trollauncher VS anno1800-mod-loader

There are several ways to do this. I think most people probably use MultiMC. If you don't want to use MultiMC, you could consider using a tool I wrote for a similar purpose: https://github.com/tprk77/trollauncher

For the mod loader, I use this one https://github.com/xforce/anno1800-mod-loader/releases. It's required in some of the mods I use. I do not recommend the mod loaders on Nexus. One is outdated, and the other comes with an immense amount of virus warnings. It also began causing my game to crash which required me to reinstall the game. For the mods folder, you create one. The folder should be named 'mods' all lowercase. I bought my game on Steam, so I have the mods folder with the main game files.

Not sure why this comment was downvoted… This is actually meow FYI. See https://github.com/xforce and https://github.com/xforce/anno1800-mod-loader

Also, on the topic of mods, look at the github repo for it. Security reporting is disabled: https://github.com/xforce/anno1800-mod-loader/security

This is the modloader (two files that will enable mods) and if you click the README it will bring you to the installation guide for the modloader and the mods (basically just where to put the files, there is no actual installation process).

You said you tried different modloaders but to be sure did you try the original modloader (it's just two .dll files that you have to copy in anno's directory) without any mods at all? (to avoid issues with custom modmanagers) If it works then try adding the mod, of course be sure it's the latest version.

You need the two .dll files found here: https://github.com/xforce/anno1800-mod-loader/releases/download/v0.9.4/loader.zip

You download a Modloader here. Then go to Nexus and find mods you like, download and unpack them to the game's directory. That's about it. It's a very mod-friendly game as far as I know.