## Feature Request: Optional Epic Loot usage for clients #710
Description
Background:
Before Epic Loot version 0.11.x, players who did not have the mod installed could still join modded servers without issues — they simply wouldn't interact with loot features. This made it easy to have a mixed community of players: some using Epic Loot, and others playing "vanilla."
As of version 0.11.x (including 0.11.3), this compatibility seems to be broken. Now, players who do not have Epic Loot installed receive an "incompatible version" error when trying to join servers with Epic Loot enabled. This change, while understandable from a data consistency and anti-cheat standpoint, unfortunately removes a lot of flexibility.
Request:
Please consider adding a configuration option (perhaps in the server config or epicloot.cfg) that would allow "optional client mod usage" — meaning:
- The server runs Epic Loot as normal.
- Clients with the mod get access to loot, enchantments, etc.
- Clients without the mod can still join and play (but won’t see Epic Loot gear or interact with its systems).
Use Case:
We run a small dedicated Valheim server for friends using DatHost. Some players enjoy the RPG and loot mechanics, while others prefer the vanilla experience. We'd love to be able to continue supporting both play styles without forcing everyone to install the mod.
Alternative Workaround:
The only current workaround is to downgrade to Epic Loot 0.10.x — which is not ideal, as it lacks recent improvements.
Thank you for your awesome work and for considering this suggestion!