As a way to expand a game past its base parameters, modding can quickly become a compelling way to play. Most games, like Stardew Valley, have a variety of mods you can utilize, such as quality of life, cosmetics, and even an expansion of the story. While this all seems fun and innocent, there's one thing people don't warn you about before modding: it can ruin a game for you.

Some games will be easy to convert back to the vanilla mode after you've tested out mods. However, I've also found myself in situations where getting a taste of the modded version has made it hard to return to the base game and appreciate its singular qualities. In the worst-case scenario, modding could even prevent you from playing a game again, especially if your favorite mods stop working.

How Modding Can Enhance Gameplay

Building Onto What You Already Have

Some games benefit from modding, especially if the vanilla version isn't that great to start with. If you find a game where you really love the concept but feel like it just needs a little push to be great, modding can come in handy. For example, the recipes in Minecraft in the standard version of the game are very basic. If you enjoy the realism of cooking in games, a cooking mod can make Minecraft more personally compelling and enhance it to your liking.

I started really getting into modding with Stardew Valley. While I found the base game relaxing and cozy, but it was missing something for me. Some of the best mods for Stardew make overhauls to the quality of life, such as the tractor mod. With this mod, you're able to water and harvest your crops quickly. This saves both time and energy, so you could spend the rest of the day in the game getting quests done. While the steady grind of the base experience is more compelling for many players, I enjoy having more free time in-game.

Use mods to fix what you don't like about a game. If it bothers you, chances are it bothers other people, meaning there will be a mod for it.

The tractor mod removed the tedious feeling I didn't realize I dreaded in the game. Plus, I was able to make more money by having my pickaxe active while running through the mines. As you ride by the rocks on the tractor, you automatically mine. Combining this with increasing the proximity in which you pick up items can generate rapid profits, further increasing the pace of improvement in game. Another mod I indulged in was Stardew Expanded by FlashShifter on Nexus Mods, which put a spin on the base story by adding several new characters, events, and quest lines.

After playing through the regular story so many times, it was nice to have new things to do. Another favorite of mine was the expanded backpack that allowed you to carry more items in your inventory. This was game-changing, as you go from having around 36 slots to over 70 with the mod. I also fell in love with some beautiful cosmetic mods that allowed me to change the look of the buildings and agriculture.

This led to me modding other games, such as Lethal Company. While the game is scary on its own, I wanted to amp up the horror factor with mods that would make the game more difficult. One mod in particular allows the monsters to chase you outside the warehouse. There is nothing scarier than seeing the Bracken creeping up from behind when you're almost on the ship about to escape.

Other Lethal Company mods that I've found fun give you more variety of suits to wear, more loot to find, and more planets to visit. Since the game is pretty simplistic when it comes to missions, mods didn't change the nature of the game; they just enhanced mechanics that were already there.

Modding Equally Ruins The Base Game

Be Careful What You Wish For

Modding can become addictive, especially when you have so many options out there to choose from. Unfortunately, the side effects of modding include not enjoying the vanilla version of the game anymore or finding similar games that lack the same modding options harder to appreciate. Not all games that you mod will have this impact. While I love modded Lethal Company, I am perfectly content playing it without mods, as it still scares me. I don't need every entity in the game running out of the building after me or different suit options to enjoy the experience.

However, going from modded Stardew Valley to vanilla was like running full force into a brick wall. I lost interest incredibly quickly, especially when it came to the tedious nature of farming or getting money. I actually found myself falling asleep when trying to force-play the base game. Needless to say, I have no interest in going back to the un-modded version of the game. In a way, mods ruined the game for me because now it feels extremely bland. My experience modding Stardew Valley makes me hesitant to mod games I like because I'm worried I'll never be able to look at the game the same again.

Getting into the modding part of gaming is a catch-22. In the beginning, tweaking everything that lacks depth or requires patience in the base game is exclusively exciting, but it can ruin the original game's experience. While getting into modding can seem like it will just enhance the already-established features in the game, once you get a taste of it, you may start wanting to mod everything.

Advice To Those New To Modding

Key Takeaways When It Comes To Modding

The modding world can be very intimidating, especially with the more intricate modding that involves moving files all around. The best thing you can do when starting out is to choose a simple game that you like. Try to think of what you don't like about the game and search for mods that could fix it. , once you start modding there's no turning back, and you might not like the vanilla version of the game after you start. When searching mods, there are a few key things you must .

• Choose a reputable site such as NexusMods.
• Look at the total number of endorsements and s associated with the mod. This will tell you how popular it is.
• Read the details to make sure there aren't two mods that contradict each other. Some mods will prevent others from working, which could break your game.
• Check your filters because, unfortunately, most mod sites allow unsavory adult mods to be listed that will ruin games like Stardew Valley. This also serves as a warning to parents with kids who want to get into modding.
• Make sure the mod is regularly updated. If it's not, there is a chance it could either not work or eventually stop working.

Modding can ultimately be a great way to experience games from a fresh angle. All the same, it's worth being cautious before deciding to embrace the concept with open arms. I've gotten plenty of fun out of modding games like Stardew Valley and Lethal Company, but I do feel like I've crossed a bridge that I can't uncross.