Centurion's BG2EE Mod List

This is a large, but not complete, listing of Mods for BG2EE with links to the mod download. Included are mods for NPCs, Quests, Editors & Utilities, Items, Banters, and Graphics. This guide also includes a list of popular Mod sites and basic instructions for downloading and installing mods. Mods are grouped by category.

Disclaimer

I created this list while looking for mods for my own use. I am neither a modder nor the owner of any of these mods. I have only used a handful of the total and do not recommend or warranty any of these mods. This list is merely provided as a reference for fellow Steam users. Gamers should carefully research any mods they consider and use them at their own risk. This guide is purely provided for entertainment.

Introduction

While recently reinstalling BG2EE on Steam I went looking for new or interesting mods I may not have known about, as well as deleting some I no longer wanted. Since there are so many mods for this game, I wound up creating my own list as I downloaded mods for possible use and then decided, as a convenience to the Steam BG2EE community, to put this list on the page as a Guide. This is not a fully comprehensive list, but is a large list of sites and mods for the interested user.

Philosophy:

I believe mods are the thing that keeps the Baldur's Gate Series fresh and replayable. I have no issue with players who like to play the games "vanilla" for challenge (but if you do, why are you reading this guide?) But to me mods demonstrate two things. One is how much players love this game that they are willing to invest considerable time and effort to make it better or keep it fresh. Second, mods allow you each player a more personal experience. Maybe you want different NPCs? Or you wish there were more areas to explore? Perhaps you just love your characters and want the game to go longer? And then there are those who want a unique experience, like playing as a Tiefling Ranger or a Half-Orc Paladin. Some may even want to make the game harder or easier, or more like some other game, like Icewind Dale. Mods allow you to do all this and more.

On the forum there are always posters, like me, asking, "Where can I find mods?" This list is a partial answer to that question (and now we can just point new posters to this guide!)

Methodology:

Using the Internet and knowledge of previous mods, I searched out mods at the most common sites. I have downloaded many of these listed, but not all, and certainly have not installed and played more than a fraction of these listed. In order to locate mods that would be most useful and safe to use with BG2EE I have tried to apply the following criteria:

• Mods that have been developed or updated fairly recently. Preferably 2020 or later, and avoiding those last developed before 2015.
  
• Mods that utilize the WEIDU installer utility for easy installation.
  
• Avoiding older or complex mods that require a lot of patching.
  
• Mostly avoiding overly advanced or complex game modifications that require major changes to the game itself like replacing the maps, significantly altering the spell system, or changing the AD&D system to 3.5, 5.0, or some other game system. The mods selected here should be manageable for the casual user. (One exception: EET for completeness,)

What's Not Here:

Aside from most major conversion mods, I have been very limited and selective with things like kit mods, rules tweaks, and soundsets. There are also just too many gameplay mods, most of which I am not familiar with. I tend to be conservative about altering the underlying game engine too much. Additionally, as this guide is built around easy-to-install Weidu mods, I have not looked into Mod Managers, which I have had no luck with.

Although I have added in a lot of the more popular mods that I don't use here, I never set out to create an exhaustive list. However, the links contained here, especially to the major mod-hosting pages and the Children of Bhaal should guide readers to the majority of mods currently available.

Warning:

There are over 100 mods on this list. For me, Mods add spice to a well-loved and long-lasting game. But, just like spice, there is such a thing as too much. Install all the mods, if that's even possible, and the result might be ridiculous. You would have gangs of NPCs hanging out on every street corner in Athkatla. You would have more areas and quests to complete than in the core game. Also, even with added difficulty, the addition of so much added XP, special items, and even new spells can eventually allow you to "nerf" the game itself, especially the otherwise tough challenges of Throne of Bhaal. Also, the more mods you add the more likely that there will be some kind of conflict between them or some other program-crashing error.

And another caution. Before installing any mod, carefully check the readme file/page to determine if this is a mod that you really want and will work for your game. Many mods reflect the play style and preferences of their creators and may not work for all players and parties. Just from my limited experience, the Assassinations mod really only works well for evil-leaning parties and can be broken if you do certain in-game quests before completing it. By contrast, Tower of Deception really works best with a PC/NPC who has advanced proficiency in two-handed swords and is Good-aligned. A paladin would seem best. (Keldorn would suffice,) For an evil party this can be a very difficult quest in my experience.

Finally, some friendly advice. WEIDU allows you to install, change options, and uninstall mods with ease (see Instructions below.) However, like anything, the more you change things the greater the chance of something going wrong. As a general rule, CD Tweaks always comes last and you might consider re-installing it (even if you make no changes in its options) after adding/deleting/altering other mods. However, if you have decided to make major changes to the mods installed or deleted, or have not done updates in a while, it can be best to simply uninstall the entire game, delete the game folder (and mod files) and do a "clean" install of the game and mods. (Remember your save games will likely not work with the new install!)

And Finally,...

I did this for fun over a couple of days for my own benefit and decided to share it with my fellow gamers. I am not retired and would rather be gaming, so I do not plan to maintain this guide actively. The mods, links, and descriptions are accurate as of June, 2024. I make no promises of updates. And if your favorite mod is not here,... you are free to write your own guide! (It's actually kind of fun.) This is a good list to enter the world of BG2EE mods, not an ultimate list or guide, I hope you enjoy it!

