So, you've spent hours scouring the Nexus for the ultimate Starfield mods—everything from sublime UI tweaks to vibrant armor recolors. Naturally, you're excited. You download your mods, fire up your game, and—nothing. Your mods are nowhere to be seen. A puzzling issue, indeed! But don't worry, you're not alone. Many have faced the elusive "Starfield mods not working" conundrum.
In this article, I'll walk you through several foolproof methods to get your Starfield mods up and running like a well-oiled spaceship.
Method 1
Let's start by focusing on the StarfieldCustom.ini file, your gateway to modding magic.
Specifically, you'll want to navigate to C:\Users\%UserName%\Documents\My Games\Starfield\StarfieldCustom.ini. It's essential to understand that there are multiple locations where a StarfieldCustom.ini file can reside, but this is the only location that genuinely impacts your game.
Once you locate the file, right-click on it and open it using Notepad.
Paste the custom variables and settings that you want, or that are specified by your mod instructions.
Most importantly, make sure to set this file to 'Read-only' in the file properties. That way, your precious settings won't be overwritten when the game updates.
Method 2
Still no luck? Alright, let's crank it up a notch. For this method, you'll directly edit the Starfield.ini file inside the main game folder.
Set this file to 'Read-only' as well after making your changes.
Besides that, copy your mods into the Data folders in both the My Games directory and the main game directory. We're doubling down here to make sure there's no room for slip-ups.
Finally, launch the game executable directly, bypassing any launchers that might override your settings.
Method 3
If you're still facing issues, there's another avenue that's worth exploring. Believe it or not, there's a ready-made StarfieldCustom.ini file specifically designed to enable loose file mods.
You can find this life-saver at the following Nexus Mods link: Base StarfieldCustom.ini to Enable Loose File Mods. Just download and replace your existing StarfieldCustom.ini file with this one.
Related: Starfield Performance Boost Guide: Fix Low FPS and Stuttering
Final Thoughts
Getting Starfield mods to work can sometimes feel like solving a galactic puzzle. But armed with these methods, you're well on your way to modding nirvana.
Whether it's tweaking the StarfieldCustom.ini file, diving deep into the game folder, or using a ready-made solution, one of these paths will certainly lead you to a galaxy where your mods not only exist but thrive.
So, there you have it, folks! Don't let the 'Starfield mods not working' issue keep you grounded. Blast off into a modded universe of endless possibilities!
