There’s an expansive universe to explore in Starfield, so not all players may be fully content with every aspect of the game. This is where mods can be helpful. Whether you’re looking to enhance or add new features, my list of the Best mods in Starfield has got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Mods help players change some existing features or add new ones for better gameplay.
- The 15 best mods mentioned include QOL (quality-of-life) features, enhanced visuals, unlocking apparel, and adding new features.
- Some must-have mods are Baka Achievement Enabler and Starfield Upscaler in order to run the other mods effectively.
- StarUI Inventory by m8r98a4f2 stands on top of the list for being an incredible QOL mod for Starfield.
With over 40+ hours in Starfield, Shoaib brings a hands-on approach to the information he shares, offering you a genuine understanding of the game.
- Note: I highly recommend players create a save file and store it before installing any of the mentioned mods below to avoid any issues regarding the playthrough.
Best Mods Overview
| Starfield Mod Name | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Starfield Performance Optimizations by E3roKK | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/104 |
| EXE – Effect Textures Enhanced by Weijiesen | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/340 |
| Starfield FOV | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/99 |
| Icon Sorting Tabs | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/312 |
| Move or Disable XP Bar | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/95 |
| Interstellar X Starfield Main Menu | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/1282 |
| Starfield Hotkeys | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/1578 |
| ALL Clothes I Helmet I Backpack Items | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/332 |
| Enhanced Player Healthbar | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/454 |
| No XP Kill Steal Fix | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/1018 |
| Weightless Resources and Other Items | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/1221 |
| Ship Skip | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/1056 |
| Baka Achievement Enabler | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/658 |
| Starfield Upscaler | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/111 |
| StarUI Inventory | https://www.nexusmods.com/starfield/mods/773 |
Mods Overview Table.
1. Starfield Performance Optimizations By E3roKK
Best Mod for Smoother Gameplay.
Why did I Choose Starfield Performance Optimizations by E3roKK?
I chose this mod for its core function of improving the game’s fundamental performance. Since Starfield can be demanding, this mod ensures a more enjoyable experience regardless of your hardware setup.
Let’s start with the basics; the in-game FPS may feel lacking, resulting in lag and poor performance overall. If you want to enhance Starfield’s performance further and avoid any stuttering in FPS, consider installing Starfield Performance Optimizations by E3roKK.
A simple yet powerful mod, Starfield Performance Optimizations will allow you to immerse into the game without any lags or blurs, despite of what graphic quality you’re playing on.
Make sure to install the mod manually and avoid downloading through Vortex. The mod file won’t be placed into the correct folder if you use Vortex. Therefore, to run the mod successfully, install it manually.
2. EXE – Effect Textures Enhanced By Weijiesen
Best Mod for Dazzling Visual Effects.
Why did I Choose EXE – Effect Textures Enhanced by Weijiesen?
I chose this mod for its ability to enhance Starfield’s visuals without sacrificing performance. The visual upgrades add a layer of polish and immersion to exploration and combat.
If you feel Starfield is lacking in smaller visual effects, such as burning effects, water, lasers, explosions, and so on, a mod named Effect Textures Enhanced by Weijiesen can fix it for you singlehandedly.
Even the gore effect, along with fire, is immensely enhanced, and players can instantly notice these differences, no matter the graphic quality. So, for a better immersive experience with just minor tweaks in visuals, make sure to install this amazing mod.
The mod will not affect your in-game performance or mess with other installed mods in Starfield, as answered by the creator in their Q&A.
3. Starfield FOV By Hellstorm102
Best Mod for Customizable Field of View.
Why did I Choose Starfield FOV by Hellstorm102?
I chose this mod because Starfield’s default FOV settings can be uncomfortable for many. This mod allows players to tailor the camera to their preferences, making the game significantly more accessible.
The default FOV of 85 and 70 in Starfield doesn’t seem so bad, but it can become a leading cause of dizziness for multiple players. What’s worse? Players do not have access to a field of view (FOV) slider in settings for both first and third-person views in Starfield.
With Starfield FOV mod by Hellstorm102, you can finally adjust your FOV and have a wider view of things, along with less motion sickness while moving around in first-person mode.
Since there are a few complaints about this mod not working for some players, you can also try out In-game FOV Changer by NexusGuy999 if that’s the case for you too.
4. Icon Sorting Tabs By McGuffin
Best Mod for Organized Inventory Management.
Why did I Choose Icon Sorting Tabs by McGuffin?
I chose this mod for its ability to transform Starfield’s cluttered inventory. It streamlines item sorting, making it easier to find and compare gear.
