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How to Fix “Plugin SML failed to load” Error In Satisfactory

Last Update: 09/12/2024

Satisfactory, created by Swedish video game developer Coffee Stain Studios, is a 3D first-person, factory building and automation game with a single-player and co-op multiplayer mode, developed by Coffee Stain Studios. This game is most similar to Factorio, but more advanced and in 3D-FirstPerson. Originally developed in Unreal Engine 4, but since patch 8 the game has been ported to Unreal Engine 5. And recently, we have noticed that many engineers are troubled by “Plugin SML failed to load” error. In this article, we will discuss the cause and introduce the potential solution.

satisfactory sml failed to load

Part 1. What’s “SML Failed To Load” In Satisfactory & Why This Error Occurs?

Part 2. Potential Fixes for SML Failed To Load Error in Satisfactory

Part 3. How to Enhance Your Satisfactory Gaming Experience

Part 4. Bouns Tips for Satisfactory

Part 1. What’s “SML Failed To Load” In Satisfactory & Why This Error Occurs?

SML means "Satisfactory Mod Loader", which is a tool that does what it says – load mods. Modding a game, especially in the Early Access, can cause some problems. In case of Satisfactory, many players have observed “SML failed to load” message.

Cause of SML Failed To Load Error in Satisfactory

Game Engine Updated: This issue might be caused by major changes introduced to the title with patch called Update 8, as developers upgrades the game engine that it uses to Unreal Engine 5 to create their productions faster and more efficiently. Due to such severe adjustments in the fundamentals, it is understandable that previous versions of SML might have difficulties with running correctly.
Out-of-Date or Incompatible Mods: For now, Satisfactory 1.0 does not “technically” support mods. So the SML Failed To Load Error is most likely due to differing versions. The new functionalities can cause discrepancies in the way certain mods were created or scripted, causing the error to appear. Most mods will be updated over time after a big update. And with 1.0 being the biggest update yet, it may take the modding community some time until everything is compatible again.

Part 2. Potential Fix for SML Failed To Load Error in Satisfactory

To fix “Plugin SML failed to load” error in Satisfactory, you can disable and uninstall all mods and restart the game.

Open Satisfactory Mod Manager (SMM) and uninstall / remove all current Game Mods.

IMPORTANT: All Game Mods should be installed, and removed, using the SMM and not removed manually by deleting Folders which can cause issues.

Find one game mod that you use that has been updated recently and download that. This should update your SMM to the latest SML Version.

Game Mods are slowly being updated to be U8 Compatible, so you might need to wait for your favorite Game Mods to be updated. Please be patient.

Part 3. How to Enhance Your Satisfactory Gaming Experience

If you want to enjoy smooth operation when building your own factory, get rid of lag and packet loss when playing with friends, or you want to have a more stable network connection to avoid crashing and getting stuck on the loading screen issue in Satisfactory, you could use LagoFast.

LagoFast is an excellent game booster that can help you reduce lag and high ping in your video games. At the same time, it boost your game FPS to ensure your smooth gameplay. Moreover, with worldwide server routes, you can swith your server region and connect to server with best perfomance or the one you prefer. With an stable connection and real-time optimization, you can reduce the possibility of crashing and stuck on screen issues. And LagoFast support three-platforms game boost: PC, Mobile and Console. Come and try for free!

Here's the tutorial to boost FPS in Satisfactory:

Step 1. Click Free Trial to download LagoFast.

Free Trial

Step 2. Search “Satisfactory” in the top search bar, and click the result.

plugin sml failed to load satisfactory

Step 3. Select the server then the route you want, and click on “Smart Boost”

satisfactory sml failed to load

Step 4. Then your game has been boosted, you can see the packet loss rate and the ping.

satisfactory plugin sml failed to load

Part 4. Bouns Tips for Satisfactory

How to Fix Satisfactory 1.0 Missing Executable Error

If after downloading and installing the new Satisfactory 1.0 update, you’re getting the Missing Executable Error massage, here’s what you need to do:

Uninstall the game, and redownload it.
After finish installing, verify your game files in the Steam App.
Go to folder \Steam\steamapps\common\Satisfactory and look for the FactoryGameSteam.exe file.
Rename this file to FactoryGame.exe and launch the game.

Why my Satisfactory crashes on startup after updating?

To fix this crashing issue of Satisfactory, engineers could try the following methods:

Verify Game Files

Update Graphics Drivers

Close Background Programs

Disable Overlays And All Installed Mods.

Add “-Dx11” To Launch Options:

Open your Steam App and go to your Library.
Right-click on the Satisfactory and select Properties.
In the Geral tab, type “-dx11” in the launch options field.
Reset the Steam app and start the game.

After 1.0 update, when I look at a coal plant by pressing "E" (configuring), coal will stop getting fed into it.

Until this is hot fixed, engineers can resolve this by opening and closing the UI of the building with coal in your inventory. Otherwise not opening the UI will avoid it from happening, for this you have to save and load your session.

Conclusion

In this article, we recommend the most potential solution to the Satisfactory SML failed to load issue and we provide some additional tips of Satisfactory. We hope those can help you. And if you have any other game issues in anyone of your video games, do not hesitate to try LagoFast. Enjoy your happy gaming!