GAMEPLAY Q&A

Q Do we need to start a new save game for Asylum Overhaul 2.6.1

A fresh save is recommended, but it may not be strictly required.

Existing saves from earlier versions may continue to work, however we cannot guarantee full compatibility. Changes between versions can sometimes affect items, systems, or world generation.

For the most stable experience, starting a new save is always the safest option, especially after major updates.

Q: How can I check which Asylum version I’m running?

There are two ways to confirm which version of Asylum Overhaul is currently installed for 7 Days to Die.

Method 1 – Check the download file name
Look at the Asylum file downloaded from the update channel. The version number is included in the file name (for example: 2.6.1).

Method 2 – Check the Asylum Core mod file
Open the folder:

AppData/Roaming/7DaysToDie/Mods/0-TheAsylumCore

Inside that folder open the ModInfo.xml file.

The version will be listed in the file similar to this:

<Version value="2.6.1" />

This confirms the exact version of the overhaul currently installed.

Q Is there any way to keep progress from an old save

No official way exists to migrate progress. Players who wish to retain progress must manually recreate it using admin or cheat tools.

Q Why does brightness keep resetting to very dark in Asylum

Brightness resetting to a very dark level is intentional behavior in Asylum. The mod is designed to enforce a dark, oppressive visual atmosphere as part of its horror theme.

Q Is the brightness reset a bug

No. This is not a bug. Brightness resetting after being set higher (such as 80% or above) is working as intended.

Q Can brightness be permanently increased or locked

No. There is currently no option to permanently lock or maintain higher brightness levels in Asylum. The mod overrides brightness settings by design.

Q Why was this design choice made

The enforced darkness is a core part of Asylum’s intended experience, meant to increase tension, fear, and difficulty.

Q Are there accessibility options for players with sensitive eyesight

Crimson Goggles

Q What are Crimson Goggles used for?

Crimson Goggles are a special item in the Asylum Overhaul for 7 Days to Die designed to counter the visual effects caused by the Bloodlust mechanic.

Q What do Crimson Goggles do?

Crimson Goggles remove the visual distortion and screen effects triggered by the Bloodlust effect, allowing clear vision during combat and high-intensity encounters.

Q Where can Crimson Goggles be obtained?

Crimson Goggles can now be purchased from traders.

This allows players to remove the Bloodlust visual effects without relying on other temporary workarounds.

Q Was the starter kit removed in Asylum Overhaul 2.6.1

Only the starting gun and knife were removed.
All other starter kit items remain the same as previous versions.

For a full breakdown of what each class starts with, see the Classes section of the wiki.

Q Why don’t players start with a pistol anymore

Starting pistols were removed as part of early-game rebalancing in 2.6.1. Early combat is now intended to rely on scavenging and progression rather than starting weapons.

Q Why is the starting knife missing or not working

The knife was affected by changes in 2.6.1 and no longer functions as a starting item. This is related to progression and item balance changes in the update.

Q Is this change intentional

Yes. Asylum Overhaul 2.6.1 is designed around reduced starting power, fresh progression, and mastery-based growth

Q Is there any way to lower smell quickly in Asylum

Smell can be reduced slowly over time by:

• Submerging in water
• Using wet rags
• Using the UBBI shower

These methods gradually reduce the smell effect rather than removing it instantly.

Q Does swimming remove smell

Swimming or fully submerging in water reduces smell over time, but it does not instantly clear it.

Q What are wet rags and how do they work

Wet rags can be crafted using a plain bandage and clean water.
They help reduce smell gradually and are intended as a management tool, not a quick fix.

Q: Headlight not working after the update

This happens if the headlight was obtained before the update (pre-update / pre-cave).
Old headlights can bug out after updates and will not function correctly.

Fix

• The old headlight cannot be repaired
  
  

• Replace it with a new headlight
  
  

How to replace

• Craft a new headlight
  or
  
  

• Spawn a new one from the creative menu
  
  

Once replaced, the headlight works normally.

Applies to

• Pre-update → post-update saves
  
  

• Pre-cave → post-cave versions

Q: How do I install a battery into a headlight?

Make sure the batteries are unpacked first.

Remove the headlight mod from the helmet and place it in inventory.
Repair the headlight mod itself (not the helmet).
Repairing the mod installs a battery if the battery bar is empty.
Re-equip the headlight onto the helmet.
Press F to turn the light on.

If the battery bar is full, a new battery cannot be added.

Q: Why can’t I add a battery to my headlight?

