Games are folders. A mod pack is a folder of folders, a world is a folder, a playtest build is an executable next to a data folder it can't run without. When you want to share game files with a friend, a playtester or another one of your own PCs, the structure matters as much as the files — one misplaced subfolder and the game won't load.
What game files do people actually share?
| What | Typical shape | What breaks if structure is lost |
|---|---|---|
| Mod pack | Folder with many subfolders, configs and archives | Mods not detected, wrong load order, missing configs |
| Save files | A few files or a profile folder | Save not recognized or corrupted |
| World / map | One folder with region and data files | World won't open |
| Game build for testers | Executable + data folder + libraries | Build won't start |
| Replays, recordings, clips | Large video files | Nothing, but they are big |
Two examples of why the folder matters:
- A Minecraft Java Edition world is a folder. By default it lives in the
savesfolder inside.minecraft— on Windows,%appdata%\.minecraft\saves. Send the world's own folder, not just some files from it. - A Unity game built for Windows is an executable plus a
<ProjectName>_Datafolder that holds the data the build needs, andUnityPlayer.dllwith the engine code. Send only the.exeand the build will not run.
How do I share game files with friends?
There are several ways, and each fits a different case:
| Method | Keeps folders | Free size limit | Upload first? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discord / chat upload | No | Small, depends on the app and plan | Yes | Single small configs, screenshots |
| Cloud drive (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) | Online, usually zipped on download | Your storage quota | Yes | Files that must stay available |
| Mod sites, Steam Workshop | Managed by the site | Site rules | Yes (publish) | Public mods for everyone |
| USB drive at a LAN party | Yes | Drive capacity | No | Everyone in one room |
| StrongFolder (P2P) | Yes, no ZIP | None set by the service | No | Private mod packs, saves, worlds, test builds |
For a private group, a direct transfer is the fastest route from "I have it" to "you have it": choose the folder, drop the link into the group chat, done. Nobody waits for an upload, and nothing is left on a server afterwards.
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How do I send a mod pack so everyone has the same setup?
Version mismatches are the classic multiplayer headache. The reliable fix is to share the exact folder you play with:
- Close the game and the mod manager.
- Find the mod folder or mod-manager profile you want to share.
- In StrongFolder, click Upload Folder, choose it and copy the link.
- Each friend saves the folder and points their game or mod manager to it, or copies it into place.
Folders are sent as folders: subfolders and file names are kept, nothing is zipped. To save the whole folder in one go, friends should open the link in Chrome, Edge or Opera on a computer. Saving a whole folder with its structure uses the File System Access API: Chrome, Edge, Opera and other Chromium browsers on a computer. Other browsers can download the files one by one or as a ZIP.
How do I send a game build to playtesters?
Indie developers often need to get a fresh build to a handful of testers today, not after a store review. A direct link works well for that:
- Send the whole build folder, not the executable alone.
- One link serves the whole test group. One link can be opened by several recipients; each downloads directly from the sender.
- When the session is over, click Stop Sharing — the build is no longer available, and no copy stays on a server.
For public demos, regular updates and patching, use a distribution platform such as Steam playtests or itch.io instead: they handle updates, accounts and availability while you are offline.
Can I use it at a LAN party?
Yes. Everyone opens the same link and downloads from the host's computer — no USB stick passed around, no "who has the latest version". WebRTC picks the most direct route it can find between the two devices. Simultaneous downloads share the sender's upload bandwidth, so for a big pack, consider letting the first friend who finishes share it again from their own machine.
When should I not use StrongFolder for game files?
- You want to publish a mod to everyone. Use a mod site or Steam Workshop: they handle discovery, versions and updates.
- Testers download whenever they like over several days. A cloud folder or a distribution platform stays available while you are offline; a StrongFolder link does not.
- You can't keep your PC on. The sender's browser tab must stay open and online until the recipient finishes downloading — files come from the sender's device, not from a server.
- The files aren't yours to share. Commercial game copies, cracked files or other people's paid content — don't share them with any tool.
Is it safe?
WebRTC encrypts every data channel with DTLS, so the file stream is encrypted in transit on every connection. Files are never uploaded to or stored on a StrongFolder server. The transfer itself is protected, but a mod or a build can contain executable code. Download game files only from people you trust, scan executables before running them, and send your link only to the people who should have it. More in Security & privacy.
Summary
To share game files, send the folder as it is — mods, saves, worlds and builds depend on their structure. A direct peer-to-peer link gets a private mod pack or a test build to your group without zipping or uploading; mod sites, Steam Workshop and distribution platforms are better for public releases and long-lived downloads. Moving a game library between your own computers? See Mac to Windows file transfer and How to send large files.