This guide currently supports Patch 3! (& hotfix 8) Game wise there is no real DLCs yet so you'll just need the game itself to get started. As for tools needed for this guide you will only need two things. An unzipping tool for manual mods as not every mod will be MM compliant. I use Winrar[www.win-rar.com] but many people prefer 7zip. As usual use what you prefer. And of course you'll need a mod manager.

I typically use NMM and BG3 has NMM support but rule of thumb is if a game has a mod manager just for that game (or engine in the case of frosty) use it. So we will be using LaughingLeader's Baldur's Gate 3 Mod Manager[github.com] for this guide when using .pak files. Grab the latest release the button should be on the right hand side and download and unzip it to a location at your discretion.

The two types of mods we will deal with are either going to be .paks which will work with the MM or straight up raw files that will be dumped into your game directory. When we use mods labled .pak we will want to drop that .pak file into this file path C:\Users\(your username)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods (Here's a trick to get to that file path super fast. Go to your search bar and write %appdata% and hit enter. It will drop you in the roaming folder right after appdata so go back one and select local than hit L so larian studios pops up and boom you are there with minimal digging) Afterwards run the mod manager (as admin) and make sure the mod is on the left active side and not on the inactive side and then hit file and make sure you save the order and export the order to game. You'll want to save and export everytime you update .pak mods, change your load order or add a new .pak mod. All .pak mods in this guide will be labeled .PAK so you'll know you will have to follow the instructions for any of those mods that I just wrote in this section.

The raw file mods are manual installs so they will typically go into your game directory and I will have indepth instructions for said mod when the time comes. If you manually mod normally you'll know what to do based off of the file structures inside the unzipped mod folder.

Finally you'll need a nexus account so you can download the mods on there. Nexus website for Baldur's Gate 3[www.nexusmods.com]



I'll do my best to keep this guide updated if any mod becomes outdated and I haven't tweaked feel free to notify me. Whenever you download a mod whether its from this guide or on your own volition check the requirements and make sure you meet them ahead of time as some of these essential mods require files that aren't on nexus but they will give you a download link.

We will need a script extender for certain mods (and it will give you a console) Grab it here.[github.com] Install manually by dropping DWrite.dll and the ScriptExtenderSettings.json in the bin folder located in the main directory.

Native Mod Loader[www.nexusmods.com]
Install the mod manually by dropping the bin folder into your main game directory D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Baldurs Gate 3. This mod will allow you to load any native dll plugins.

Achievement Enabler[www.nexusmods.com]
Install the mod manually by dropping the bin folder into your main game directory. The DLL should be inside D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Baldurs Gate 3\bin\NativeMods. This mod allows achievements while modding your game. (Not required if you are using the script extender which you most likely are)

.PAK Baldur's Gate 3 Mod Fixer[www.nexusmods.com]
Allows .pak mods to work properly with the game.

These are mods that will overhaul the core gameplay, change the appearances of certain characters plus bodies and/or allow you to do things that go beyond what the game allows you to. Some of these may be considered cheatish for some people just get the mods that you would like to use avoid what you don't want.

Level 20 (Multiclass)[www.nexusmods.com]
Pick the rate you want and then install manually by dropping the data folder into your main directory.
This mod will increase the lvl cap from 12 to 20. Just do not level up any classes past 12 (if taking a class to lvl 12 make sure to do it on your final lvl up to avoid a crash when the game tries to lvl your class to 13) and multi class to avoid any problems.

Fast XP[www.nexusmods.com]
If you want to use fast xp to lvl 6 with the multiclass mod overwrite that mod with this one, keeping that mod's second XPData.txt in the SharedDev folder line (or after overwriting the first mod just drop the multiclass XPData.txt from the first mod). This mod makes lvls 1-6 very fast and then slows it back down so you can target lvl 20 a bit easier.

.PAK Gold Zero Weight[www.nexusmods.com]
Currency should not be weighted in any game. This rectifies that nonsense.

.PAK Carry Weight Increased - Up To Over 9000[www.nexusmods.com]
Carry weight mod with multiple multipliers so pick the one you want to use since its a ♥♥♥♥♥ to manage inventory space in these types of games. I use the x20 version since x900 is od lol.

.PAK Galaxy Dice Set[www.nexusmods.com]
Dope dice skin.

.PAK Astral Sea Dice Set[www.nexusmods.com]
Another dope dice skin.

.PAK Approval Ratings[www.nexusmods.com]
If you don't want to deal with juggling approval here you go. There are multiple variants that will do different things. Approval_CG is the one that will give positive to everyone.

.PAK ImprovedUI ReleaseReady[www.nexusmods.com]
Mod friendly UI overhaul that gets rid of that annoying in-game warning. You only need the main core file but the addons are solid as well.

