The Most Popular Mods: A Ranking of Gaming Community Favorites

Choose the Mod you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 1, 2023 05:20)
Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters! We are excited to present our latest ranking - "What are the most popular mods?" With thousands of mods available, we know it's a challenge to pick the best of the best. That's where you come in! We've compiled a list of some of the most incredible, game-changing mods out there, and now it's your turn to have your say. Vote for your favorites or suggest a hidden gem that deserves recognition. Together, let's discover the ultimate mod experience and shape the future of gaming. Ready, set, vote!

What Are the Most Popular Mods?

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    Optifine is one of the most popular mods for Minecraft, and for good reason. It improves the game's graphics, adds new features, and optimizes performance. Players can customize their experience by adjusting various settings, such as render distance, texture quality, and lighting effects.
    Description
    Minecraft: Java Edition - Optifine is a popular mod that aims to optimize the performance and graphics of Minecraft gameplay. It provides numerous visual enhancements and performance improvements, making the game run smoother and look better. With Optifine, players can customize various visual settings, tweak graphics options, and experience improved frame rates and reduced lag.
    • Version: 1.16.4
    • File Size: Varies depending on version
    • Supported Minecraft Versions: 1.7.2 - 1.16.5
    • Graphics Enhancements: HD textures, shaders, multi-core support, dynamic lighting
    • Performance Improvements: Faster rendering, reduced lag, increased FPS
  2. 2
    22
    votes

    Skyrim - Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

    Unofficial Patch Project Team
    The Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch is a comprehensive mod that fixes hundreds of bugs and glitches in the game. It also improves performance and stability, and adds new features and content. This is a must-have mod for anyone playing Skyrim.
    Description
    The Skyrim - Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch is a community-created mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. It addresses various bugs, glitches, and issues found in the game, improving overall stability and gameplay experience.
    • Game Version Support: Compatible with Skyrim Special Edition (1.5.97)
    • Bug Fixes: Fixes numerous bugs, crashes, and quest errors
    • Stability: Enhances game stability by addressing memory management issues
    • Gameplay Changes: Addresses balance issues, NPC behavior, and combat mechanics
    • Audio Fixes: Resolves sound and music-related problems
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Stardew Valley Expanded is a popular mod that adds new content to the game, including new characters, locations, and events. It also improves the game's graphics and adds new features, such as new crops and recipes. This mod is a great way to enhance your Stardew Valley experience.
    Description
    Stardew Valley Expanded is a popular mod for the farming simulation game Stardew Valley. Created by a modder named FlashShifter, it expands and enhances the gameplay by introducing new areas, characters, events, and features to the game.
    • New Locations: Adds new areas to the game, including a beach resort, a desert, and a dense forest.
    • New Characters: Introduces new NPCs with unique storylines and interactions.
    • New Events: Includes additional festivals, quests, and seasonal events for players to participate in.
    • Expanded Farming: Provides new crops, livestock, and farm buildings for players to expand their farming operations.
    • New Features: Adds new gameplay mechanics, such as mine carts, fishing spots, and secret areas to discover.
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    MC Command Center is a powerful mod for The Sims 4 that allows players to customize various aspects of the game. This includes adjusting the game's settings, adding new gameplay features, and controlling the behavior of NPCs. This mod is a must-have for anyone who wants more control over their Sims 4 experience.
    Description
    The Sims 4 - MC Command Center is a popular mod that enhances gameplay in The Sims 4 by providing additional features and functionalities. It is created by Deaderpool and is highly regarded within the Sims modding community.
    • Version: Currently on version 7.7.2
    • Compatibility: Works with both the base game and expansion packs
    • Population Management: Allows for population control and management, including pregnancy settings, marriage options, and sim customization
    • Story Progression: Enables story progression within the game, making the world feel more alive
    • Career Progression: Enhances career progression for sims, providing more realistic promotion and job opportunities
    The Sims 4 - MC Command Center in other rankings
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    NaturalVision Remastered is a popular mod for Grand Theft Auto V that improves the game's graphics and adds new features. It includes new weather effects, improved lighting, and more realistic textures. This mod is a great way to enhance the visual experience of GTA V.
    Description
    Grand Theft Auto V - NaturalVision Remastered is a graphics overhaul mod for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V. It aims to enhance the visual quality and realism of the game by completely reworking the lighting, weather, and environment textures. The mod replaces the original game's visuals with high-quality textures and adds new post-processing effects, resulting in a more immersive and cinematic experience.
    • Supported Game Version: Grand Theft Auto V (PC)
    • Resolution Support: Up to 4K
    • Improved Lighting: Realistic global illumination, shadows, and reflections
    • Weather Overhaul: Enhanced rain, fog, and snow effects
    • Environment Textures: High-quality textures for buildings, vegetation, and surfaces
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Sim Settlements is a mod for Fallout 4 that adds new settlement building features to the game. It allows players to create more complex settlements, with NPCs that can build and maintain their own homes. This mod is a great way to enhance the building aspect of Fallout 4.
    Description
    Fallout 4 - Sim Settlements is a mod for the game Fallout 4 that introduces a new and detailed settlement building system. It provides a convenient way for players to create and manage settlements without having to individually build every structure. The mod allows settlers to build their own homes, farms, and shops, and provides a dynamic system for the settlements to grow and evolve over time. It adds depth and immersion to the settlement aspect of the game.
    • Mod Release Date: November 15, 2016
    • Mod Version: 4.2.0
    • Supported Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
    • Nexus Mods Page: https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/21872
    • Main Features: Dynamic Settlement Building, Settler AI, Building Plans, Growth System
    Fallout 4 - Sim Settlements in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Kerbal Engineer Redux is a popular mod for Kerbal Space Program that adds new features and improves the game's interface. It includes new tools for calculating rocket performance, as well as new displays for tracking mission progress. This mod is a must-have for anyone who wants to take their Kerbal Space Program experience to the next level.
    Description
    Kerbal Space Program - Kerbal Engineer Redux is a popular mod for the game Kerbal Space Program. It provides players with additional information and tools to aid in the construction, planning, and execution of their space missions. Created by the developer c0d232, this mod greatly enhances the gameplay experience by adding valuable features. Here are ten important specifications of the mod:
    • Delta-v calculations: Allows players to calculate the amount of delta-v needed for various maneuvers.
    • Part mass calculations: Displays the mass of individual parts and total vessel mass.
    • Thrust-to-weight ratio: Provides information on the ratio of an engine's thrust to the weight of the vessel.
    • Orbital information: Displays parameters like apoapsis, periapsis, inclination, and orbital period.
    • Stage information: Shows details about each stage's delta-v, thrust, and burn time.
  8. 8
    12
    votes
    A Clash of Kings is a popular mod for Mount & Blade: Warband that adds new content to the game, including new factions, weapons, and armor. It also includes new quests and events, and improves the game's graphics. This mod is a great way to enhance your Warband experience.
    Description
    Mount & Blade: Warband - A Clash of Kings is a popular modification for the game Mount & Blade: Warband. Created by a modding team led by Cozur, this mod transports players into the fantasy world of Westeros, inspired by George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The mod brings vast improvements to gameplay, graphics, and introduces players to the political and military conflicts of the Seven Kingdoms. Players can join various factions, engage in large-scale battles, and strive for power and control in the Game of Thrones.
    • Genre: Action role-playing, Strategy
    • Platform: PC
    • Release Date: May 2012
    • Game Engine: Mount & Blade: Warband
    • Map Size: Huge, covering the continents of Westeros and Essos
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    Traffic Manager: President Edition is a popular mod for Cities: Skylines that allows players to customize the game's traffic system. It includes new tools for managing traffic flow, as well as new features for controlling public transportation. This mod is a must-have for anyone who wants more control over their Cities: Skylines experience.
    Description
    Cities: Skylines - Traffic Manager is a mod for the city-building game Cities: Skylines. It enhances the traffic management aspect of the game, allowing players to have more control over traffic flow in their cities.
    • Advanced AI: The mod provides more advanced artificial intelligence for vehicles and pedestrians, resulting in improved traffic behavior.
    • Traffic Regulations: Players can implement various traffic regulations such as speed limits, vehicle restrictions, and priority rules.
    • Traffic Lights Control: The mod allows users to manually control traffic lights to optimize the flow of vehicles.
    • Priority Signs: Players can place priority signs at intersections to manage right-of-way priority.
    • Lane Connector Tool: This tool enables the creation of custom lane connections and improves the flow of vehicles.
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    World of Warcraft - Deadly Boss Mods

