Troubleshooting

Check the game log first (%AppData%\7DaysToDie\logs, newest file). NPC Utilities writes its messages with [DSD_NPCUtilities] in front.

Problem	Fix
dsdnpc is an unknown command	The mod didn't load: EAC is on, or the folder isn't directly in Mods.
"Unknown entity class" / the template is missing	Your mod loads before NPC Utilities. Rename its folder so it sorts after DSD_NPCUtilities.
Can't talk to an NPC	NPCID must match an npc_info id and its dialog_id must exist. Bandits and hostile NPCs can't be talked to.
"Travel with me" is missing	Not enough Dukes, standing below DSDNpcRepHire, or already at the follower limit. Test with dsdnpc rep <faction> 800.
The NPC is pink	Its shader isn't in the game. Ship the shader inside your bundle.
T-pose or sliding feet	The avatar isn't Humanoid, or DSDNpcAnimBody is missing.
The gun floats away from the hand	RightWeapon isn't at the Mixamo path. See Your own model.
Faction relations do nothing	The faction must also be declared in npc.xml <factions>. Look for a warning in the log.
No voice	Sound names must be exactly <DSDNpcVoice>_<line>. Check the clip paths in sounds.xml.
NPC never shoots	It needs a gun and ammo; launchers and throwables aren't used.
Companion is gone after a restart	Only hired and console-spawned NPCs are saved. World-spawned NPCs are not.

Still stuck? Ask on the Discord with your log file.