Centurion

Downloading Mods

For those truly new to Mods this section provides some basic instructions of how to download the correct mods for you and how to keep up with them. Experienced mod users can skip ahead.

Downloading

You go to one of the many sites listed in this guide, or found on the Internet. Nearly all have a "button" to download the mod. (You may need to look for it. Spellhold Studios can be confusing. The download link is on the right-hand side of the mod's page. Be careful, because SHS also posts the mod's raw files separately and these are too difficult to use for casual players!) Some links will automatically download the Weidu file. Others will take you to a separate download page and/or offer you a choice.

Download the Correct Format

Some mods come in only one format (usually for Windows or universal.) But many of the best and most popular come in different formats for different operating systems. Be sure you download the correct one. As a general rule, mod files use the following file name formats:

• "Win-" or no prefix are mods designed for use with Windows OS, the most common.
  
• "Lin-" are mods meant for the Linux system.
  
• "OSX-" are the version designed for the Mac OS.

Also, for ease of use (and the Instructions below), you should download mods packaged as Zip or RAR files (which can be unzipped using a WinZip utility.) There are other file formats, but I find them harder to work with.

Note: Not all mods are available in all formats. These are free modifications provided by volunteer programmers. You get what they are willing to offer. You aren't paying for these!

Download the Latest Version

Most actively supported mods (meaning the modder is still updating their mod) are assigned Version Numbers. And sometimes different versions are archived in different sites around the Internet. If you find v.7 and v.15 of the same mod, you want the higher numbered version.

Also, be aware that modders often update their mods. If you really like a given mod, stay aware of the updates (although, installing an update in the middle of a campaign can be problematic.) Don't assume the version you downloaded five years ago, or even last month, is the ultimate, final version. Just in the course of a single BGEE>SoD/BG2EE campaign I have seen mod version numbers change more than once!

Avoid Mods that are Too Old

BGEE was released in 2013 and BG2EE was released later that year. (SoD was released in 2016.) Generally speaking, mods dated before these release dates will not work with the EE versions of Infinity Engine games. (They should work with the original Bioware games on CD/DVD if you have those.) With mods, newer is better. For this list I tried to avoid any mods that have not been updated or posted before 2015. 2020 and above is better. Also:

Beamdog Updates and Mods

As of this guide's writing, there has not been an official update of BG2EE since May 2021. However, Beamdog updates tend to mess up modded games (the game files and saved games! Be aware that if another update(s) to the game comes along, you may need to delete and reinstall all of your mods and restart your campaigns. (You may want to avoid installing the update until you have finished your current campaign.)

Archive Your Mod Downloads

It might seem reasonable, once you have installed a given mod, to delete the compressed file you downloaded. Don't do this! There may be a Beamdog update. You may need to recover/reinstall your game. Or, sometimes the mod or its download site may disappear. Have a file folder (mine is cleverly named "BGEE2 Mods") where you can save these files.

In general, you should maintain your archived downloads unless:

• There is a newer, better version to replace it.
  
• You have decided this is definitely not a mod you really ever want to use again.
  
• It doesn't work.

I have several older mods (see Gone but not Forgotten) that I have kept in my archive but that have disappeared from the download sites. Some no longer work (non-EE), Some were taken down for various reasons or the server hosting them went dark.

Installing Mods

This is a quick and dirty guide to installing mods using the Weidu system. More complex and advanced installations are not covered in this guide. Follow the instructions in those mods.

Installation: Step-by-Step:

1. Run WinZip or similar and unzip your download into your actual installed game file. This should be something like: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Baldur's Gate II Enhanced Edition

Do not unzip the mod file into your "Documents" folder where your Save Games and Portraits are!

2. Before you do anything else READ the "readme" file. Usually this is a simple .txt document you can read in notepad. Some fancy ones may be in Word or PDF. Others are webpage links.

Reading the "readme" will help you do several things:

• Decide if this is really the mod you want.
  
• Find any specific instructions for installing the mod, including when it should be installed in order with respect to other mods.
  
• Determine if this mod will conflict with other mods or program options.
  
• Learn what optional components the mod may have and decided what options you want.
  
• Look for hints and even walkthroughs for the mod.
  
• Save the "readme" in a separate file you can reference later without having to dig through your install directory.

3. In this directory there should now be several new files and folders. Click on the Application file associated with the mod, usually in will have a name like "SETUP BG2_MODX."

4. This will open a basic dos-style (or other OS) menu that will usually begin with choosing a language (always choose the language the game is using!) This menu will operate on typed commands, usually single letters and numbers. Some mods are installed on a single command, while others may have several options for installation. CD Tweaks, which allows you to customize nearly all the aspects of gameplay and rules in the game, can take 20 minutes to work through all the options.

5. After each command you enter the screen will show the files being added or overwritten. Don't worry, Mods work by adding or changing lines of code in the original program. If you make a mistake, simply re-run the install program and change your selections.

