Requested Module Experienced an Error While Loading — Full Explanation & Fixes

When working in Roblox Studio or developing Lua / ModuleScript-based systems, one of the frequent errors you may run into is:

“Requested module experienced an error while loading”

This is an indication that a require() call failed — not necessarily because the require itself is wrong, but because the module being required encountered an error (syntax error, runtime error, missing return, etc.). To fix it, you must dig into the module’s code, dependencies, and context. Below, we’ll explore the causes, diagnostics, and solutions in detail.

What Exactly Does “Requested Module Experienced an Error While Loading” Mean?

This error appears when you call:

but something inside the module (or its dependencies) throws an error during its execution or load time. The require mechanism catches that and surfaces the message you see.

Key points about this error:

• It doesn’t always mean that require is wrong — often the module itself has an internal error (e.g. syntax, nil access, missing dependencies).

• You’ll often see another error printed in the output console showing exactly which line in the module failed. The “loading error” is a wrapper.

• It can also arise when a module fails to return a value properly, or when it does heavy side-effects at top level that cause runtime failures.

• The context matters: whether the script is running server-side or client-side, or whether the module is accessible in that context (LocalScript vs Script).

Thus, seeing this error is your cue to inspect the module and its dependencies thoroughly.

Common Causes & Pitfalls Triggering This Error

Here are frequent reasons why a module might fail when required:

1. Syntax or Logic Errors in the Module

A typo, missing end, misnamed variable, or attempt to index nil will crash the module at load time. For instance:

2. Missing return module Statement

If the module doesn’t return a value (or returns too early), require may fail. Make sure at the bottom of the module, outside any function, you do:

StackOverflow discussions frequently cite this as a cause.

3. Circular Dependencies / Recursive Requires

If Module A requires Module B, which in turn requires Module A (directly or indirectly), this can lead to load time errors or uninitialized variables.

4. Context Mismatch (LocalScript vs Script / Server vs Client)

Some module scripts expect to run server-side (accessing ServerScriptService, DataStore, etc.). If you try to require them from a LocalScript, the client may not have permission or access, causing errors.

For example:

5. Errors in Dependencies (Nested Modules or Services)

If your module requires another module (or uses services) that fail, the parent module will also break. The error typically propagates upward.

6. Runtime Side Effects / Event Connections at Top Level

If the module script has code outside functions that triggers events, connections, or interface actions immediately, those can fail during loading. For example, opening a GUI or accessing nonexistent objects before they exist can crash

How to Diagnose the Error: Step-by-Step Debugging

Here’s a systematic way to find and resolve the error.

1. Check the Console / Output Log

Look for the actual internal error that the module threw (e.g. “attempt to index nil”, “syntax error at line x”). This gives a line number and clue about what broke.

2. Simplify the require

Temporarily reduce the module to the bare minimum — remove functions or dependencies until it just returns a simple table — see if it loads. This helps isolate where the error occurs.

3. Add Print Statements / Logging

Insert print statements at top of the module to see whether execution reaches certain lines:

4. Verify All Dependencies Exist & Return Properly

If your module does require(script.AnotherModule), ensure that module exists, that it itself returns properly, and doesn’t error.

5. Check for Circular Requires

Search your module tree for mutual requires. Either break the cycle or delay one of the requires into a function or lazy load.

6. Ensure Context Compatibility (Client/Server)

If you’re calling require from a LocalScript, make sure the module’s code does not use server-only features. Or move the logic to server side.

7. Remove Top-Level Side Effects

Move event connections or service calls into initialization functions rather than executing at module load time.

8. Reload / Restart Studio / Clear Cached Modules

Sometimes Studio caches modules. Restarting or closing and reopening can help. Some users reported that disabling experimental features (e.g. type checkers) resolved odd module load behavior.

Examples from Community & Solutions

Here are a few community reported scenarios and how they resolved them:

• In a DevForum thread, a user saw this error when a ModuleScript they require threw an internal error. They were advised to inspect the module for issues.
• In another forum, a user tried to require a module from a LocalScript that depended on server services, causing a mismatch error. The community suggested moving it or adjusting context.
• On StackOverflow, a user had a module with event connections inside the module script; by removing those or relocating them, they eliminated the error. Also, ensuring return module was correctly placed fixed it.
• A question about requiring script.Combat showed the error “Requested module experienced an error while loading.” The community responded that the error lies within the Combat module, urging the user to share that code.

These examples reaffirm: the module itself (or one of its dependencies) is where the real error is hiding.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error Going Forward

To prevent encountering this loading error, adopt these strategies:

• Always include return module at the end of your module scripts.
• Keep module load code simple — avoid heavy logic, service access, or GUI code at top level. Use initialization methods instead.
• Delay requiring heavy modules inside functions, not at load time, especially if dependencies may not be ready.
• Avoid circular dependencies; if needed, refactor to break cycles.
• Respect server / client boundaries — server modules should stay in Script / ServerScriptService; client modules should only access client-allowed services.
• Isolate and test modules separately — you can require them in a temporary script to ensure they load.
• Clean and consistent module returns — always return the module table or intended type, not nil or multiple returns.
• Use version control & backups — when refactoring modules, commit prior working states so you can revert if you break loading.

If you like, I can also generate a cheat sheet with specific common error messages (e.g. “attempt to index nil,” “syntax error,” “module not found”) and how they map to common causes of “requested module experienced an error while loading.”

Admin