The world of PC gaming has long been enriched by the creativity and innovation of modding communities. Among the most transformative contributions are total conversion mods, which can redefine a game to such an extent that it feels like an entirely new experience. These mods enhance, alter, or completely overhaul the original content, often providing players with a wealth of new material at no additional cost. Below is a curated selection of the finest mods available today, showcasing a range of genres from expansive RPGs to intricate strategy games.
What are the best PC mods of all time?
Our selection of the best PC mods includes:
- Star Wars: Genesis — Starfield
- A Game of Thrones — Crusader Kings 2
- The Lay D Denton Project — Deus Ex
- A Tale of Two Wastelands — Fallout: New Vegas
- Retro Rewind — Mario Kart Wii
- Divide and Conquer (The Lord of the Rings) — Medieval II: Total War
- Long War — XCOM: Enemy Within
- Fallout: London — Fallout 4
- Stardew Valley Expanded — Stardew Valley
- The Nameless Mod — Deus Ex
- Ashes 2063 — Doom 2
- STALKER Anomaly — STALKER: Call of Pripyat
- The Dark Mod (Thief) — Doom 3
- Return to Rapture — Half Life: Alyx
- Enderal: Forgotten Stories — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
15. Star Wars Genesis — Starfield
Star Wars Genesis transports players to a galaxy far, far away within Bethesda’s Starfield. This total conversion introduces 40 meticulously crafted planets, each featuring unique points of interest, quests, and species. The mod enhances combat and progression, ensuring that crafted armor remains relevant throughout the game while also revamping enemy NPCs for a more challenging experience. Download Star Wars Genesis from the mod’s official website.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>DeityVengy
14. A Game of Thrones — Crusader Kings 2
For fans of the HBO series and the original books, Crusader Kings 2 offers a mod that faithfully recreates the world of Westeros. This mod replaces the base game’s map with a detailed representation of the Seven Kingdoms, allowing players to engage in political intrigue as various noble houses. Download A Game of Thrones from ModDB.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>CK2:AGOT Development Team
13. The Lay D Denton Project — Deus Ex
This mod restores an early design choice from Deus Ex by allowing players to choose the gender of the protagonist, J.C. Denton. Featuring a new female character model and over 1,700 re-recorded voice lines, the mod enhances the narrative experience while ensuring inclusivity. Download Lay D Denton from ModDB.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Lay D Dev
12. A Tale of Two Wastelands — Fallout: New Vegas
Combining the worlds of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, this mod allows players to experience both games in a single playthrough. With a seamless transition between quests and locations, it offers a comprehensive narrative journey. Download A Tale of Two Wastelands from the official forum.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>TTW Team
11. Retro Rewind — Mario Kart Wii
For those nostalgic for classic tracks, Retro Rewind expands Mario Kart Wii by adding over 200 tracks from previous entries in the series. This mod delivers a definitive Mario Kart experience, ensuring that players have a plethora of racing options. Download Retro Rewind from the associated wiki.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Patchzyy
10. Divide and Conquer (The Lord of the Rings) — Medieval II: Total War
Immerse yourself in Middle-earth with the Divide and Conquer mod for Medieval II: Total War. This strategic overhaul allows players to command factions like Rohan and Gondor, each with unique units and strengths. Download Divide and Conquer from ModDB.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Divide and Conquer Modding Council
9. Long War — XCOM: Enemy Unknown
The Long War mod enhances the XCOM experience by extending the conflict between humans and aliens. With new classes, items, and a greater number of missions, it offers a more intense and prolonged gameplay experience. Download Long War from the Nexus Mods page.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Pavonis Interactive
8. Fallout: London — Fallout 4
Set in a post-apocalyptic London, this mod for Fallout 4 captures the essence of the franchise while introducing new quests and characters. With a focus on British culture, it provides a fresh perspective on the Fallout universe. Download Fallout: London from GOG.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Fallout London Team
7. Stardew Valley Expanded — Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley Expanded enriches the original game with new locations, NPCs, and quests, seamlessly integrating them into the existing world. With a total of 28 new characters and numerous events, it revitalizes the farming experience. Download Stardew Valley Expanded from Nexus Mods.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>FlashShifter
6. The Nameless Mod — Deus Ex
This ambitious mod introduces a new 15-hour campaign while retaining the core gameplay of Deus Ex. With a fresh narrative and extensive dialogue, it offers a unique experience for fans of the original title. Download The Nameless Mod from Steam Workshop.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Caustic Creative
5. Ashes 2063 — Doom 2
Ashes 2063 presents a post-apocalyptic world where players navigate survival against mutated foes. This standalone mod rivals the official Doom titles, offering a cohesive and engaging experience. Download Ashes 2063 from GOG.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Ashes Dev Group
4. STALKER Anomaly — STALKER: Call of Pripyat
Bringing together elements from the original STALKER trilogy, Anomaly offers a unique survival sandbox experience. With a fresh narrative and an emphasis on survival mechanics, it invites players to explore the zone in new ways. Download STALKER Anomaly from ModDB.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Anomaly Developers
3. The Dark Mod (Thief) — Doom 3
Designed as an open-source platform, The Dark Mod allows players to create custom levels reminiscent of the Thief series. With improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, it serves as a worthy successor to the beloved franchise. Download The Dark Mod from the official website.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>The Dark Mod team
2. Return to Rapture — Half Life: Alyx
This mod invites players back to the iconic underwater city of Rapture, merging the worlds of Half-Life and BioShock. With a new storyline and immersive gameplay, it offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience. Download Return to Rapture from Steam Workshop.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>wim.buytaert.1988
1. Enderal: Forgotten Stories — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
As one of the most acclaimed total conversions, Enderal: Forgotten Stories provides a standalone RPG experience with its own world and narrative while retaining the beloved gameplay mechanics of Skyrim. With hundreds of hours of content, it stands as a testament to the creativity of the modding community. Download Enderal: Forgotten Stories from Steam.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>SureAI
How we chose the best PC mods
In selecting the best PC mods, we considered their ability to enhance or surpass the original game, ensuring they were complete and dramatically transformative. Ease of installation and their standout qualities within their respective genres also played a crucial role in our decision-making process.
What you need before installing these mods
Before diving into the world of mods, ensure you own the base game on PC, as some mods may require specific DLCs. A mod manager and sufficient storage space are also recommended, along with backing up any existing saves to avoid potential issues.
How to install PC mods safely
To ensure a safe installation, always download mods from official project pages or reputable hosts. Verify the sources through multiple channels, including social media from the mod creators. Platforms like ModDB, Nexus Mods, and Steam are reliable options. Additionally, scanning downloaded files with antivirus software is advisable, and testing mods on a clean installation can help protect your save files.
Mods that became standalone games
Many popular mods have gained enough traction to evolve into standalone games. Titles like Counter-Strike and Team Fortress originated as mods for Half-Life, while DayZ began as a mod for Arma 2. Others, such as The Stanley Parable and The Forgotten City, transitioned from mods to fully realized games, showcasing the potential of community-driven creativity.
Best PC mods FAQ
Here are some key points regarding PC mods:
- Are PC mods free? Yes, most mods are free, although some may require a subscription on platforms like Patreon.
- Are PC mods safe? While many mods are safe, it’s crucial to download them from reputable sources and scan files for viruses.
- Do you need to own the original game? Generally, yes. However, some mods may not require the base game.
- Can you use these mods on Steam Deck or Linux? Compatibility varies; check the mod’s documentation for details.
- Will installing a total conversion affect existing saves? Yes, it’s recommended to back up saves and test mods on a fresh installation.