6. When the screen shows you have reached the end and there are no more input choices, you can close the box. Congratulations! You have now modified your game. Enjoy! (Or install another mod,)

Mod Install Order

The best way to decide what order to install your mods is to follow the "readme" directions, which may say things like: "Install before all NPC mods," or "Install after Mod X, if used." You should always follow the "readme" above all else. In the absence of clear instructions, this is a generally recommended install order based on experience and information in the modding forums:

• Total and Partial Game Conversions: Aside from EET, which merges BGEE and BG2EE into a single game (you need both), I have not listed any of these in this guide. This is advanced modding for experienced gamers.
  
• DLC Mergers. Not needed for BG2EE, but needed for BGEE with SoD.
  
• Fixes. Some versions of IE games have fixpacks for those bugs the developers have not fixed. There is an unfinished one for BG2EE, but it is unnecessary. Do not use the Fixpacks for earlier versions of the game.
  
• Content mods not covered elsewhere on this list. These are things like improved BAMS, soundtracks, graphical enhancements, and other cosmetic changes.
  
• Quest mods. Mods that alter or add to the encounters in the game. May add new areas as well.
  
• NPC alteration mods: These are mods that change the behavior or attributes of the designer NPCs included in the game.
  
• NPC mods: These are modder-designed NPCs who are added to the game in addition to the regular NPCs.
  
• Item & Spell mods: These are either new custom spells, items, new merchants who sell and/or forge custom items, or the Item Upgrade Mod.
  
• Gameplay, Tactical, & Tweak mods: Mods that alter gameplay (rules) and combat. Your last mods should be tactical alteration mods, most notably Sword Coast Stratagems, and , lastly, CD Tweaks.

For your convenience, this Mod List will be organized in this order.

Mod Sites

Although each of the mods has a direct current (current as of June 2024), here are some sites where you can find mods and other materials on your own:

Weimer & WeiDU:

The reason IE games like BG2 can be so easily modded is due to the work of Westley Weimer, an original member of the Bioware design team (whom. it is reported, is now a university professor.) After the original games shipped, he designed the WeiDU utility that made it easy for modders to program their mods and easy for users to install them. He also wrote many of the earliest mods, which are still found here: https://weidu.org/

Warning: None of these original Weimer mods have been updated since 2013 and they will not work with the EE versions of the games! Don't try to install them. Many have been maintained and updated on other mod sites (and are listed in this guide) while some, sadly, are not currently available. I have only mentioned this as a tribute. You can also access (at other sites) the WeiDU utility if you would like to try modding on your own!

The Major Mod Sites:

This is a short list of the most active, popular, and enduring mod sites for BG2EE (and many other IE games.) You can likely find others, including some mods that are just posted in BG2 forums and such. But these are the main go-to modding sites:

• Gibberlings 3 (G3): https://www.gibberlings3.net/ & https://github.com/Gibberlings3
• Pocket Plane Group (PPG): https://forums.pocketplane.net/index.php
• Spellhold Studios (SHS): http://www.shsforums.net/files/category/113-bgee-mods/
• Infinity Mods: https://github.com/InfinityMods
• Nexus Mods: https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate/mods/trendingalltime/?BH=0
• Weasel Mods: https://weaselmods.net/
• The Black Wyrm’s Lair: http://forums.blackwyrmlair.net/
• Moddb: https://www.moddb.com/games/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/mods
• The Artisan’s Corner: https://artisans-corner.com/
• Children of Bhaal (Polish): https://baldur.cob-bg.pl/bg1-mody*

* This is not a mod-site but a list of mods with links; your browser can easily translate from Polish.

• Chosen of Mystra (CoM): This was (is) a Mod community that produced a lot of high quality mods and then went dark. My understanding is that it is being slowly rebuilt. Many of CoM's best mods have actually been archived and updated on some of the other sites listed above. There is an archive page for their old downloads. There is nothing newer than 2022, and most are pre-EE (do not use these!) Download at your own risk!: http://downloads.chosenofmystra.net/bg2/

And now, onto the mods!

EE Keeper & Portraits

In this first section are two things that modify the game but are not mods themselves and you do not install these to the game directory like all the others. But these are some of the most fun and common ways to alter BG2EE and the other IE games.

EE Keeper

 EE Keeper: https://sourceforge.net/projects/eekeeper/. Not a mod, but a Save-Game manager that allows you to edit character attributes, inventory, appearance, game variables, etc. (Installed external to the game.)

This is a program you install to your desktop that allows you to edit saved games (the program works for all IE games.) Using it you can customize your PC (or any NPC) to the stats, attributes, appearance, etc., that you like. You can even create custom characters like dwarven mages, halfling paladins, and half-orc druids (or even ogre and vampire characters, if you know what you are doing!) You can also adjust in-game variables to re-start a quest or a romance. And you can add or delete inventory items. Best of all, when you save your changes it is to a new file, so if you messed up it will not corrupt your original save or your game.

Custom Portraits

One of the neatest things about the Baldur's Gate games is the ability to use your own custom portraits for your Player Character (PC), and even change the portraits of the NPCs. BG2 shipped with a limited gallery of character portraits and these have not aged that well. Fortunately, there are unlimited alternatives.

How to Use Custom Portraits

All custom portraits must be in .bmp format and no larger than 210 x 330 in size. They should have a name that is no longer than 8 characters and must end in L or S. (You used to need two different size portraits. You now only need one. So, use "L.")

