Should I already have been modding this game?

[Necrophoria]

I am on my first playthough and have completed 3 campaign missions so far, and several unrelated ones. . . Currrently sporting about 4 medium mechs and a few lights. Normally I am the type of person that likes to have at least 1 vanilla playthrough under my belt before I start modding.

Over time of course, it's been hard to ignore all the complaints about the vanilla game without mods. Whether it'd be the mechlab, the AI, spawn rates, etc etc etc.

So my question is, should I already be modding this game?

I have already played battletech, MWO, and come from playing other mech games growing up like armored core etc. While it would be nice to add more toys to the toolbox, I am worried that I will upset the "intended experience" set by devs, and also ruin the balance.

Thoughts?

[Hykril Tynyx]

The only one you should be worried about "upsetting" is YOU. If you like the way the mod's description sounds, the way it looks, the way it functions - then go for it. Nobody's stopping you, nobody is forcing you to do anything. If you feel overwhelmed after trying out a mod - remove it and simply don't use it anymore. Just don't forget to make a save file and a backup of it in the "before mods" condition.

I'll copy one of my "recommendations" type of comments:

There are some good "quality of life" mods that don't alter the vanilla game much, so I can highly recommend these:

• ArmorGreen (makes your mech's armor damage indication in the HUD much better visualised compared to vanilla's bad gradient of red);
  
• Mod Options (because many mods need it for finetuning and it'll be a good addition anyway if you plan on using more mods later);
  
• Mech Attribute Viewer (to see the additional hidden info about the mechs);
  
• Advanced Zoom (simply useful);
  
• Engine DHS fix (essential fix);
  
• Better Lance Status (shows your lance's mechs status [damage] for better tactical management);
  
• Star Map Mouse Over (quick access to available missions info);
  
• XenoPax Optimize (optimizes a lot of engine-related mishaps and even gives a little bit of a better performance to the game overall);
  
• Restore Traits (if you have the DLC where "cantina upgrades" are available, it makes it so that your upgrades are kept instead of being removed when you move your mech to "cold storage" [which is insanely annoying, time-consuming, and wasteful]. It can also save your entire mech's loadout if you enable that option);
  
• Enable Infantry (was supposed to be in vanilla, but PGI dropped the feature because of the performance and time constraints) - this one is just a personal preference because I like to stomp those annoying little meatbags :)
  
• TTRulez AI Mod with Lancemate Orderz (allegedly improves the AI performance).

I also used some graphics-related mods which are still quite nice for vanilla experience, though it may prove taxing on your system:
- WAR FX (lite or full version, will affect the performance - memory leakage reports);
- Source HD Textures (there are several options);
- MechShader (there are several variants);
- Prime8's Weapon FX (laser graphics will be better);
- Ultra Visuals And Weather (will affect the performance a lot).

Many people will instantly come blabbing about YAML, but be mindful - this mod alters a lot of things and requires digging into to understand some details, even before starting the game - all the mod options and what they do specifically. Play a little bit vanilla and then you'll have some idea of what might be improved upon in your opinion, then give the "most subscribed/downloaded" mods page a glance (here on the Workshop and on Nexusmods) to see if anything sounds good to you. Be aware that some mods from Nexusmods are not present on the Workshop and vice versa. However, also take into the account that not all the mods may be updated to fit the latest version of the game and might cause serious conflicts and crashes, so always check the comments and discussions surrounding the mod in question. Reportedly, Steam Workshop mods tend to screw up sometimes and not update correctly, so manual attention to mod management is very much advised. And most importantly - always carefully READ the mod description page to avoid any potential problems.

[Necrophoria]

Originally posted by Hykril Tynyx:

The only one you should be worried about "upsetting" is YOU. If you like the way the mod's description sounds, the way it looks, the way it functions - then go for it. Nobody's stopping you, nobody is forcing you to do anything. If you feel overwhelmed after trying out a mod - remove it and simply don't use it anymore. I'll copy one of my "recommendations" comments:

There are some good "quality of life" mods that don't alter the vanilla game much, so I can highly recommend these:

• ArmorGreen (makes your mech's armor damage indication in the HUD much better visualised compared to vanilla's bad gradient of red);
  
• Mod Options (because many mods need it for finetuning and it'll be a good addition anyway if you plan on using more mods later);
  
• Mech Attribute Viewer (to see the additional hidden info about the mechs);
  
• Advanced Zoom (simply useful);
  
• Engine DHS fix (essential fix);
  
• Better Lance Status (shows your lance's mechs status [damage] for better tactical management);
  
• Star Map Mouse Over (quick access to available missions info);
  
• XenoPax Optimize (optimizes a lot of engine-related mishaps and even gives a little bit of a better performance to the game overall);
  
• Restore Traits (if you have the DLC where "cantina upgrades" are available, it makes it so that your upgrades are kept instead of being removed when you move your mech to "cold storage" [which is insanely annoying, time-consuming, and wasteful]. It can also save your entire mech's loadout if you enable that option);
  
• Enable Infantry (was supposed to be in vanilla, but PGI dropped the feature because of the performance and time constraints) - this one is just a personal preference because I like to stomp those annoying little meatbags :)
  
• TTRulez AI Mod with Lancemate Orderz (allegedly improves the AI performance).