Are you into inventory organizing? Well, you may feel disappointed or confused when it comes to managing a plethora of looted items in Starfield. To make sorting these items much easier, try out an incredibly helpful mod, Icon Sorting Tabs by McGuffin.
This mod will add an icon in front of the item’s name. Not just that, the mod will display both effects/buffs and the quality of the item right next to the icon. Now, you can sort out your inventory much more effectively than before.
Keep in mind the mod is currently a work in progress; therefore, you may find some icons missing right now. This issue will be resolved as the mod gets updated.
5. Move or Disable XP Bar By Johnny3TearsUxA
Best Mod for Unique Experience.
Why did I Choose Move or Disable XP Bar by Johnny3TearsUxA?
I chose this mod for its focus on improving UI clarity. The ability to reposition or hide the XP bar is valuable for those seeking cleaner visuals.
One thing that’ll constantly annoy you in Starfield is the unnecessarily big XP bar in the center of the screen, which cannot be toggled on and off.
Worry not; with a simple mod, you can either completely remove that XP bar from popping up every time you secure a kill or simply move it aside to the left corner. Install Move or Disable XP Bar by Johnny3TearsUxA and get rid of one of the annoying features of Starfield.
6. Interstellar X Starfield Main Menu By SkyrimModder317
Best Movie Theme Mod.
Why did I Choose Interstellar X Starfield Main Menu by SkyrimModder317?
I chose this mod to add visual flair and personality to Starfield. It appeals to players who enjoy thematic customization.
Why settle for Starfield’s default Main Menu when you can try something even more exciting? Spice things up by giving your game’s main menu a new look.
If you’re loving Starfield so far, chances are you like space-related movies, too. Interstellar is a popular space film with captivating visuals. Equip a breathtaking background from Interstellar as your Main Menu by installing Interstellar X Starfield Main Menu mod by SkyrimModder317.
7. Starfield Hotkeys By reg2k
Best Mod for Streamlined Gameplay.
Why did I Choose Starfield Hotkeys by reg2k?
I chose this mod for its focus on efficiency. It removes the need to navigate menus for common tasks, enhancing gameplay flow.
Some features come in frequent usage throughout the game, and accessing them after every few minutes can become annoying. These features may include using various items, entering Photo Mode, toggling HUD visibility, entering Waiting mode, and so on.
You can set a hotkey command to such features and save time and effort by installing Starfield Hotkeys mod by reg2k. You can check out the details in the mod’s description.
8. ALL Clothes I Helmet I Backpack Items (Apparel)
Best Mod for Instant Access to All Cosmetics.
Why did I Choose All Clothes I Helmet I Backpack Items by kiloanoyo?
I chose this mod for its instant access to customization options. It’s great for players who prioritize fashion over the discovery process.
There are a ton of apparel options in Starfield, and only a handful of these are unlocked by default, while the rest stay undiscovered in the vast universe.
If you’d like access to each clothing item, backpack, and helmet available without wasting at least 50-60 hours just looking for them, a modder, kiloanoyo got you covered. By installing their mod, ALL Clothes I Helmet I Backpack Items, players will obtain all Apparel items in the inventory.
If you’re looking to give your character a flawless look right from the beginning, then this mod is definitely the way to go. However, keep in mind that there may be a handful of apparel items missing.
9. Enhanced Player Healthbar By SilverEzredes
Best Mod for Character HP.
Why did I Choose Enhanced Player Health Bar by SilverEzredes?
I chose this mod for its improvement to combat readability. The color changes help players make quicker decisions in the heat of battle.
The plain white health bar may seem too simple and lacking in appeal. In addition, players may not accurately assess the damage they’ve taken with a completely white health bar.
To avoid any such issues, you can install a mod, “Enhanced Player Healthbar” by SilverEzredes. With this mod, the health bar feature will be revamped with assigned colors for different health levels.
For 100-75% health, the bar stays white. From 75-50%, the bar turns yellow. From 50-25%, the bar turns orange, and lastly, from 25-0%, the bar will be displayed as red.
10. No XP Kill Steal Fix
Best Mod for XP Progression.
Why did I Choose No XP Kill Steal Fix by Zzyxzz?
I chose this mod to fix a common source of frustration. It ensures players earn the XP they rightfully deserve.
Wasting resources and efforts on securing kills, only for NPC companions to finish the target off, leads to players getting no XP. This, without a doubt, is one of the various annoying features of Starfield, as it wastes ammo or explosives.
But thanks to a modder, Zzyxzz, this issue has been resolved through a mod. Install No XP Kill Steal Fix and avoid losing XP from kill steals to level up faster!