For example, my Steam signature image is also my first PC in the game, a Paladin named Marcus, whose file and extension is: ROMAN1L.bmp

You then place this portrait in your "Portraits" folder in your Documents>Baldur's Gate II - Enhanced Edition folder. (You may need to create the folder.) This is the same location as your saved games and character files. For consistency, if you are playing the same PC through BGEE and BG2EE (as you should), you should have identical "Portraits" folders in both games folders in "Documents."

Downloading Portraits

There are a lot of pre-made portraits for the IE games already out there. Below is a list of the longest lasting and best stocked sites. You can also download a lot of "Portrait Packs" from other mod sites. These portraits are already named and formatted correctly and ready to use. Just download them into your "Portraits" folder and go!

• The Ironworks: The Ironworks - Baldurs Gate - Portraits (tgeweb.com): http://www.tgeweb.com/ironworks/baldursgate1/portraits.shtml
• Chosen of Mystra: Chosen of Mystra's Custom Portraits: http://www.portraits.chosenofmystra.net/index2.html
• Pinterest: 73 Best Baldurs Gate Portraits ideas | character portraits, fantasy characters, character art (pinterest.com): https://www.pinterest.com/gearedcorp/baldurs-gate-portraits/
• Lady Rhian’s (via Beamdog forum): LadyRhian's too many pictures for any thread.... — Beamdog Forums: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/11758/ladyrhians-too-many-pictures-for-any-thread

And some from mod sites:

 Portrait Pack: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/382-portrait-pack/. Portraits.
 Portrait Packs: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/other/portraitpacks/. G3’s archive of BG portraits.

Create Your Own

Almost any image can be converted to a custom portrait for Baldur's Gate. Fantasy literature book covers, movie stills, selfies, you name it. You can convert images to the required .bmp format using any photo editor. There are also dedicated programs and websites that can do this for you. My personal favorite and go-to is: https://www.notra.fr/portrait/balduree

Conversion Mods & Misc.

Total Conversion

These are mods that fundamentally alter the game, and usually require a separate install outside of the Steam shell. These tend to be very complex and are beyond the scope of this guide. As such, only one is listed.

 EET: https://github.com/Gibberlings3/EET. A conversion that combines BGEE & BG2EE into one game.

This will merge BGEE & BG2EE (and SoD, if desired) into a single, seamless game. Meaning you will transition from game to game without the need to transfer characters or saved games.

Special & DLC Merger

None needed for standalone BG2EE.

Fixes

None currently completed for BG2EE. Here is the G3 page for the proposed but incomplete EE Fixpack: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/fixes/eefp/

Kit Mods

I have not included a lot of kit mods. These tend to unbalance the game and can also cause conflicts with the original programming (the character creation screens were designed with limited space for kits.) Additionally, some NPC and Quest mods also add custom kits to the game.

 Artisan’s Kit Pack: https://artisans-corner.com/the-artisans-kitpack/. Kit mods.
 Divine Remix: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/cleric/. Adds many different cleric kits. Warning: Can eliminate some regular kits for space!
 Mod Kit Remover: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/mkr/. Utility.
 NPC Kitpack: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/mkr/. NPC mod.
 Sorcerer’s Place Collection: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/spc/: Kit mods from the old SP web page.
 Talents of Faerun: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/tof/. Gameplay mod mostly dealing with classes and kits. Large.

Content Mods

Mostly changes to Graphics, Sounds, Animations, and Such.

 1PP: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1006-1pp/. Misc. graphics mod.
 BG2 Alternate Soundtrack: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/other/altmusic/. Music.
 Mod Kit Remover: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/mkr/. Utility.

Quest Mods

This section deals with mods that create new content for the game in the form of new tasks and adventures. The larger ones even add new areas to the map or off-map location accessible from existing areas. Although all will be listed together, alphabetically, for reference these can be categorized as follows:

• Mini-Quests: These are small, short quests that add a little spice to the game. They usually use existing maps and even NPCs and do not add much XP or treasure.
  
• Quests: These are full-scale additions to the game, often with some added areas and NPCs. They will usually result in added XP, items, and gold.
  
• Mega-Mod Quests: These are extremely large quests that can add dozens of new areas and will result in long-term departure from the main story (they are functionally full-length DLC.) These will add substantial amounts of treasure, new items, and XP and can, therefore, seriously unbalance the main campaign (especially if the XP cap is disabled, which some do.)
  
• Mods that alter existing quests and sections of the game.

Warning: Quest mods are attempts by volunteer and amateur programmers to add content that in the original game was the work of dozens of programmers and designers. It is not unusual to encounter issues with things like pathfinding and underdeveloped map areas. The larger the quest mod the more likely there may be issues. You should probably make a "hard save" before entering any new quest areas.

Note: Having not played most of these, I have had to guess as to the category of some. Also, many NPC mods include quests and vice-versa. I have attempted to place these in the section that seems most appropriate to the primary purpose of the mod.