The battery bar is already full.
The batteries are still in a packet and not unpacked.
The helmet is being repaired instead of the headlight mod.

Q: Where do I find headlight batteries?

Headlight batteries can be:

• Found in caves
  
  

• Crafted at a workbench
  
  

Q: My headlight still doesn’t work after adding a battery

If the headlight was obtained before an update, it may be bugged.
Old headlights cannot be fixed and must be replaced with a new one.

Q: Why can’t I install a crucible in the forge?

The crucible does not go in the regular forge.

The standard forge only accepts:

• Anvil
  
  

• Bellows
  
  

• Sledgehammer
  
  

The crucible is used in the Advanced Forge only.

Q: How do I get Research Data for the Data Center?

Research Data is obtained by scrapping books and magazines that are not needed.
Scrap unwanted books and mags to generate Research Data.

Q Is there a compatible stack mod for Asylum?

A separate stack mod is not required.

Asylum Overhaul for 7 Days to Die already includes its own built-in stack system called Robotic Inbox.

This system manages larger stack sizes and inventory handling within the overhaul, so additional stack mods are not needed and may cause conflicts.

Q: How do I unlock Depleted Uranium Cores?

Depleted Uranium Cores are unlocked through progression and crafting stations.
You must unlock and use the Advanced Chemical Station.

The unlock becomes available around level 65.

Q: Are uranium bullets part of the game?

Yes. Uranium bullets are unlocked when Depleted Uranium Cores are unlocked.
Both are tied to progression and require the Advanced Chemical Station.

Q: Is there a way to remove the dizziness effect from Bloodlust?

YES.There are Crimson goggles available to buy from traders, these remove the effect of bloodlust and keep the perks 

Q: What item removes the Bloodlust visual distortion?

Crimson Clarity (helmet goggles).

These goggles:

• Remove the disorienting / psychedelic screen effects from Bloodlust
  
  

• Keep all combat bonuses from Bloodlust active
  
  

• Work by filtering the visual distortion only
  
  

Q: How does Crimson Clarity work?

Crimson Clarity is equipped as a helmet visor / goggles.
Once equipped, the Bloodlust effect remains active without the dizziness or screen warping.

Q: I can’t interact with loot containers, but doors and vehicles still work. Why?

This is a vanilla 7 Days to Die issue, not related to Asylum or any overhaul.

It commonly triggers after:

• Using in-game global chat
  
  

• Extended play sessions without a full restart
  
  

When it happens:

• Loot containers and tables stop responding to the interact key
  
  

• Doors, vehicles, and other interactions still work

• Try  destroying the last thing looted (usually toilets) this usually fixes the issue
  
  

Q: Is this an Asylum mod bug?

No.
This is a TFP (base game) issue.

Q How can this issue be fixed?

The known fix is to find the last toilet that was looted and destroy it.

If the problem occurs, return to the last toilet that was interacted with and break it. Destroying the toilet usually clears the issue and allows gameplay to continue normally.

If the exact toilet cannot be located, the following workarounds may also help:

• Fully close the game
• Restart Steam
• Reload the save

A simple relog may not always resolve the issue. Restarting Steam is often required.

Q Do new patch files need to be added to both the client and the server?

Yes. Patch files must be installed on both the server and every client connecting to it.

If the server is updated but the client is not, players will experience errors, missing assets, red console messages, or connection failures. If the client is updated but the server is not, version mismatch issues will occur.

For dedicated servers:
• Upload the patch files to the server’s Mods folder
• Overwrite when prompted
• Restart the server fully

For players:
• Install the same patch into the local Mods folder
• Ensure old files are properly overwritten
• Launch without EAC if required by the overhaul

Both sides must match exactly. Version mismatch = chaos.

Removing The Descent (Cave System)

Q How to remove the cave system from Asylum Overhaul?

The cave system used in Asylum comes from The Descent modules. If caves are not desired, the related modlets can be removed before starting a new world in 7 Days to Die.

Files to Remove

Delete the following folders from the Mods directory:

• 1-thedescent
• 7D2D-mod-utils
• FalloutPropsMod
• KevBal_MegaPack_I
• Serenity
• TheDescent-cave-assets
• TheDescent-cave-entities
• TheDescent-cave-lights
• TheDescent-cave-prefabs
• zAutoRepairLights

Important Notes

• Removing these folders disables all cave systems.
• This must be done before generating a new world.
• Existing worlds generated with caves will break if the cave files are removed afterwards.

If caves are removed, the game will generate maps normally but without any underground cave networks.