There are server-side installed mods (like „Pelayori’s Cryo Storage“ or „Moro’s Indomitable Duo“) that are automatically loaded before you join a server. Since these often affect gameplay mechanics, the mods are necessary for everyone and are controlled by the server.
Custom Cosmetics, on the other hand, are client-based mod variants that do not affect gameplay mechanics. These must be manually installed on your specific device (PC or console) to use them in the game.
Even though Custom Cosmetics are initially only usable by you, every Custom Cosmetic used on the server affects the entire player community. To give you the opportunity to explore the creativity and possibilities of other players and their chosen Custom Cosmetics, the dynamic download of the respective Custom Cosmetics is enabled by default in the ASA settings. This means that Custom Skins used by another player are automatically downloaded in the background to your device and permanently saved, but not installed. This allows you to see them on other players, but not use them yourself. To use them, you would have to manually install/set up the respective Custom Cosmetic via your mods list in the game menu (under installed mods).
The advantage is that if you like something, you will automatically find the corresponding Custom Cosmetic in your own mod list.
The disadvantage is that every download requires resources from your system. The downloaded Custom Cosmetics are not deleted and remain permanently on your device. And that’s just because another player uses them and you cross their path. Once downloaded Custom Cosmetics must be specifically deleted in the Mods list or system directory.
To prevent you from downloading every Custom Cosmetic, you can deactivate this dynamic download function (generally recommended).
By deactivating it, Custom Cosmetics used by other players will no longer be loaded in the background and will therefore remain invisible, unless you have installed the same Custom Cosmetic yourself.
Note: A subsequent deactivation is of course possible, but you may then have to delete all already downloaded but unused
mods yourself in your Mods list (see Uninstallation of Mods in ASA).