The mobile version of the rhythm game A Dance of Fire and Ice (ADOFAI) has won the hearts of thousands of players with its simplicity and incredible complexity. However, the standard set of levels is not enough for many fans, and they are looking for ways to expand the gaming experience. Luckily, the community has created thousands of custom maps that can be added to the game. The installation process on a PC has long been automated, but on mobile devices it requires manual intervention and an understanding of the file system structure.
In this article we will look in detail at how to install cards on a smartphone running Android. You don't need root access or complex emulators, just a file manager and Internet access are enough. We will look at all stages: from searching for levels to launching them correctly, and also answer frequent questions from beginners who encounter errors during import.
Preparing for the process will take no more than 10-15 minutes, but the result is worth it. You'll have access to endless content created by the world's best mappers. The main thing is to carefully follow the instructions, since the folder structure in new versions of Android (especially 11, 12, 13 and higher) has its own characteristics due to Google's security policy.
Preparing the device and searching for levels
The first step is to obtain the level files themselves. Custom maps are distributed in archive format .adf or folders with a set of files. The main source of content is the official Discord server of the game or specialized repository sites. Find the level you like and download it to your device.
To work with files you will need a high-quality file manager. Standard system tools often have limited access to system folders, so it is better to install a third-party solution. Perfect fit ZArchiver, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. These applications can work correctly with archives and have access to protected directories.
Make sure that there is enough free space on your device. Some map collections can take up hundreds of megabytes. Also check your Android version: if you have a system newer than version 10, the copying process will be slightly different due to folder access restrictions Android/data.
⚠️ Attention: Download maps only from trusted sources. Files from unknown forums may contain malicious code or be corrupted, which will cause the application to crash.
Folder structure and data location
For the game to see new levels, the files must be placed in a strictly defined directory. The path to this folder depends on the version of the operating system and how the game was installed. In most cases, the target directory is located at: Android/data/com.7thbeat.adofaim/files/CustomLevels.
If the folder CustomLevels is missing, it must be created manually. It is important to respect the case of letters in folder names, since the Android file system is sensitive to this parameter. An incorrect name (for example, customlevels instead of CustomLevels) will result in the game simply not detecting the downloaded content.
The table below shows the main paths for various device configurations. Check them before you start moving files.
| Access type | Folder path | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | /sdcard/Android/data/com.7thbeat.adofaim/files/CustomLevels |
The main path for most devices |
| External card | /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/.../CustomLevels |
If the game is installed on an SD card |
| Old versions Android | /sdcard/A Dance of Fire and Ice/CustomLevels |
Relevant for Android 9 and below |
If you do not see the Android folder in the file manager, try using the ZArchiver application - it often has extended access rights to system directories.
Step-by-step guide for installing cards
The process of transferring files requires attentiveness. First, open the file manager and find the downloaded archive with the level in the folder Download. Unpack it. Inside there should be a folder with the name of the level (usually a set of numbers and letters) and a configuration file.
Copy the unpacked level folder. Then go to the game directory that we looked at in the previous section. Paste the copied data inside the folder CustomLevels. The structure should look like this: .../CustomLevels/LevelName/level.adf.
After copying, run A Dance of Fire and Ice. Go to the level selection menu. Usually custom maps are displayed in a separate tab or at the end of the list of standard worlds. If the level does not appear, try restarting the application completely.
☑️ Installation checklist
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and higher, when you try to access the folder
Android/datathe system may ask for special permission. Click "Allow access to folder" and confirm the action in the system window.
Solving problems with displaying levels
Sometimes, after completing all the actions, the levels do not appear in the list. The most common reason is incorrect folder nesting. Check if there is an extra intermediate folder. The path should lead directly to the level files, and not to an archive or another wrapper.
Another possible problem is the incompatibility of the map version with the game version. Custom levels created for the PC version with certain mods may not work on the mobile version without the appropriate patches. In this case, the game may ignore the file or throw an error when trying to launch.
Try clearing the application cache. Go to Settings → Applications → A Dance of Fire and Ice → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your saves, but will force the game to rescan the level directory and update the list of available content.
What to do if a level crashes when loading?
If the game closes immediately at the start of a specific level, most likely the map uses elements that are not supported by the mobile version (for example, specific decorations or scripts). Try to find a version of the level marked "Mobile Friendly" or contact the author of the map.
Using download managers and mods
For advanced users, there are special utilities that make content management easier. Some enthusiasts create downloader applications that automatically download maps from repositories and put them in the desired folders. This eliminates manual work with the file system.
However, it is worth remembering about security. Installation of third-party download managers requires granting them permissions to access files. Make sure the app has a good reputation in the community. Never grant full administrator rights to unknown apps.
There are also modified versions of the game itself that have a built-in level browser. These versions (MOD APK) allow you to download and play cards directly from the interface. However, using modified software may violate the terms of service and prevent you from accessing online features or leaderboards.
Optimizing performance when playing on custom maps
Custom levels are often much more complex and rich in visual effects than the original campaign. This can put a strain on the processor and RAM of the smartphone. If you notice a drop in FPS or input lag, you should take action.
Close all background applications before starting the game. Free up RAM so A Dance of Fire and Ice you can use maximum resources. It is also recommended to disable power saving for the game in the system settings so that the processor does not reset frequencies.
In the settings of the game itself, you can try lowering the graphics quality or disabling some visual effects, if such an option is provided for custom content. A stable frame rate is critical for rhythm games, where every millisecond matters.
The stability of custom levels directly depends on the power of your smartphone and the optimization of the card itself by the author. Hard levels can slow down even on flagships.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I install cards without a computer?
Yes, absolutely. All necessary actions - downloading the archive, unpacking and moving files - can be performed directly on your smartphone using the file manager.
Why does the game write "Level not found" after installation?
Most likely, you have broken the folder structure. Check that the folder with the level is located directly inside CustomLevels, and not in another folder inside it. Also make sure that there is a file inside the level folder with the extension .adf.
Will my maps be deleted after updating the game?
Usually no, since the data is stored in a separate directory. However, when deleting and reinstalling the game (clean installation), the folder Android/data may be cleared. It is recommended to make backup copies of your favorite cards.
How to delete an installed custom card?
Just go to the file manager, go to the folder CustomLevels, find the folder with the name of the unnecessary level and delete it. After this, restart the game.
Do achievements work for completing custom levels?
In the standard version of the game, achievements for custom cards are not awarded. They are considered additional content for entertainment and skill training that does not affect the main progress and profile statistics.