Modding in games

neku@discuss.tchncs.de to Steam Deck@sopuli.xyz – 31 points –

Which modmanager should I use? I've seen that Vortex can be used but the majority of people I've seen don't like it. I'd like to mod Skyrim and Darkest Dungeon

16

Meh, Vortex works just fine for most things. Some games require manually installing extenders or other utilities but so do the other mod managers. Plus other mod managers are often game specific whereas Vortex is one for many. I don't know, just my opinion but Vortex works fine for my use cases. Skyrim, GTA, Starfield, Cyberpunk, Baldur's Gate 3, Jedi Survivor, etc

Vortex works (ish) but the "download via" links don't work for me

Depending on your browser, it should prompt you asking if you want to open the link in Vortex. You can set it to always open and then Vortex will handle all the downloads from there on.

The open with app, I don't remember what it was called, but it doesn't have vortex as an option for open with

I have had no problems with vortex, 700+ skyrim mods

I've seen a lot of hate regarding Vortex, often backed without any arguments. So I guess you are just supposed to hate Vortex, but to be honest it works just fine for me. Try it out yourself, if you don't like it or run into issues you can always try something else.

Use this https://github.com/rockerbacon/modorganizer2-linux-installer It makes everything pretty easy once you set it up

The different mod loaders really confuse me. Do Vortex and MO2 offer pretty much the same thing? Will it show on Steam that I'm playing Skyrim/New Vegas etc. and log my hours ok (rather than saying I'm playing the mod loader)?

Follow up question: What mods should I get for Fallout NV if I were to try this out? (I've never actually finished that game)

If you never finished it, I'd recommend just sticking with Bug Fixers and Stability Mods.

The game holds it's own without changes.

I'd even hold off on graphical mods as there's little that can be done to improve the visuals without complete texture overhauls. And they tend to just make the contrasts more apparent and can cause even more instability to an already extremely unstable game.

Ah thanks - are you aware of any essential bug/stability fixes I should go for in particular?

I think a "Top Mods" search should cover you fairly well.

https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/top/

You want the Scrips Extender first and foremost. Most mods depend on it.

The 4GB Patcher is also a must, if I remember correctly

After that Yukichigai Unofficial Patch - YUP should cover most of the bugs. (I can't remember exactly how much it covers, just that it's was an essential mod back when I was screwing around with it)

Other than that it's a bit of trial and error. If a problem pops up or if one persists, look around for more specific patches.

I haven’t tried it on Linux, but I wouldn’t want to mod Skyrim without using Mod Organizer

I guess it depends on the scope of the modding you're thinking of doing. And simple personal preference of UI and such.

Personally, I'm a basic bitch. So Vortex works fine for me, as did NMM.

You should probably just give them a try and see how they feel to you. They are still free to download as far as I know.