original ChunkLoader (if present).
2. Install BepInExPack Valheim.
3. Install YamlDotNet (or via NexusMods).
4. Extract ChunkLoader.dll directly into your BepInEx\plugins folder.

Configuration

A new config file (com.zeecamelsnake.ChunkLoaderFix.cfg) will be generated. You can configure:

• If fuel is required
• Max Chunk Loaders per player
• Range of the chunk loader (Load surrounding chunks: only the pillar's own chunk or a 3x3 grid of 9 chunks, default: own chunk only)
• Ghost Mode on/off (Enable Ghost Mode, default: on)
• Ghost Mode distance (Ghost Mode distance, default: 200 m, minimum: 50 m)

Compatibility

• Built for Valheim Deep North (v1.x.x). Should also work with older versions, but this is not tested.
• Requires: BepInExPack Valheim and YamlDotNet.
• Multiplayer: The mod must be installed on the server and on all clients. Config values are synced from the server, and all players need the same mod version to connect.
• Replaces Frogger's original ChunkLoader. Do not run both at the same time.

Safe to Uninstall

Yes. The mod only stores data on its own Chunk Loader Stones and does not modify anything else in your world or character save. Ghost Mode only pauses components at runtime and saves nothing. After uninstalling, the game removes your built Chunk Loader Stones from the world as soon as their area is loaded. This only happens once per stone, so the harmless "Missing prefab" warnings in the log disappear afterwards. Note that reinstalling the mod later will not bring removed stones back.

As always, make a backup of your world and character saves before installing, updating or removing mods, just to be safe.

Feedback and Bug Reports

Please report any issues or leave feedback on the NexusMods page of this mod.

Recommended Companion Mod

If you are using Chunk Loader to keep automated mob farms running, we highly recommend our new mod: Phantom Viking's Presence (or via NexusMods). It places a runestone that tricks nearby enemy spawners into triggering even when you are not there!

Support

Creating and maintaining mods takes a lot of free time. If this mod has enhanced your playthrough, you can support me on Ko-fi. Every little bit helps keep me caffeinated for the next update!

Changelog

v1.1.0

New: Ghost Mode (performance optimization)

• Objects in chunk-loaded areas that are far away from the player now enter "ghost mode": renderers, LOD groups, audio sources, lights, particle systems, light flicker, smoke spawners and wear-and-tear ticks are paused until you come back in range. The chunks themselves stay active.
• New config section Performance:
  • Enable Ghost Mode (default: true)
  • Ghost Mode distance (default: 200 m, minimum 50 m)

Changes

• Load surrounding chunks now defaults to false: a pillar keeps only its own chunk active instead of a 3x3 grid of 9 chunks. This is enough in most cases and noticeably reduces the performance impact. Existing config files keep their current value, so set it to false manually if you want the new behavior (on servers, the server's value applies).

Fixes

• Fixed a startup hang on the black screen before the main menu (endless "Loaded localization file #..." log spam). Depending on mod list and load order, the translation injection could trigger infinite recursion during Valheim's localization initialization. Translations still work as before.
• The build menu name and description of the pillar are now localized instead of hardcoded English. Note: The piece is now shown with its original name Observation Pillar (or the translation for your language) instead of "Chunk Loader". Already built pillars are not affected, and characters that already unlocked the piece keep it in their build menu.

v1.0.4

• Fixed a critical bug where terrain modifications (like Hoe operations) would reset in chunk loaded areas.
• Fixed a constant NullReferenceException spam in TerrainComp.
• Removed harmless but annoying "Chunk loader doesn't have an owner" warning spam from the server console.

1.0.3

• Fixed a major issue where loading a savegame or teleporting could hang indefinitely.
• Fixed console warning spam about Chunk Loaders missing an owner.

1.0.2

• Hotfix: YamlDotNet is now listed as a required dependency to fix FileNotFoundException crashes on load. This prevents potential version conflicts with other mods.

1.0.1

• Fixed support/feedback links in the documentation to point to the correct NexusMods pages.
• Internal version bump for consistency.

1.0.0

• Initial release of the unofficial fix.
• Fixed harmony patches for Valheim Deep North (v1.x.x).
• Added safety checks to prevent NullReferenceExceptions when shaders are missing.