If you are facing issues when installing mods or are a beginner wanting to change Cyberpunk 2077. Then this is the guide you must follow to learn every step in the process. The guide covers a range of topics, particularly in-depth steps for installing mods. Other things you will learn are the best mods and also how to fix common issues.
Why mod Cyberpunk 2077?
Players mod for several reasons, including:
Visual improvements: Some mods can fix or enhance lighting and other elements, making graphics better
Performance improvements: Some mods tweak settings, so you have fewer lags and jitters while playing
Gameplay improvements: Some mods tweak combat and other mechanics to improve gameplay
Quality of life modifications: Some mods can make the UI better or improve the inventory
Bypass restrictions: Some mods allow you to bypass limitations that the base game imposes
To experiment: Some players like to try new things and see how they work in the game
If you have bought Cyberpunk 2077 from a platform such as LootBar, then you may find that one of the reasons above is applicable to you.
Best mods
Here are some of the best mods you can use to make the game even better.
No More Duplicate NPCs: This mod generates unique NPCs by modifying their clothes
Responsive V: Improves player character animations, voice lines, and responsiveness
Ultra Plus Best Performance and Visuals for Everyone: This mod can increase FPS and improve visuals
Cyberware‑EX: Adds extra cyberware slots and allows more implant combinations
Combat Overhaul: Tweaks combat mechanics to make fights more challenging
Preem mods: This is a set of multiple mods that you can use to make elements such as skin, hair, and beard look more realistic
Better Vehicle Handling: Tweaks driving physics to make vehicles feel more responsive and realistic
Real Vendor Names: Replaces generic labels with realistic names, making it easier to find specific vendors
Deceptious Bug Fixes: Community bug fixes for glitches that official patches haven’t addressed
New Level Cap: Increases the base game’s level limit and allows you to progress beyond it
Limited HUD: Makes the on-screen HUD more immersive by removing useless elements
Immersive Gigs: Adds more realistic gigs to the game for a more immersive feel
Essential tools and frameworks for modding
Before you start modding, here are some tools and frameworks that you need to understand, as you will likely need to use them.
Vortex Mod Manager: This is a beginner-friendly tool that allows you to download, install, and manage mods in one place
The following are frameworks that some mods may require:
Cyber Engine Tweaks: This is typically used for mods that add scripts
RED4ext: This acts as a backend framework and is necessary for advanced script mods
ArchiveXL: This is typically used for mods that add new assets, such as clothing or other items
TweakXL: This allows you to modify game data and stats
How to mod
Follow these steps to safely download and install mods:
Backup
This should be your first step, because there can always be unforeseen issues.
Navigate to Documents\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\save
Copy the Cyberpunk 2077 save folder to another location
You should back up the complete game folder if you will be replacing files
Install Vortex Mod Manager
This is the best tool for installing and managing mods in a single place.
Download Vortex Mod Manager from Nexus Mods
Install the software
Open Vortex Mod Manager
Log in to your Nexus Mods account
Link Cyberpunk 2077
You can now use the tool
Install mods
This is likely the step you’ve been waiting for. Here are two methods you can use, one via Vortex and the other manual.
Vortex installation:
Download mods from Nexus Mods
Click download with Vortex in Nexus Mods
The mod will be added to Vortex once it's downloaded
Check the mods tab in Vortex, and the newly downloaded should have been added
- Install and enable the mod if it wasn't done automatically
Manual installation
Download mods from Nexus Mods
Extract the mod files using WinRAR or 7-Zip
Copy the mod folders to Cyberpunk 2077\archive\pc\mod
Create the mod folder, if it doesn’t exist
Test mods
You should test one mod at a time to pinpoint if one causes issues.
Launch the game
Check if the mod is working
If the game crashes or the mods aren’t working, disable them one by one to confirm which mod is causing the issue
Tips for modding
Here are some tips that can be useful, especially if you are new to modding.
Try installing a single mod at a time
Read the mod description, as some have specific requirements
Ensure you update mods as new versions are released
Don’t use mods that cause performance drops
Always keep a backup, as modding can lead to losing data
Common mistakes and how to troubleshoot
Here are some mistakes that beginners make, and how to troubleshoot them.
Losing data: This is why it's instrumental to back up
Downloading incompatible mods: Always check mod descriptions before installing them
Game version mismatch: Some mods work for specific game builds
Wrong folder: Manual installation isn’t hard, but it's important to copy files to the correct folders
Installing multiple mods: Enabling multiple mods at a time makes it hard to identify a bad one
Missing frameworks: Some mods require tools like Cyber Engine Tweaks or RED4ext to work
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you want to improve your graphics or are bored with all the NPCs looking similar, as there is a mod for almost anything you can think of. The modders also play the game, so they try to fix anything they don’t like. It's not complicated to mod the game, but there are steps that you must follow. This is why you can use this guide to mod more efficiently. If you are ready to test the mods but don’t have the game, you can get the Cyberpunk 2077 Steam key from LootBar.