Quest Mods

 Adalon’s Blood: https://baldurs-gate.de/index.php?resources/adalons-blood-silberdrachenblutmod.5/. Quest mod.
 Alabaster Sands: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/alabaster-sands/. Mini-quest.
 Alternatives: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/alternatives/. Quest mod.
 Ascalon’s Quest Pack: https://baldurs-gate.de/index.php?resources/ascalons-questpack.4/. Mini-quests.
 Ascension: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/ascension/. Gameplay alternate ending. (Some sources suggest installing first before all other mods.)
 Assassinations: https://www.pocketplane.net/back-to-brynnlaw/. Mini-quests. Best for Evil parties.
 Back to Brynnlaw: https://www.pocketplane.net/back-to-brynnlaw/. Quest
 Bloodied Strings: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/the-bloodied-stings-of-barovia/. Quest.
 Bridge’s Block: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/bridges-block/. Quest.
 Check the Bodies: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/Check_the_Bodies. Mini-quests.
 Cliffette’s Mods: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/cliffette/. Mini-quests.
 Dark Tidings: https://www.baldurs-gate.de/index.php?resources/dark-tidings.65/. Quest.
 Demon Summoning Ritual: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/DemonSummoningRitual. Quest & item. (non-Good)
 Dungeon Be-Gone: https://www.pocketplane.net/dungeon-be-gone/. Alteration (eliminates Irenicus Dungeon).
 Eilistraee's Song: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/eilistraees-song/. Quest.
 Fishing for Trouble: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1084-fishing-for-trouble/. Mega quest.
 Heroes, Thieves, and Moneylenders: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/htam/. Mini-quests.
 Hidden Adventures: https://github.com/Gitjas/hiddenadventure/. Mini-quests.
 In Love, Undeath: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/in-love-undeath/. Quest & NPC Paladin.
 Innershade: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/innershade/. Mini-quest.
 Journey to Whin Hill: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/the-journey-to-the-whin-hill/. Quest & NPC.
 Juniper and the Stone Leech: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/juniper-and-the-stone-leech/. Quest & NPC.
 Lucy the Wyvern: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/635-lucy-the-wyvern/. (Quest?)
 Minotaur & Lilarcor: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/818-the-minotaur-and-lilacor/. Mini-quest.
 Ooze Lounge: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/oozes-lounge/. Mini-quest.
 Quest Pack: https://www.pocketplane.net/quest-pack/. Gameplay and mini-quests.
 Redemption: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/382-portrait-pack/. Mini-quests.
 Region of Terror: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/325-region-of-terror/. Drizzt-based mega-mod.
 Reunion: https://www.pocketplane.net/reunion/. Quest.
 Sellswords: https://www.pocketplane.net/the-sellswords/. Quest (evil).
 Shadows Over Soubar: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/63-shadows-over-soubar/. Mega-mod quest.
 Shall Never Forget: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/i-shall-never-forget/. Quest.
 Shards of Ice: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/other/shards/. Mini-quests.
 Skip Chateau Irenicus: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1150-skip-chateau-irenicus/. Misc. mod. (Eliminates Irenicus Dungeon.)
 Slithering Menace. https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/TheSlitheringMenace. Mini-quest.
 Southern Edge: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/southern-edge/. Mini-quest.
 Tales of the Deep Gardens: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/tales-of-the-deep-gardens/. Mini-quest.
 Tangled Oak Isle: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/tangled-oak-isle/. Quest.
 Tower of Deception: https://github.com/InfinityMods/TowerOfDeception. Quest (not recommended for Evil parties.)
 Trials of the Luremaster for BG2: MOD: https://github.com/Argent77/A7-TotLM-BG2EE. Quest mod.
 Turnabout: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Turnabout. Gameplay mod end of ToB.
 Unfinished Business BG2: https://www.pocketplane.net/unfinished-business/. Mini-quests (essential.)
 White Queen: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/the-white-queen/. Quest.

Official NPCs

NPC mods are the most common and popular ones in the games. This is because they are fairly easy to create and generally do not cause any conflicts with the main program. As there are different types, they will be grouped as follows:

• Official NPC Alteration Mods: These are mods that alter the official Bioware/Beamdog NPCs. These include Friendship, Romance, and characteristic mods.
  
• Official BG1 NPCs: Bringing back your favorite NPCs from BGEE. Functionally, these are the same as other modded NPCs, but are categorized on their own for popularity and ease of access.
  
• Player (Modder) created NPCs: These are new NPCs invented by modders. Many include their own mini-quests.
  
• Banters: These are mods that change or increase the banters between NPCs. Those that include modded NPCs should be installed after the NPC mods, hence why these are listed last.

For space and simplicity, these are being divided into two sections.

Note: Unlike other mods, there is very little danger with installing NPC mods. However, you may want to use some restraint. Add too many and you will have unused NPCs hanging around all over the game maps. Harms nothing, but it can look crowded!

