Top 10 big mods that completely change games

Some big mods are considered standalone projects. Sometimes, they're even released on Steam separately from the original game. Notable examples include Counter-Strike and Dota 2. In this article, we've collected major mods that aren't yet distributed independently, but are sure to appeal to those looking for a new experience in their favorite game.

Please note that in the descriptions, we've included buttons for the prices and system requirements of the projects for which these mods were developed. Without the original games, mods cannot run.

When it comes to strategy games based on The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings) immediately brings to mind the Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth duology. However, it lacked a full-fledged global mode. Modders implemented one based on Medieval 2: Total War. In The Third Age, you can take control of one of the factions and then lead them to victory in the War of the Ring and dominance in Middle-earth. Like the original game, turn-based mode is combined with epic real-time battles. Every icon, building, and unit has been redesigned to fit the new setting.

And if you like the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series or the TV series based on it, check out the Game of Thrones mod for Crusader Kings 3. Various scenarios await you, from Aegon's conquest to military campaigns described in George Martin's main series of novels. You can achieve your goals through a variety of means, from the banal extermination of your neighbors to cunning diplomatic schemes. And no one is stopping you from taming dragons and then burning your rebellious neighbors, along with their castles.

This mod is a game that is not connected to The Elder Scrolls universe. It continues the story told in the Nehrim: At Fate's Edge modification for Oblivion. Enderal takes place on a large continent with deserts, jungles, and snowy plains. It's comparable in size to Skyrim. The modification features a full story mode, numerous side quests, and traditional RPG progression without the auto-leveling feature that not all fans of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim enjoyed. A full playthrough will take about 100 hours. If that's not enough, install the Forgotten Stories expansion.

We wrote about the original Skyrim in a separate article.

A modification that turns GTA 5 into a space action game. Moreover, we are not talking about a simple change of scenery, but about new gameplay with travel to different planets and battles with representatives of other civilizations. There's even a decent plot in the spirit of sci-fi alien invasion movies.

Also check out our GTA 5 review.

The Prophesy of Pendor modification takes us to a new medieval setting with fantasy elements. You must unite warring provinces and create your own kingdom. Each faction has its own cultural characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, and heroes to defeat. Please note that this mod has a high difficulty level and is designed for those who have already mastered the mechanics of the original Mount & Blade.

A full-fledged zombie mode for the original GTA: Vice City. Players will experience the atmosphere of classic zombie films, a pitch-black night, and hordes of hungry monsters. They can be destroyed using firearms and various vehicles. Ideally, it's best to familiarize yourself with the city's layout beforehand, as navigating its streets in complete darkness can be challenging.

An unusual mod that transforms Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne is an isometric action game in the spirit of the Alien Shooter series. You'll battle hordes of necromorphs from the Dead Space universe. They'll be waiting for you on the decks of spaceships and in the streets of futuristic cities. The story centers on the cultists of the Brotherhood of the Obelisk, who are seeking to gain power throughout the galaxy.

Finally, we offer two mods. Set in the same universes as the original games, Entropy: Zero 2 lets you experience the events of Half-Life 2 from the perspective of the Civil Defense fighters. The mod's creators relied on leaked information about unreleased episodes, so the story isn't limited to the main series. You'll experience simple tactical battles alongside other Alliance soldiers, horror episodes with hallucinations, and much more. The mod feels like a fully-fledged new shooter with high-quality old-school gameplay.

In the Fallout world, Britain was not spared the consequences of nuclear war, so London and its surroundings lie in ruins. Several factions vie for control, from wannabe Knights of the Round Table and descendants of aristocrats to simple bandits. You can support one of them or go about your own business.

This small open world, roughly the size of the island from the Far Harbor expansion for Fallout 4, offers hundreds of side quests that can be completed in a variety of ways. Furthermore, the world of Fallout: London is steeped in the signature English style. It feels like the inhabitants of Foggy Albion maintain their traditions even after the old world burned to the ground.

An unofficial prequel to the very first Gothic, set on the island of Archolos. The protagonist, Marvin, and his brother are forced to flee their hometown due to an orc invasion. But instead of a peaceful life in their new home, political intrigue awaits, which they will have to participate in. Moreover, you can support one of three factions with their own unique missions. A total of 140 quests await you, which you will need to complete.The game will take over a hundred hours of real-time play. The modification reworks virtually every element of the original Gothic 2, adding new mechanics such as full-fledged crafting and fishing. Furthermore, it's worth noting the rich medieval fantasy atmosphere in the spirit of the first games in the series.

Large-scale modifications have become an important part of the gaming industry. They open up new possibilities for gamers and expand the boundaries of original projects. Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, both new and old games are being given a second life with additional content, improved graphics, and fresh mechanics.

Which major mods have stood out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!