What Is the IW6-Mod Client and How Do You Install It?

Updated

IW6-Mod is the AlterWare client for Call of Duty: Ghosts. It restores features removed from the original release, patches known exploits, adds modding support, and includes a dedicated server browser. You install it by downloading the AlterWare Launcher, which automatically downloads and updates IW6-Mod alongside the other supported clients. This guide is for Ghosts players who want the enhanced client and a working install path.

What IW6-Mod Adds to Ghosts

AlterWare describes its clients around five capabilities, all of which apply to IW6-Mod:

  • Restored features — content and functionality removed from the original game are brought back.
  • Additional content — extra weapons and maps ported from other Call of Duty titles.
  • Security patches — exploits present in the Steam versions are patched.
  • Modding support — the community can create and share new content.
  • Dedicated servers — host your own or join community-hosted servers, with a full server browser for discovery.

The client is community-driven; AlterWare reports a Discord of over 16,500 members used for support and updates.

Before You Install

  • A legitimate copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts. IW6-Mod is a client for the base game, not a standalone replacement.
  • The AlterWare Launcher. This is the supported install path for IW6-Mod. AlterWare's download dialog states the launcher "automatically downloads and updates IW4-SP, IW5-Mod, IW6-Mod and S1-Mod clients."
  • Note on T7x: The standalone T7x client is for Black Ops 3 only and is placed directly in the BO3 game directory. It is not the install method for IW6-Mod.

How to Install IW6-Mod

  1. Go to the AlterWare site and open the Download section.
  2. Under "Choose your preferred download method," select AlterWare Launcher and download it.
  3. Run the launcher. It will download and update the IW6-Mod client automatically as part of its managed client set.
  4. For step-by-step setup and troubleshooting, open the Installation Guide linked from the download dialog, which points to a detailed guide on the AlterWare forum.

Expected result: the launcher manages your IW6-Mod install and keeps it current, so you don't need to manually patch the client after release updates.

Joining or Hosting Servers

Once installed, IW6-Mod includes a full server browser. You can join community-hosted dedicated servers directly, or host your own. Server discovery happens through the in-client browser rather than a separate tool.

Common Sticking Points

  • Using the wrong download. T7x is Black Ops 3 only. For Ghosts, use the AlterWare Launcher.
  • Skipping the guide. The download dialog explicitly links an installation guide on the forum — use it if the launcher setup doesn't complete cleanly.
  • Expecting a standalone game. IW6-Mod enhances an existing Ghosts installation; it does not replace the base game.

Where to Get Help

AlterWare's community channels are the primary support route: the Discord server (16,500+ members) and the support forum, both linked from the site. The forum also hosts the installation guide referenced in the download flow.