Official NPC Alteration Mods

 BG2EE Wings: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1208-bg2eewings091brar/. NPC Aerie quest/alteration.
 Cernd Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1213-cernd-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Corthala Romantique: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/corthala/. NPC romance.
 De’Arnise Romance: https://www.pocketplane.net/dearnise-romance/. Romance.
 Dorn Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1279-dorn-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Edwin Romance: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1003-edwin-romance/, NPC romance.
 Haer’daelis Sword Swap: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/HaerDalis_Swords. Item upgrade.
 Haer’dalis Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1211-haerdalis-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Haer’dalis Romance: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1211-haerdalis-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC romance.
 Hexxat Friendship. http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1278-hexxat-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Imoen 4Ever: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/other/imoen4ever/. NPC alteration (keep Imoen throughout the game.)
 Imoen Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/901-imoen-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Imoen is Stone: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/other/imoenisstone/. NPC Alteration.
 Jan’s Alchemy: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/JansAlchemy. NPC alteration.
 Keeping Yoshimo: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/yoshi/. NPC alteration (Yoshimo does not have to be permanently lost.)
 Keldorn Romance: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/keldorn/. NPC romance (not for all tastes.)
 Khalid BG2: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/khalid-bg2/. NPC Fighter replaces Jaheira.
 Korgan Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1225-korgan-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC friendship.
 Korgan Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1225-korgan-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Korgan’s Redemption: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/KorgansRedemption. NPC alteration.
 Level One NPCs: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/levelonenpcs/. Gameplay NPC mod.
 Mazzy Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/712-mazzy-friendship-soa-tob/. Friendship mod.
 Minsc Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1244-minsc-friendship-soa-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Neera Expansion: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1022-neera-expansion/. NPC alteration.
 NPC Strongholds: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/npcstrongholds/. NPC alteration.
 Romantic Encounters BG2: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/romantic-encounters/. NPC alternation & romance.
 Totemic Cernd: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/totemic_cernd/. NPC alteration.
 Valygar Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/985-valygar-friendship-tob/. NPC alteration.
 Viconia Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/629-viconia-friendship-soa-tob/. Non-romance.
 Viconia Revamped: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/viconia-revamped/. NPC alteration.
 Yoshimo Friendship: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/713-yoshimo-friendship/. NPC alteration.
 Yoshimo’s Remorse: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/yoshimos-remorse/. ToB NPC.

Official BG1 NPCs Restored

 Ajantis BG2: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/ajantis-bg2/. BG1 NPC Paladin.
 Alora BG2: https://github.com/GwendolyneFreddy/Alora-NPC-for-BG2. BG1 NPC.
 BG1 NPCs for BG2: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/974-bg1-npcs-for-soa-tob/. Restores all the BG1 NPCs, some with added quests and banters. Follow the readme directions to avoid interfering with the NPC-specific mods, which are better.
 Branwen BG2: https://www.pocketplane.net/one-day-npcs/. BG1 NPC Cleric.
 Coran BG2: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Coran_for_BGII. NPC.
 Faldorn BG2: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/faldorn-bg2ee/. BG1 NPC Druid.
 Kivan & Deherianna BG2: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/kivan/. NPC Ranger, quest, & romance.
 Quayle BG2: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/quayle-bg2/. NPC replaces Aerie.
 Tiax BG2: https://www.pocketplane.net/one-day-npcs/. NPC
 Xan BG2: https://www.pocketplane.net/xan-bg2-npc/. BG1 NPC.

Original NPCs and Banters

Below are the original NPC mods made by numerous modders. These often include banters and quests and can vary widely in quality. Some are as good as the official Bioware/Beamdog NPCs, and may even be voiced, while others are little more than player-created NPCs with limited personality. I often judge which ones to include by the quality of the NPC portrait and if I want to look at them for the next 100 play hours.

Original NPCs

 Afaaq, the Djinni: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1217-afaaq-the-djinni-companion/. NPC. (Acts as a "bonus" NPC added to the normal six.)
 Amber: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/amber/. NPC Fighter/Thief.
 Angelo: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/angelo/. NPC Fighter/Mage.
 Aran Whitehand: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/aranw/. NPC Fighter.
 Arath: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1001-arath/. NPC Druid.
 Aura: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1226-aura-npc-for-bgee/. NPC Gnome.
 Auren Aseph: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/auren/. NPC Fighter.
 Beaurin Legacy: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/beaurin/. NPC Enchanter/Thief.
 Beyond the Law: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/26-beyond-the-law/. Two NPCs.
 Calin: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/calin/. NPC Blademaster.
 Chloe: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/848-chloe-v15/. NPC Kensai.
 Dace: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1038-dace/. NPC bounty hunter.
 Darian: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/948-darian/. NPC Avariel.
 Dvaradime: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/dvaradime/. NPC Fighter/Mage/Thief.
 Evandra: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/evandra/. NPC Illusionist.
 Fade: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1083-fade/. NPC thief.
 Faren: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1125-faren/. NPC Fighter/Thief.
 Fhaugy: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/fhaugy/. NPC Monk.
 Finch: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Finch_NPC. NPC.
 Foundling: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/foundling-between-the-shades/. NPC & Quest.
 Fylavara: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/fyalvara/. NPC Warrior.
 Gahesh: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/gahesh/. NPC Sorcerer.
 Gavin: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/gavin-bg2/. NPC Cleric.
 Haldamir: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/haldamir/. NPC Fighter.
 Hephernaan BG2: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/hephernaan-bg2/. NPC.
 Hubelpot: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/31-hubelpot-the-vegetable-merchant/. Novelty NPC Totemic Druid (Humor).
 Indira: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Indira_NPC. NPC Fighter/Mage.
 Isra BG2: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1070-isra-bg2-pc/. NPC Paladin.
 Iylos: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/539-iylos/. NPC Monk.
 Kelsey: https://www.pocketplane.net/kelsey/. NPC Sorcerer.
 Keto: https://www.pocketplane.net/keto-npc/. NPC Bard.
 Lhaand: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/lhannd/, NPC Fallen Ranger.
 Longer Road: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/39-longer-road/. Irenicus as ToB NPC.
 Mur’Neth: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/murneth/, NPC Thief.
 Nathaniel: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/734-nathaniel/. NPC Fighter.
 Navarra: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/navarra/. NPC Barbarian.
 Nephele: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/953-nephele/. NPC Halfling Cleric.
 Ninde: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/714-ninde/. NPC Necromancer.
 One Day NPCs: https://www.pocketplane.net/one-day-npcs/. NPCs.
 Saerileth: http://mods.chosenofmystra.net/saerileth/. NPC paladin.
 Sarah: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/sarah/. NPC Ranger.
 Silver Star: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/Silver_Star_NPC. Elf assassin NPC.
 Sirene. https://artisans-corner.com/sirene-npc-for-bg2ee/. NPC Paladin & romance.
 Skitias: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/78071/v1-00-skitias-npcs-for-bg2-ee-and-eet/p1. 5 NPCs with quests.
 Tyris Flare: Tyris Flare NPC . NPC & Romance.
 Varshoon: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/varshoon/. NPC Illithid.
 Walahnan: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/walahnan-bg2ee/. NPC Chronomancer.
 Xulaye: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/710-xulaye/. Drow (evil) NPC in Ust Natha.
 Yvette’s Romance: https://downloads.weaselmods.net/download/yvette-romance/. NPC & romance.
 Zakrion BG2: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/zakrion_bg2/. NPC Duellist.