I also used some graphics-related mods which are still quite nice for vanilla experience, though it may prove taxing on your system:
- WAR FX (lite or full version);
- Source HD Textures (there are several options);
- MechShader (there are several variants);
- Prime8's Weapon FX (laser graphics will be better);
- Ultra Visuals And Weather.

Many people will instantly come blabbing about YAML, but be mindful - this mod alters a lot of things and requires digging into to understand some details, even before starting the game - all the mod options and what they do specifically. Play a little bit vanilla and then you'll have some idea of what might be improved upon in your opinion, then give the "most subscribed/downloaded" mods page a glance (here on the Workshop and on Nexusmods) to see if anything sounds good to you. Be aware that some mods from Nexusmods are not present on the Workshop and vice versa. However, also take into the account that not all the mods may be updated to fit the latest version of the game and might cause serious conflicts and crashes, so always check the comments and discussions surrounding the mod in question. Reportedly, Steam Workshop mods tend to screw up sometimes and not update correctly, so manual attention to mod management is very much advised. And most importantly - always carefully READ the mod description page to avoid any potential problems.

It's not so much that I would be overwhelmed. I play a lot of technical strategy games (eg Highfleet), and have also a penchant for strategy/RTS. I also have manually modded games in the past (i.e. no steam workshop)

I do want to enjoy the game as-is still, but all this mod promoting definitely feels like I am "missing out". The game on its own is fairly fun so far, and I guess I have a higher tolerance for crappy team AI coming from older games. However, when I watch youtube and see most people claiming that the mods "fix" the game, it leaves me baffled, but still somewhat curious.

For my mention of balance as an example, let's take a look at enhanced zoom. I played MWO and am familiar with what was lost in that sense. However, it strikes me as a distinct player advantage over the AI, and would make me feel like I am somewhat cheating. You know what I mean? Is the enemy AI also given the same benefit? Likely no.

In any case, I forgot to ask one important thing. Are those mods achievement compatible?

[Hykril Tynyx]

I've willingly played through the campaign using only about half of the mods in my "recommended list" + the graphical ones. Got all the achievements. Everything else (especially YAML) is better suited for having true sandbox fun in the Career.

[Mech_Monkey]

Hey there,

what @Hykril said pretty much. The original campaign does have its own story, albeit still sandboxy. I'd still maybe recommend some hud / QoL mods. But it's definitely not necessary.

Once you are done with that, BattleTech universe has ton of cool mechs, not to mention people's creativity, mission mods that do spice it up, new options / possibilities. I got some of the DLCs at a later date, so now going through them, apart from that, I can already see myself starting a sandbox with clanTech and all that stuff. It even feels like a good continuation of the original story tbh.

But then again, whatever you feel like doing!

[Bovril Brigadier]

Its not a mistake to play the game without mods cause when it comes to modding this game its really like what type of ice cream you prefer? Some people like some fancy flavours but others would settle with vanilla and chocolate sprinkles. In the end its what you want out of the game.

[Epathos]

Runs fine with out mod's.

[Wayz]

Absolutely nothing wrong with playing a game without mods. Not that I dislike mods but how can you know what you want to mod or appreciate whats been changed if you have not played vanilla etc. It also opens up for a expanded overhaul for a 2nd play through for a new experience.

[Necrophoria]

Originally posted by Wayz:

Absolutely nothing wrong with playing a game without mods. Not that I dislike mods but how can you know what you want to mod or appreciate whats been changed if you have not played vanilla etc. It also opens up for a expanded overhaul for a 2nd play through for a new experience.

That is exactly my intention, as I find mods to be moreso of a way to get more playtime out of games, rather than treat things as a one and done sort of thing. The issue is that this game, and MWO seem to have such a love-hate relationship with the community. Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla), so I thought I'd check.