Party Limit Begone[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the mod folder into your data folder. Afterwards patch your bg3.exe or bg3_dx11.exe file located in your bin folder by dropping the exe onto the PartyLimitBegonePatcher.bat file. (The patching is only needed if you want to play multiplayer but I got it regardless.) This mod allows you to increase your party size up to 16 people.
This mod has some issues but you can deal with them relatively easily. Will be located in section 6.

.PAK Death Knight Class - Champion of the Lich King[www.nexusmods.com]
Modded class based off of the death knight class from WoW. Awesome class that I'm currently maining myself. Has an optional file for feats per level.

.PAK Daughter of Lolth - Minthara - Good Recruitment[www.nexusmods.com]
You can now recruit Minthara while still siding with the Tieflings. Goes well with
.PAK Drow Priestess Robe[www.nexusmods.com] mod. When you fight her during the goblin camp or the raid defeat her non-lethally and she will be recruitable in act II.

.PAK No Romance Limit (polyamory mod)[www.nexusmods.com]
Allows you to have at least two main romances. The mod will allow you to start dating as many characters as you want but once you have a full relationship you can only upgrade characters you have already started dating (you can console command characters into the dating tier but you will most likely lose out on those scenes.) There is now both a .PAK variant and standard loose file variant for manual installation.

.PAK Camp Event Notifications[www.nexusmods.com]
Whenever you have dialogue at the camp or long rest camp events you will get a visual notification. After dropping the .Pak create a folder called Osiris Data in C:\Users\(Yourusername)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\.

.PAK Tadpole Dialogue Without Resting[www.nexusmods.com]
Removes the need to rest between uses of tadpole/illithid dialogue options.

.PAK Teleport Party To You Spell[www.nexusmods.com]
Tp all your party members to you. Super useful for those of us with larger parties and/or if the pathing is playing games with you.

Enhanced Nude Bodies[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the generated folder inside of your data folder.
This mod is basically the CBBE of BG3 and you will have the pick the files for each race you want to use. I suggest to only use Humans Elves Half-Elves Drows (Normal) and Tieflings (Normal) for now as the new bodies will clip through the vanilla clothes/armor and there is a mod to deal with that but currently the work is only done for the mentioned races (Tiefling is in progress so you will still see some clipping on certain people) If you do not care about the clipping by all means use all the races and strong body variants as well.

Female Clothing and Armor for Enhanced Nude Bodies[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the data folder into your main directory. For those with the Drow Priestess mod there is patch for that mod and installation is the same as the main mod. This mod essentially fixes the clipping produced by the previous mod. Currently only has fixes for Humans Elves Half-Elves Drows (Normal) and some Tieflings (Normal). So to avoid clipping only get the bodies for those and you can eventually get the others as the mod comes along.

Younger Jaheira[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the generated folder into your data folder. This mod de-ages Jaheira somewhat as imo she looks way older than she should. She is a half elf so she shouldn't look that old.

Another face for Minthara[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the generated folder into your data folder. This mod changes Mintharas face completely. Now I won't kap I like vanilla Minthara a lot shes gorgeous like the rest of the crew. But this face mod did stood out to me.

Smooth and muscular Githyanki F Body[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the generated folder into your data folder. The gith are a very interesting looking race and while I am already fond of them I do like the tightness this mod brings so I have begun to use it.

Gortash Facelift[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the generated folder into your data folder. Override the main file with any of the optional files if you want to add things like stubble, change his hairstyle or add the wrinkles, scars & eye bags. This mod basically makes Gortash go from the pudge to a final fantasy villain looking sharp and intimidating af.

The Following two mods are spoilery so do not click on them if you have not reached act III and made "that call". Less Veins on Face[www.nexusmods.com] & Faerun Dental Care[www.nexusmods.com]
Install by dropping the generated folder inside your data folder. These two mods reduce most of the visual effects that you get when you become half illithid for those who think its overbearing but still want to go that path.

Here's my load order for those who want to use all mods and replicate my LO.