Banters

 Banter Packs: https://www.pocketplane.net/banter-packs/. Banters.
  Crossmod Banter Pack: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/npcs/crossmod/. Banters. (Should be installed after all NPC mods.)
 IEP Extended Banters: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/558-iep-extended-banters/. Banters.
 Smiling Imp’s Cross-Banter Pack: https://www.gibberlings3.net/forums/topic/32522-tbgcom-smiling-imps-cross-banter-mod-updated/. Late install banters (after all NPC mods.)

Item & Spell Mods

These include new item files, new merchants, and smiths, similar to Cromwell, who will forge new items out of old ones. These mods also may allow Cromwell and Cespenar to forge new items as well. I have also included a few of the many spell-casting mods. The warning here is obvious: These mods usually add very powerful items that can overpower the vanilla game.

Item Mods

 Almateria’s Restoration Project: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1053-almaterias-restoration-project/. Gameplay restoration of items intended for BG2 but not included in the final program.
 Heart of the Wood: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/HeartOfTheWood. Item.
 Improved Horns of Valhalla: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/items/horns/. Item mod.
 Item Randomizer: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/items/item_rand/. Item mod.
 Item Revisions: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/items/item_rev/. Item mod.
 Item Upgrade: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Item_Upgrade/releases/tag/v52. Item mod. This is an evolution of an original Weimer mod that merges early game items that have become obsolete into more powerful combined items. It was intended to be used with the Sword Coast Stratagems (Tactics) mod for balance.
 Ruad Ro’fhessa Item Upgrade: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/RuadRofhessaItemUpgrade. Item mod.
 SoD to BG2 Enhanced Item Upgrade: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/items/sod-to-bg2ee-item-upgrade/. Item mod. Imports and upgrades more items from SoD. Warning: Can change item availability in BG2.

Spell Mods

 Red Dragon Summon: https://github.com/SpellholdStudios/Red_Dragon_Summoning_Spell. Spell to summon a dragon (very unbalancing!)
 Spell Revisions: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/spells/spell_rev/. Gameplay mod.

Gameplay. Tactical, & Tweak Mods

Gameplay & Tweaks

These are mods that alter how the game system operates. Some are fixes to things players find imperfect or are meant as improvements. I have been very selective in which ones I am including, and even more selective in which ones I actually use. Approach all of these with care. Two special gameplay mods get their own headings.

 Almateria's Restoration Project: http://www.shsforums.net/files/file/1053-almaterias-restoration-project/. Game features that were not included in the final version.
 Bardic Appraisal: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/appraisal/. Gameplay mod.
 Enemy Randomizer: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/enemy_randomizer/. Gameplay mod. Makes random enemies truly random.
 Full Plate and Packing Steel: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/items/fullplate/. Gameplay mod for the combat system.
 IWdification: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/spells/iwdification/. Gameplay mod.
 Lore from Learning: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/lore/, Gameplay mod.
 Oversight: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/oversight/. Gameplay mod.
 PnP Celestials: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/spells/celestials/, Gameplay mod.
 Song & Silence: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/sns/. Gameplay mod.
 Spell Revisions: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/spells/spell_rev/. Gameplay mod.
 Sword & Fist: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/kits/swordandfist/. Gameplay mod for Monks.
 Turnabout: https://github.com/Pocket-Plane-Group/Turnabout. Gameplay mod end of ToB.
 Wheels of Prophecy: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/quests/wheels/. Gameplay mod for end of ToB.