Tbh I feel kinda bad for piranha games. I watched some old reviews on MW5 mercs, with a lot of it focusing on "no/bad story" besides the complaint of lack of features. . . They tried to listen and gave clans, which I can definitely see the focus on trying to deliver on the story there. . . Only to be met with negativity once more (and rightly so based on less mech customization for a MECH game from what I read, and short game length).

In either case, I am just late to the party and doing some research here. Thanks y'all!

[Cursed Hawkins]

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

The issue is that this game, and MWO seem to have such a love-hate relationship with the community.

You wanna provide a bit of context here? Because this is the first I've ever heard of this for this game, MWO would make sense due to that game being PvP focused whereas MW5 is PvE focused!

[Necrophoria]

Originally posted by Cursed Hawkins:

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

The issue is that this game, and MWO seem to have such a love-hate relationship with the community.

You wanna provide a bit of context here? Because this is the first I've ever heard of this for this game, MWO would make sense due to that game being PvP focused whereas MW5 is PvE focused!

"Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla),"

The context is right there. Here's a citation though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33jSFrqKzY

There's more videos out there. This is the most recent one in my youtube history though. It's usually some form of "the game is mediocre without mods" or "the ai is so bad that it's only worth playing with friends", type of deal. I don't agree personally so far, and thought to get some second opinions here.

[pete]

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

Originally posted by Cursed Hawkins:

You wanna provide a bit of context here? Because this is the first I've ever heard of this for this game, MWO would make sense due to that game being PvP focused whereas MW5 is PvE focused!

"Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla),"

The context is right there. Here's a citation though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33jSFrqKzY

There's more videos out there. This is the most recent one in my youtube history though. It's usually some form of "the game is mediocre without mods" or "the ai is so bad that it's only worth playing with friends", type of deal. I don't agree personally so far, and thought to get some second opinions here.

Oh then it MUST be true if it's on YouTube. All we need now is 'evidence' from Reddit

[Bovril Brigadier]

Originally posted by pete:

Oh then it MUST be true if it's on YouTube. All we need now is 'evidence' from Reddit

Only valid if it is uploaded to ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.

[Necrophoria]

Originally posted by pete:

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

"Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla),"

The context is right there. Here's a citation though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33jSFrqKzY

There's more videos out there. This is the most recent one in my youtube history though. It's usually some form of "the game is mediocre without mods" or "the ai is so bad that it's only worth playing with friends", type of deal. I don't agree personally so far, and thought to get some second opinions here.

Oh then it MUST be true if it's on YouTube. All we need now is 'evidence' from Reddit

Like I said, I am just gathering opinions.

[Cursed Hawkins]

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

Originally posted by Cursed Hawkins:

You wanna provide a bit of context here? Because this is the first I've ever heard of this for this game, MWO would make sense due to that game being PvP focused whereas MW5 is PvE focused!

"Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla),"

The context is right there. Here's a citation though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33jSFrqKzY

There's more videos out there. This is the most recent one in my youtube history though. It's usually some form of "the game is mediocre without mods" or "the ai is so bad that it's only worth playing with friends", type of deal. I don't agree personally so far, and thought to get some second opinions here.

However you specifically mentioned that there was a love-hate with modding in MWO as well which is THE context I'm specifically looking for, because there shouldn't be such a thing for MWO due to the game being PvP focused! Who ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ cares if someone mods in MW5 it's PvE focused.

[Necrophoria]

Originally posted by Cursed Hawkins:

Originally posted by Necrophoria:

"Folks swear up and down that the game is basically incomplete though (at least on youtube there seems to be a lot of negative reception of vanilla),"

The context is right there. Here's a citation though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k33jSFrqKzY

There's more videos out there. This is the most recent one in my youtube history though. It's usually some form of "the game is mediocre without mods" or "the ai is so bad that it's only worth playing with friends", type of deal. I don't agree personally so far, and thought to get some second opinions here.

However you specifically mentioned that there was a love-hate with modding in MWO as well which is THE context I'm specifically looking for, because there shouldn't be such a thing for MWO due to the game being PvP focused! Who ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ cares if someone mods in MW5 it's PvE focused.

Umm buddy, no offense entirely but you need to get your reading comprehension skills checked. I never said the love hate relationship is with modding. It's with the games themselves lol. These games have such a mix of love and hatred that's obvious even just from reading steam reviews.

The way modding is involved with this title specifically is how SOME say that it's what makes the game enjoyable/not a mediocre effort by PG, which is the entire reason for this post since I got curious.

I only mentioned MWO is because it's the same IP, made by the same dev. It also is both loved and hated from the looks of it. Both games share the same anti piranha rhetoric, calling them "lazy", "unambitious", etc etc, but again that's why I made this post to get second opinions