0. Carry Weight Increased 9000 (Carry Weight Increased 9000_1d6ece6c-b9e1-430e-8263-7d223a78abmh.pak)
1. Gold Weight Zero (Gold Weight Zero_GOLDWEIG-HTZE-RO12-4444-deeeeeeeeeef.pak)
2. JohnZyxx's Astral Sea Dice (AstralDice_0be6ecf6-69ec-4f9c-b9a6-db1bf72a7069.pak)
3. JohnZyxx's Galaxy Dice Set (GalaxyDice_cdefdf94-642a-42ba-ade7-e8a1ad83d8c7.pak)
4. Approval_CG (Approval_CG_6210ea3c-c9e7-4ef2-b0bc-74654f052ef4.pak)
5. DrowClericArmor (DrowClericArmor_62333410-e6f3-4c38-aa6a-cb03e126421e.pak)
6. Daughter of Lolth - Chosen Path (DaughterofLolthChosen_e64e2e53-92c3-444e-a374-0d6638ed4e99.pak)
Override ImprovedUI (ImprovedUI_00000000-0000-0000-0000-ImprovedUI12.pak)
8. KvCampEvents (KvCampEvents_1b8d381f-6210-4473-85be-600457267a87.pak)
9. TadpoleDialogueNoCooldown (TadpoleDialogueNoCooldown_10d4c358-ffb0-4fec-9abe-9723d8ea7c29.pak)
10. WoWDeathKnightClass (WoWDeathKnightClass_2527857d-510f-4587-828f-40a82d4758f7.pak)
11. WoWDeathKnightClassExtraFeat (WoWDeathKnightClassExtraFeat_432a23ab-d39d-4f70-8fc3-ac207785e561.pak)
12. Teleport To You (Teleport_To_You_ff4697d0-133a-4d23-802b-f99f0e5210db.pak)
13. NoRomanceLimit (NoRomanceLimit_726b130c-6139-11ee-8c99-0242ac120092.pak)
Override ImprovedUI Assets (Game_C:\Users\(yourusername)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods\ImprovedUI Assets.pak)
Override ImprovedUI Assets WoWDeathKnightPatch (Game_C:\Users\(yourusername)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods\ImprovedUI Assets WoWDeathKnightPatch.pak)
Override ImprovedUI Showallitems (Game_C:\Users\(yourusername)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods\ImprovedUI Showallitems.pak)
Override ModFixer (Gustav_C:\Users\(yourusername)\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods\ModFixer.pak)

Party Limit Begone issues:
Camp sleeping bug: Use one of the awake companions and talk to Lae'zel or reduce your party size to 4 before resting.
Grymforge Map transition: Reduce your party size to 4 members before sailing with the boat. If you already used it and your characters are stuck, dismiss the ones that are with you and sail back and forth to unstuck the rest.
Note: After using the boat a timed quest is triggered and going to camp will progress it.

May not work with the camp event notification mod.

Q: I need further 1 on 1 help and this comment section won't cut it.

A: The random FRs are killing me so here is my YT/Modding Discord[discord.gg] I will be able to help you out much further if the situation is beyond comments and if you gotta upload photos for better support.

Q: Dude why does this game run so bad?

A: The game isn't well optimized atm and I haven't really seen many performance mods we have to hope future patches will optimize the game better and they will make some mods to help with performance.

Q: How long before this guide is like your other guides?

A: If you mean fleshed out and ready to roll easily over a year could take a few years. The biggest thing is the modders need to make the mods. And then myself and the rest of the community need to put lots of hours into testing said mods and seeing if they work with X. I threw this guide up as a WIP mainly so I can document the modding process I'm currently going through and to try and help you guys out at the same time. So bear with this guide its not going to be a big beef like the others for quite some time. Expect changes as time goes on and patches roll out.

Q: Can I update mods mid save/playthrough ?

A: I've done it so many times with no issues (recently I did brick a skyrim save tho) but you always risk ruining a save file so only do it knowing the risk that it may work out, you might have bugs later or you may lose the file.

Q: This guide helped me how I can show my thanks?

A: Leaving feedback and a Thank you is more than enough for me. I made these guides to help people so by leaving feedback you make the guide more visible to more people that could use the help. And if that's not enough for you I do make content on YT checking out a video would mean a lot to me but do not feel obligated to do so. As I said before feedback and a thank you is already more than enough.

Q: Can I remove mods or add mods mid save/playthrough?

A: See previous question. Certain mods though are safe for removal mid run and the mod author will make note of that. YMMV at the end of the day.

Q: Can you make a modding guide for X game?

A: If there is demand for it and I have experience modding the game. Yes I will. Just bear in mind these guides are a massive time sink and helping people troubleshoot does take a lot of time so you guys gotta let me know. Put the demand into it. You want a modding guide for a game please comment, let me know on the discord etc. The more demand it has the higher it will go on.

And thats about it for now at least. May add or remove things as time goes on. But mods don't get installed properly sometimes or more often than not another mod that a person has from their own order can clash. Having a bad load order can cause issues. Or even just missing one little step can sometimes cause a bug.

So if you do run into issues feel free to drop a comment I'll do my best to help troubleshooting but if you are not using BGMM there won't be much I can do unless its a simple fix as these MMs work differently and can cause different issues. Thanks for reading everyone and I hope this helped your BG3. Whether you came here for the whole enchilada or 1 small piece of information or mod thats enough for me knowing I helped you out just a little.


As I write up more mod guides I will link them below:

Morrowind 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Oblivion 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout 3 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout New Vegas 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout 4 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Skyrim SE 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Starfield 2024 Essential Modding Guide (WIP)

The Witcher 3 2024 Modding Guide

Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Guide