Must have mods for a first playthrough

[CaimDark]

Going to start soon, what are the best mods that improve the game slightly but don't significantly change gameplay or change the content? Things like improved visuals, improved UI, QoL, stuff like that.

For example, Pathfinder has a near little mod that changes the weapon focus feats so that they apply to a category of weapons instead of a single weapon so you no longer have to be psychic when picking what to specialize on (yay!).

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by CaimDark:

Must have mods for a first playthrough
Going to start soon, what are the best mods that improve the game slightly but don't significantly change gameplay or change the content? Things like improved visuals, improved UI, QoL, stuff like that.

For example, Pathfinder has a near little mod that changes the weapon focus feats so that they apply to a category of weapons instead of a single weapon so you no longer have to be psychic when picking what to specialize on (yay!).

None. The game is great as it is. Anything else is a bonus.

[Mike Garrison]

I strongly suggest that you don't use any mods on a first playthrough.

[Nomicoe]

A lot of stuff for CC, as this one for BG3 is kinda poopy. So like, faces of faerun, the hair unlock one, dyes are nice.
There is an improved UI mod, and container mod that is nice.
If you do end up wanting to change some gameplay I recommend the unlock level curve, no companion limit, and roll your own stats mods.
Feels weird not rolling for stats, and be stuck at a certain level, also nice to see everyones cut scenes when youre running around.
The game is "fine" as is though.

[CaimDark]

Originally posted by Nomicoe:

A lot of stuff for CC, as this one for BG3 is kinda poopy. So like, faces of faerun, the hair unlock one, dyes are nice.
There is an improved UI mod, and container mod that is nice.
If you do end up wanting to change some gameplay I recommend the unlock level curve, no companion limit, and roll your own stats mods.
Feels weird not rolling for stats, and be stuck at a certain level, also nice to see everyones cut scenes when youre running around.
The game is "fine" as is though.

What's CC?

It's rare that people strongly suggest no mods for a game like this! I guess I'll follow the advice.

[Mike Garrison]

Originally posted by CaimDark:

Originally posted by Nomicoe:

A lot of stuff for CC, as this one for BG3 is kinda poopy. So like, faces of faerun, the hair unlock one, dyes are nice.
There is an improved UI mod, and container mod that is nice.
If you do end up wanting to change some gameplay I recommend the unlock level curve, no companion limit, and roll your own stats mods.
Feels weird not rolling for stats, and be stuck at a certain level, also nice to see everyones cut scenes when youre running around.
The game is "fine" as is though.

What's CC?

It's rare that people strongly suggest no mods for a game like this! I guess I'll follow the advice.

CC = "crowd control" most of the time, but in this case I believe the poster means "character creator"

The game is complicated, and if you pop back in asking for help but have half a dozen mods installed, nobody will be able to help you.

[R2zi3l]

Larian is pretty great at implementing quality of life stuff into their games. Did enhanced editions of both their earlier rpg's Divinity Original 1 and 2. They learned from and implemented a lot of those things into BL3 pre and post release.

So a lot of the stuff you get from mods isn't really needed for a first playthrough. Stuff like more members in a party or new classes etc, you can try out later.

[Nomicoe]

Originally posted by CaimDark:

Originally posted by Nomicoe:

A lot of stuff for CC, as this one for BG3 is kinda poopy. So like, faces of faerun, the hair unlock one, dyes are nice.
There is an improved UI mod, and container mod that is nice.
If you do end up wanting to change some gameplay I recommend the unlock level curve, no companion limit, and roll your own stats mods.
Feels weird not rolling for stats, and be stuck at a certain level, also nice to see everyones cut scenes when youre running around.
The game is "fine" as is though.

What's CC?

It's rare that people strongly suggest no mods for a game like this! I guess I'll follow the advice.

Character Creation.
I think it boils down person to person, Ive def seen more than a few people who refuse to play without mods. I dont like not being able to roll my own stats, or being capped at a certain level, so I got those...
But yea, the game is fine without them, no real complaints I guess besides the character creator.

[Draknalor]

Please don't use mods for your first playthrough.

It's fine to use cosmetic mods ofc..

But please no OP equiptment mods or something.

Enjoy the base game for what it is at least the first playthrough

[AlphaVictorKilo]

Honestly, as others have said, you really need to play the game without mods first. A vanilla playthrough will be better in informing you as to what you'd want to mod

Just make a small checklist as you're playing saying "okay, this QOL feature would be nice, I should look up a mod for that, oh and I don't like the way this subclass works, see if there is an alternative" etc

But first playthrough should absolutely be vanilla, then on your second, you can mod away

[Angel]

you don't need any for a first playthrough

[Maj. Grumpy]

I'm on a 4th playthrough and haven't used a single mod, not do i ever plan to.

[Inardesco]

Originally posted by CaimDark:

It's rare that people strongly suggest no mods for a game like this! I guess I'll follow the advice.

You said it's your first playthrough. It's best to always play a game without mods first, so you learn the vanilla mechanics.

Afterwards, do what you want, but the best experience is through vanilla when you're starting.

[CaimDark]

Is it viable to play the game on balanced without build guides if I'm not familiar with 5th edition rules but have experience with other D&D-based cRPGs such Baldur's Gate 2 and Pathfinder?

[★REM★]

The only mod you need on your first playthrough is improved UI and maybe if really you want, the "better" series from Pavelk.

The less mods you have on your 1st run, the better.
On your next runs, feel free to add 1200 mods, but the first time you want stability.

Originally posted by CaimDark:

Is it viable to play the game on balanced without build guides if I'm not familiar with 5th edition rules but have experience with other D&D-based cRPGs such Baldur's Gate 2 and Pathfinder?

It is, if you don't enter zones underleveled. Refer to steam guides for this game about which zone is for your level

[Hobocop]

Originally posted by CaimDark:

Is it viable to play the game on balanced without build guides if I'm not familiar with 5th edition rules but have experience with other D&D-based cRPGs such Baldur's Gate 2 and Pathfinder?

Absolutely. You pretty much have to deliberately try to make a character that's ineffective in 5e, and the recommended choices the game gives you for each class are all decent enough to make it through Balanced.