Sword Coast Stratagems

 Sword Coast Strategems: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/scs/. Gameplay Mod that makes combats tougher, among other things, for all the BG Series. Should be installed after all other mods except CD Tweaks. Originally Weimer's Tactics mod.

CD Tweaks

 CD Tweaks: https://www.gibberlings3.net/mods/tweaks/tweaks/. The essential gameplay mod. Can alter nearly all aspects and rules of all IE games, not just BG II. Should be installed absolutely last. Originally Weimer's Baldurdash mod.

Gone but not Forgotten

This is a short list of good mods that are not currently available or maintained. One can hope for their resurrection one day.

• Mazzy the Paladin: A quest that allowed Mazzy to become a Paladin. Superseded by the mod that makes True Sword of Arvoreen a kit. Had a sad real story attached.
  
  
• Sheena: A half-dragon Fighter/Mage that was also the daughter of Firkraag. Was updated to EE but has since disappeared.
  
  
• Weimer's Solaufein: Made Solaufein from Ust Natha a joinable NPC. Somewhat better class than he gets in Solaufein's Rescue. Was updated for EE but now removed.
  
  
• Valen: Another Weimer original that was updated for EE but later removed. Made Valen, an underling of Bodhi, a recruitable NPC. A prototype of Hexxat that had a better class combo and more chaotic behavior.

Modding Forums & Feedback

Modding Forums

Many of these mods are posted on sites with forums for each mod. The can be an invaluable resource for using them and can provide a lot of useful information. Some thoughts about using these forums:

Shout-Out to Modders

Modders are super fans of the game who take their own time and effort to make it even better for the rest of us. Love and respect you guys!

Hints, Tips, and Walkthroughs

Some quest mods, in particular, may not be as intuitive as their creators think. Many mods have small walkthroughs in the readme.txt. But if they don't, and you get stuck, you can often find the answer on the forum. Always search the forum/board for an answer before you post a question!

Bugs & Troubleshooting

Modders don't have their own development staff and playtesting department like the official publishers do. Errors happen. Modders usually appreciate learning about issues with their creations. However, be respectful when you report something. I usually say something like: "Dear <Modder>, I am really enjoying this mod and think you did a great job. However, I recently encountered something that does not match the description in the documentation in area,..."

Also, make sure the "bug' is not just something you did wrong! Maybe you are not able to complete the quest because you fried the quest giver with a fireball?

Don't be a Jerk!

Modders are just people who love the game and have the passion and technical skills to try to make it better. They don't work for you, you didn't pay them, you didn't buy their add-on from Steam. There are mods I like a lot and mods I don't care for. But I always respect the effort that goes into them. If you really like a mod, let the creator know. But don't:

• Tell the creator they have to make a fix.
  
• Tell them they ruined your game and have to fix it.
  
• They need to make changes to satisfy your preferences.
  
• You hate their mod.
  
• You want them to create a new custom mod just for little old you.

Join Them

Most mod forums also have discussions on how to create mods and downloads of the guides and tools, like WeiDU, you need to get started. And members of the community will likely help you as long as you are not a jerk.

From Centurion

Like I said before, I did this for my own benefit and decided to share. Once I decided to publish this list as a guide, I went back and tried to add some of the better known and relevant mods that I don't generally use. However, there really are too many to list and I would rather play the game then catalog every single mod ever designed. I am sorry your favorite mod is not on the list or that I placed a mod in the wrong category. I am also just a longtime fan and hope you appreciate the effort.

These links are accurate as of today, 6/8/2024. I may come back and add or curate from time to time, but I do not plan to constantly manage this list. There should be enough here for you to go out and discover what you are looking for. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments or copy this list and make your own.

Centurion's Favorites

This is a very short list of my favorite mods. Since I play more for enjoyment than challenge, I usually do not use challenge mods like Ascension, SCS, or Rogue Re-balancing. I have also moved away from Mega-Quest mods. I do love mini-quests. Here are my always mods:

• EE Keeper
  
• CD Tweaks, to make the rules fit my old house rules and for convenience.
  
• Item Upgrade.
  
• Unfinished Business. It's the Director's Cut of BG2.
  
• Some BG1 NPC mods, especially Alora, my favorite.
  
• Back to Brynnlaw.
  
• Totemic Cernd, because, seriously, this guy is not a werewolf!
  
• Assassinations, if I am in an Evil mood only.
  
• My "Portraits" folder currently has 427 custom portraits (too many?)

And although I am just trying it now, if you are as annoyed as I am with how Siege of Dragonspear ends:

• Skie: The Cost of One Girl's Soul.

Happy Modding!

Centurion

[doomparrot]

I appreciate the amount of time that clearly went into this list! I would like to note that some of the links are incorrect (Redemption links to a portrait pack) or outdated (links for the Artisan's mods still direct to SHS rather than to Artisan's Corner).

Players checking out these mods should be aware that some of the mods listed are rather old, and others are potentially mixed in terms of community reception and overall quality. As always, please do your own research to determine if a mod will appeal to you or not.

[Don Falcone]

Dragonspear UI++ might be a good addition, although I don't know how it would interact with something like 1pp if both are installed

[Aurumvorax]

Great work on this list, really appreciated

[Sstavix]

Thank you for the list - especially with all the links! This will be quite useful.