Fixing Godot's .NET Android Export Errors: A Comprehensive Guide

Aug 16, 2025 by RICHARD 65 views

.NET Export to Android Failure in Godot: A Troubleshooting Guide

Hey guys, have you ever run into a wall when trying to export your Godot project to Android? Specifically, when you're using multiple library projects? Well, you're not alone! I've been there, and it can be a real headache. In this guide, we'll dive deep into a common issue: the dreaded .NET export failure when your Godot project relies on external .NET libraries, and you're targeting Android. We'll explore the problem, the steps to reproduce it, and most importantly, how to potentially fix it. So, buckle up, and let's get this sorted!

The Problem: NU1101 Error

Let's start with the nitty-gritty. The core of the issue often revolves around the NU1101 error. This error typically pops up during the Android export process, specifically when Godot tries to build the .NET parts of your project. This error, "Unable to find package Microsoft.NETCore.App.Runtime.linux-bionic-x86", indicates that the build system can't locate a necessary runtime package for your .NET libraries. While the error message might seem to point towards Linux, the problem manifests during the Android export. It is worth mentioning that it is not a common problem on the editor, but rather when exporting the project to Android, a very specific scenario that could give you a lot of problems. This mismatch can be super frustrating, especially when your project builds and runs perfectly fine on other platforms.

This error typically arises when Godot's export process struggles to resolve the dependencies of your .NET libraries for the Android platform. This is particularly common when you're using multiple library projects, as the build system needs to ensure that all the correct runtime components are available. The project is not able to find the package Microsoft.NETCore.App.Runtime.linux-bionic-x86 because this specific package is for a different platform, Linux in this case. The Android build process, expecting Android-compatible packages, gets confused, leading to the error. This problem is critical, because you are not being able to deploy your project to Android devices, which limits your possibilities and your workflow.

This failure can be caused by several factors, including:

Incorrect .NET SDK Configuration: The way your .NET SDK is set up can interfere with how Godot finds the necessary packages. This is not a frequent cause, but worth checking.
Project File Issues: Problems within your .csproj files (the project files for your .NET libraries) can lead to dependency resolution failures.
Missing Android Build Templates: The Android build templates are crucial for exporting your project correctly.
Godot Version Specifics: Sometimes, the Godot version you're using might have specific quirks related to .NET export.

Steps to Reproduce the Error

Okay, so how do you get this error to show up? Here are the general steps, which are pretty similar to the information provided by the user who reported the bug:

Set up your Godot project: Start with a Godot project (version 4.4 in this case, but it could happen in others).
Add a .NET Library: Create a .NET library project (or use an existing one) and add it to your Godot project as a reference.
Install Android Build Templates: Go to Project -> Install Android Build Template. This makes sure that you have the right tools for Android exports.
Export for Android: Go to Project -> Export. Choose Android as your platform, and select your export options, like Gradle build and AAB format, and include all architectures.

At this point, during the build process, the NU1101 error is likely to show up, stopping the export.

Diving into Potential Solutions

Alright, so you're staring at this error message, and you're probably thinking, "How do I fix this?" Sadly, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some things you can try. Remember, the fix might require a combination of these or something completely different, depending on your project's specific setup. Also, keep in mind that .NET support in Godot is still evolving, so these solutions may change over time.

1. Checking and Adjusting Your .csproj Files

The .csproj files of your .NET libraries are the heart of the build process. Make sure that these are correctly configured, this might include things like the Target Framework. Review the configuration files and check the Target Framework, or the TargetFramework to make sure it is set to a compatible version, for example, .NET 7.0. Ensure that all the project files are set up correctly to avoid any possible conflicts between the dependencies.

Also, double-check your dependencies: Make sure that all your .NET libraries have the correct dependencies and that they are all compatible with the Android export. In some cases, certain dependencies might not work well with Android builds. Consider simplifying the dependencies, if possible. This includes the Android SDK version in use, so make sure your .NET libraries are compatible with it.

2. Android Build Template is correct

Ensure that your Android build templates are up-to-date and correctly installed. This involves two steps:

Go to Project -> Install Android Build Template in the Godot editor. If the template installation fails, you might have problems later on, so make sure it works.
Check that your export settings are correct, as described in the section above.

3. Clean and Rebuild the Project

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Try cleaning and rebuilding your project. In Godot, you might not have a direct "clean" option, but you can try these:

Delete your bin and obj folders in your .NET library projects. These folders contain intermediate build files that can sometimes cause problems. Delete these folders from the file system.
Then, rebuild your projects from within your IDE or using the .NET CLI.
After rebuilding your .NET libraries, try exporting your Godot project again.

4. .NET SDK Versions

Make sure that you have the correct .NET SDK installed, and that it is compatible with your Godot version. Godot's .NET support is designed to work with specific .NET versions, so using an incompatible version can cause unexpected issues. Be sure to check the documentation for Godot to see which versions it supports. Sometimes, the system has multiple versions of .NET, which can lead to conflicts. So, ensure that the Godot is using the proper version. If necessary, try uninstalling and reinstalling the .NET SDK to ensure a clean setup. You can also use the .NET CLI to check which SDKs are installed and if they are configured correctly.

5. Explicitly Set Properties in .csproj (Less Common)

As mentioned in the original bug report, you can try setting properties like <GenerateAssemblyInfo> and <GenerateTargetFrameworkAttribute> to false in your .csproj files. While the original poster found that these didn't help, it's still worth a shot. Open each .csproj file, and add these lines within the <PropertyGroup> section:

<GenerateAssemblyInfo>false</GenerateAssemblyInfo>
<GenerateTargetFrameworkAttribute>false</GenerateTargetFrameworkAttribute>

Then, try exporting again. Keep in mind that this might not always be a solution, but it's worth experimenting with.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Check Godot Version: Make sure you are using a stable Godot version, and that .NET support is enabled. Consider trying the latest stable version. If you are using a development build, there might be some issues.
Minimal Reproduction Project (MRP): If you're still stuck, try to create a Minimal Reproduction Project (MRP). This is a small, self-contained project that demonstrates the issue. It helps you and others narrow down the problem.
Community Resources: Check the Godot community resources, such as the official documentation, the Godot forums, and the Godot subreddit. There are several people working on this and you might find similar issues.

Conclusion

Dealing with .NET export issues in Godot can be frustrating, but it's manageable. By understanding the common causes of the NU1101 error and trying the suggested solutions, you should be able to get your project exporting correctly to Android. The key is to be methodical: check your project setup, ensure your dependencies are correct, and keep your tools up-to-date. And remember, the Godot community is there to help! Keep experimenting, and don't give up! Good luck, and happy coding, guys!