    Adam Williams (MysticalOS)
    Deadly Boss Mods is a popular mod for World of Warcraft that helps players navigate raid encounters. It includes new alerts and timers for boss mechanics, as well as new features for analyzing combat logs. This mod is a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their raid performance in WoW.
    Description
    World of Warcraft - Deadly Boss Mods is a popular mod that enhances the gaming experience in World of Warcraft by providing valuable information and alerts for boss encounters. It helps players anticipate boss mechanics, react to important events, and stay aware of their surroundings during high-stakes battles.
    • 1: Provides customizable timers and alerts for boss abilities
    • 2: Supports a wide range of boss encounters from various expansions
    • 3: Offers special warnings for critical boss mechanics
    • 4: Displays timers for enrage phases, cooldowns, and debuffs
    • 5: Integrates with other boss encounter mods for enhanced functionality

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Ranking factors for popular mods

  1. User ratings/reviews
    Positive reviews and high user ratings are essential factors in determining a mod's popularity. This shows that the mod is well-liked among users, and it meets their expectations in terms of performance and functionality.
  2. Compatibility and stability
    A popular mod should be compatible with a wide range of game versions and other mods. It should also be stable, so users don't experience crashes, glitches, or other issues while using the mod.
  3. Mod functionality and features
    Popular mods often provide new and unique features, enhancements, or improvements to the base game. These functions should be well-executed and beneficial for the overall gaming experience.
  4. Active development and support
    Mods with an active development team or community-driven support tend to be more popular. Updates, bug fixes, and new content contribute to the mod's longevity and appeal.
  5. Ease of use and installation
    A seamless installation process and a user-friendly interface can make a mod more popular among users. Mods that require complex configuration or manual installation may scare off potential users.
  6. Performance impact
    Mods that do not have a significant impact on game performance and stability are more likely to be popular. Users typically prefer mods that don't cause performance drops, crashes, or other issues.
  7. Aesthetic appeal
    The visual and auditory enhancements provided by a mod can play an essential role in its popularity, especially if it enhances player immersion or significantly improves the game's look and feel.
  8. In-game integration
    A popular mod should integrate well with the base game's mechanics and systems. It shouldn't feel out of place or significantly disrupt the game's core experience.
  9. Community engagement
    Mods with active communities, through forums, Discord servers, or social media presence, may be more popular as users can interact with each other and the mod creators, seek guidance, report issues, or share their experiences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular mods. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mod is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1737 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mod once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mod is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular mods

Mods, short for modifications, are a popular way for gamers to enhance their gaming experience. These modifications can range from small changes to gameplay mechanics to completely new game modes and graphics. Mods can be created by individual gamers or by larger development teams, and are often shared through online communities and platforms. With the rise of games such as Minecraft and Skyrim, the popularity of mods has only continued to grow. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular mods across a variety of games and genres.

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