Articles The best mods for Starfield for graphics optimization, cheats, and much more

The best mods for Starfield for graphics optimization, cheats, and much more

Vladislav Sham
Contents
Read in full version

In September 2023, the release of Starfield took place. Developers from Bethesda offered us an adventure in outer space with hundreds of planets. The game turned out to be not bad, but it will become even better thanks to mods. For example, you can experiment with DLSS technologies, which allow you to improve graphics and optimization. In the selection, you will find links to the best modifications and also learn how to install them.

Usually, we recommend using a program manager to work with mods. However, in the case of Starfield, it is not needed, as the vast majority of modifications are installed manually. To improve graphics using ReShade technology, it is enough to download several programs. And to change the field of view, interface settings, and quick body search, you will need to enter special commands in a text file. All the necessary information is collected in our material.

How to install mods for Starfield

Installation procedure:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  2. Go to the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.

Enter the following line into it and save the changes:

[Archive]

bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

sResourceDataDirsFinal=

Note: if the mod is installed differently, we will mention it in the description.

Starfield Upscaler. Replacing FSR2 with DLSS or XeSS — improving graphics with DLSS or XeSS technologies

Not all players liked how the HDR effect is implemented in Starfield. This mod replaces the FSR2 technology with more advanced DLSS or XeSS. As a result, the picture will look much better.

Installation procedure:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  2. Install the Upscale plugin, then move the file PDPerfPlugin.dll to the folder modsUpscalerBasePlugin.
  3. Download the plugins nvngx_dlss.dll or libxess.dll and move them to the directory modsUpscalerBasePlugin.
  4. Start the game.
  5. Press the END button to launch the mod settings.
  6. Select DLSS or XeSS. You can experiment with both sharpness enhancement technologies to choose the one you like best.
Download

Quantum Reshade

Today, almost every high-budget PC game has a mod that enhances image quality based on ReShade technology. Starfield is no exception.

Installation procedure:

  • Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  • Install ReShade. Select DirectX 12 as the renderer.
  • Start the game.
  • Press the Home button to select the shaders you need.
Download

Real Life Starfield Experience ReShade by Scottyus1

Another mod that uses ReShade technology. Its task is to make the image as realistic as possible. You can find the installation instructions in the description of the previous modification.

Download

Enhanced Blood Textures Starfield

This graphic mod makes the blood in the game more realistic. You can choose between 2K and 4K resolution textures.

Installation procedure:

  • Download the mod archive.
  • Unpack it into the Documents\MyGames\Starfield folder.
  • Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.

Enter the following line into it:

[Archive]

bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

sResourceDataDirsFinal=

Download

Neutral LUTs. No Color Filters

Color filters are another controversial decision implemented in Starfield. This mod allows you to remove them, resulting in a more realistic picture.

Installation procedure:

  • Download the mod archive.
  • Unpack it into the Documents\MyGames\Starfield folder.
  • Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.

Enter the following lines into it:

[Archive]

bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

sResourceDataDirsFinal=

[Display]

fSpaceGlowBackgroundScale=0.0

fStarIntensity=2500.0

fStarSystemFarViewDistance=10000000000.0

fStarfieldBackgroundScale=35.0

fStarfieldStarBrightnessScale=10.0

fStarfieldStarCoordScale=10.0

fSunScale=1.0

Download

Starfield Performance Optimizations

This modification will be useful for players who experience low frame rate issues in Starfield. The mod author did everything possible to increase FPS while maintaining a beautiful picture.

Download

Performance Ultra Settings 60fps in cities

This mod will be useful for those who experience sharp FPS drops while visiting cities. The author slightly reworked the image at ultra graphics settings so that the game lags less in densely built areas with a large number of NPCs nearby.

Download

High-Res Hair and Beards

This mod changes the hair textures of your character and all NPCs to new ones with 4K resolution.

Installation procedure:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  2. Go to the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.
  4. Find the line sResourceIndexFileList=.
  5. Add the phrase 4K_Hair (without space) to activate the new hair textures and 4K_Beards for detailed beards.
  6. Save the changes.
  7. Start the game.
Download

Starfield FOV

A simple modification that allows you to change the field of view from the first and third person perspectives.

Installation procedure:

  1. Download the mod archive.
  2. Copy it into the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.
  4. Find the lines fFPWorldFOV and fTPWorldFOV. They are responsible for the first and third person views.
  5. Change their parameters. By default, it is set to 100%, which corresponds to the standard camera in the game. You can decrease or increase this value.
  6. Start Starfield.
Download

Smooth Ship Reticle (120fps Smooth UI)

By default, the interface runs at a 30 frames per second clock rate. This can be annoying, especially if your in-game FPS is higher. Thanks to this modification, interface buttons will respond faster to your commands — the refresh rate will increase to 120 frames per second.

Download

BetterHUD

The previous mod only speeds up the interface, while this modification allows you to customize it to your liking. For example, you can reduce and move the experience points indicator down, remove hit markers and enemy health indicators.