11. Weightless Resources And Other Items By TroyIrving
Best Mod for Carry Capacity.
Why did I Choose Weightless Resources And Other Items by TroyIrving?
I chose this mod for its convenience in exploration-heavy gameplay. It eliminates the need to constantly return to unload, allowing for longer, more immersive journeys.
Having to travel back to your ship or outpost due to a limited weight capacity slows players down immensely. Though you can increase the inventory weight capacity a bit from different skills and perks, it’s still not enough sometimes, especially while you’re out looting.
You can always turn to a mod that helps turn specific items weightless to give you more space. These items include Aid, food, notes, misc, etc. This mod is called Weightless Resources and Other Items, created by TroyIrving.
12. Ship Skip By Bub
Best Mod for Ship Travel.
Why did I Choose Ship Skip by Bub?
I chose this mod as it addresses a repetitive element in Starfield. The cutscenes lose their appeal after a few hours, and this mod helps maintain a brisk gameplay pace.
As I mentioned earlier, various features in Starfield can become repetitive or annoying after a while. The cutscenes each time players dock and undock or takeoff are one of them. Though the cutscene itself is incredible and visually pleasing, it becomes annoying a few hours in.
To skip these dreading cutscenes and directly get out or in your spaceship, install the Ship Skip mod by Bub. The mod focuses on instant docking and undocking, but you can also skip the takeoff cutscene if you desire. Using this mod will save you significant time and enhance your gameplay speed.
13. Baka Achievement Enabler By shad0wshayd3
Best Mod for Completionist Players.
Why did I Choose Baka Achievement Enabler by shad0wshayd3?
I chose this mod due to its necessity for many mod users. It bridges the gap for players who want to customize their experience without sacrificing achievements.
If you’re looking to make your gaming experience more efficient or give yourself an extra edge, Console Commands, and mods can certainly do the trick. However, the input of such commands or mods can disable any achievement so players can’t cheat.
And since the entire guide is about the Best mods in Starfield, make sure to install the Baka Achievement Enabler mod by shad0wshayd3. It will allow players to access different mods and console commands without any achievements getting locked.
14. Starfield Upscaler By PureDark
Best Mod for Maximum Performance.
Why did I Choose Starfield Upscaler by PureDark?
This mod is essential for players with DLSS/XeSS capable hardware. Starfield lacks native support for them, and this mod unlocks their performance-enhancing potential.
Unfortunately, Starfield does not support Nvidia DLSS or Intel XeSS, which will result in decreased game performance when using either of these technologies. The game’s new update mentions future support for DLSS, but for now, the best solution is to install the Starfield Upscaler mod by PureDark.
The mod can replace FSR2 with either DLSS or XeSS and enhance the game’s performance immensely.
15. StarUI Inventory By m8r98a4f2
Best Mod for Inventory Management.
Why did I Choose StarUI Inventory by m8r98a4f2?
I chose this mod for its transformative impact on a core gameplay element. Starfield’s default inventory is cumbersome, and StarUI Inventory makes it significantly more organized and user-friendly.
Players often find the inventory display in Starfield unclear or disorganized. To improve this, you can use a QOL mod called StarUI Inventory that greatly enhances the inventory display.
The messy information is now confined to a single page, and items come with their icons. You can get all the details regarding an item or equipment in sortable columns.
The mod offers multiple languages, too, proving useful to an even larger audience. I highly recommend installing this QOL mod to have an overall better gaming experience.
What Would I Recommend?
I recommend “Starfield Performance Optimizations” and “StarUI Inventory.” Performance boosts ensure a smooth experience, especially on older hardware. It’s a must-have for everyone!
StarUI Inventory is a godsend if you frequently find yourself sifting through gear. With its clear sorting, item icons, and detail view, your inventory becomes infinitely more manageable. This is perfect for players who love looting and customizing their characters.
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Shoaib Rashid is a passionate Gamer and an experienced writer who has been covering the Gaming Industry for over 3 Years. He started his career as a freelance journalist, writing reviews, previews, news, guides, and features for various industries. He joined VA Gaming as a Writer in 2022 and was promoted to Content Editor in 2023, where he oversees the editorial tasks and ensures the quality and accuracy of the content.
Shoaib loves to play all kinds of games, from Competitive shooters to the latest AAA releases, you name it, and he got them all covered; a PC Enthusiast who loves to stay upgraded with the latest hardware, and he enjoys sharing his insights and opinions with the Gaming Community.
While being a hardcore competitive Gamer he also a big Anime fan so his IGN goes by #SHiNiGaMii. and you can join him on Steam and checkout his library to learn more about his accomplishments.