Download

IconSortingTags. Starfield Edition

This mod adds a small icon to each item in your inventory and the open world. It will provide brief information about the object, allowing you to immediately understand whether you need it or not.

Download

Cleanfield. A No-Intro Videos And Clean Menu Fix

This mod allows you to skip the intro and all logos that are shown at each launch. Instead, the main game menu will open immediately.

Download

Compact Inventory UI

The modification allows you to display 17 slots instead of 12 in the inventory, and also adds the ability to sort items. In addition, the add-on fixes some interface bugs that are present in the standard version of the game.

Download

Enhanced Player Healthbar

The add-on changes the color of the health bar depending on how many health points you have left. This solution allows you to quickly assess your character's condition in the heat of battle.

  • From 100 to 76% — white color;
  • From 75 to 51% — yellow color;
  • From 50 to 26% — orange color;
  • From 25 to 1% — red color.
Download

Spicy Clean Ship HUD

This mod removes unnecessary interface elements that you see during space flights. Several options are available to choose from.

Download

Tactical Crosshair

Thanks to this modification, the crosshair will disappear when you hold the weapon near your hip. This is convenient during open-world exploration.

Download

Visible Skills Descriptions

In the original Starfield, you can't see the skill description while leveling up your character until you open it. This flaw is fixed with this mod. After installing it, all skills and perks will have detailed descriptions regardless of whether they are available or not.

Download

Real Flashlight

The light from the flashlight you use in dark rooms doesn't look very realistic. This modification will help eliminate this drawback. Thanks to it, the transition between lit and dark surfaces will be smoother.

Installation instructions:

  1. Install the Bethini Pie plugin.
  2. Download and unpack the mod archive.
  3. Launch the file lightminehelmet01gobo_color.dds using Bethini Pie.
  4. Specify the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  5. Start the game.
Download

Easy Digipick (Lockpick)

A modification that allows you to skip the lockpicking mini-game. The lock will be picked automatically — you just need to unlock the necessary skill.

Download

Less Spongy Enemies

There is an opinion that all enemies in Starfield have unjustifiably high health points. If you think so too, pay attention to this mod. It can reduce the health bar of enemies by 1.5, 2, or 4 times.

Installation order:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  2. Go to the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.

Enter the following line into it:

sStartingConsoleCommand=bat LessSpongyEnemies

Download

Immersive Damage

An alternative to the previous mod. Instead of reducing the maximum health of opponents, it allows you to increase the effectiveness of your weapons.

Installation order:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it into the game folder. By default, it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield.
  2. Copy the StarfieldCustom.ini file to the directory Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Start the game.
Download

Responsive Grabbing

This modification makes looting defeated enemies and various crates almost instantaneous.

Installation order:

  1. Download the mod archive.
  2. Copy it to the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield.
  3. Open the file StarfieldCustom.ini.

Enter the following lines into it:

[Controls]

fZKeyDelay=0.15

Download

Automatic Quicksave Backups

A mod that will be useful to all players. In Starfield, your saves can be corrupted due to a crash. The modification creates automatic saves in a separate folder.

Operating procedure:

  1. Download the mod archive and unpack it.
  2. Right-click on the file starfield-backup.ps1 and select the option Run with PowerShell.
  3. You will find the saves in the folder Documents\MyGames\Starfield\Saves. All backup saves have the extension .backup.
Download

All The Materials

A modification that will make the process of collecting various materials easier.

How to use the cheat:

  1. Start the game.
  2. Press the ~ key to bring up the console.
  3. Enter the command bat mats (without quotes).
  4. From the list, select the resource you need.
Download

All Weapons Ammo Space Suits and Skills

Here is an alternative to the cheats, which will allow you to access all items and abilities available in the game.

How to activate the cheat:

  1. Start the game.
  2. Press the ~ key to bring up the console.
  3. Enter the command bat kekfield to get all weapons and spacesuits, bat alltraits to unlock all traits, and bat allperks for access to all perks.

Note: all commands must be entered without quotes.

Download

Enemy Friendly Fire (SFSE)

This mod will allow enemies to inflict damage on each other during shootouts, which can be useful in certain situations. The battles themselves will become more realistic.

Installation order:

  1. Install the Starfield Script Extender (SFSE) plugin.
  2. Download and unpack the mod archive.
  3. Copy its contents to the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Starfield\Data\SFSE\Plugins.
  4. Start the game.
Download

Unlimited Traders

A mod that makes trading easier. After installing it, the amount of money traders have will be unlimited. To activate, open the console with the ~ key and enter the command bat OPTRADERON. To disable this mode, enter the line bat OPTRADEROFF.

Note: all commands must be entered without quotes.

Download

***

As you can see, most mods either improve graphics and performance or make cosmetic changes to the interface and balance. In the future, we will surely see modifications for new weapons, spacesuits, and story quests. But we will have to wait a bit. After some time, we will update the selection and add the most interesting add-ons for Starfield.

Will you be installing mods for Starfield? Or have you not bought the game yet? Share your opinion in the comments!

Comments 0
Leave a comment