You just need a copy of the game, unzipping tool[www.win-rar.com], and a account for Nexus Mods[www.nexusmods.com]

So for obvious purposes this the first mod we are grabbing (and is also locking out CQM but keep reading ahead for info on that) the Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines Unofficial Patch[www.nexusmods.com] (plus patch)

After downloading launch the installer and ensure the location it picks is the location of your game install. When selecting components I suggest all of the options. If you do not want the restorations and tweaks included in plus patch just pick basic. After installing you must launch the game via the new unofficial patch shortcut. If you don't launch from the shortcut or via the steam launch route you will launch the game vanilla.

Alternatively for steam users you can add -game Unofficial_Patch to launch options on steam to the game and it will launch via steam. (Or add the shortcut as a non steam game then add -game Unofficial_Patch to launch options/b]


Note
You can have both Clan Quest Mod & Unofficial Patch installed at the same time with the same mods or even different ones. Both mods make their own folder inside in the main directory and require their shortcuts to launch. So if you want both by all means go for it. The saves are even kept separated as well. When installing mods make sure to put the mods into the right instance you are planning to play.

These are mods that overhaul the visuals and are manually installed by going to your game directory ie. E:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines and then dropping the files into Vampire, Unofficial_Patch or CQM folder (depending on what you are running)

X20 Mod[www.nexusmods.com]
Better textures & references

World Assets Improved[www.nexusmods.com] Improved world textures.

Tahril Trifecta
These three mods are very heavy hitting and polish the hell out of the game.
Player Characters improved[www.nexusmods.com]
Character eyes Improved[www.nexusmods.com]
NPCs Improved[www.nexusmods.com] Currently Hidden.


Overhauled First-Person Hands Models[www.nexusmods.com]
Better hands when in first person.

Bloodlines Voices Remastered[www.nexusmods.com]
Increased Audio Fidelity.

Food Texture Pack[www.nexusmods.com]
Better looking food.


Installation in this list order works just fine but for the mods that overwrite the same textures just install the one that you prefer over ie. Food texture pack after X 20.

VTMB HD Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]
This is a overhaul that alters a lot of aspects of the game. From textures to UI & even the soundtrack. Its very ambitious and I do want to play with the mod but currently im using the UI from the modular variant. One of the major issues with the mod currently is it causes CTDs on a hub transfer. Currently the only solution is to rename materials to materials1 then after traveling put the name back (That results in quitting & restarting the game twice everytime you jump a hub.) The mod also does not play nice with the hand mod requiring a work around

Companion Mod Core Edition[www.nexusmods.com]
You can recuit npcs to be your companion. Works with the current modlist in this guide but will clash with VTMB HD overhaul.

Alternatively for steam users you can add -game Comp_Mod to launch options on steam to the game and it will launch via steam. (Or add the shortcut as a non steam game then add -game Comp_Mod to launch options

Clan Quest Mod[www.nexusmods.com]
A solid quest mod that adds a new hub, missions and even route to the main story. Unfortunately the mod is built upon v 9.2 which is why it is not compatible with the latest version of unofficial patch. Works with this modlist sans Unofficial Patch and due to how both mods are installed you can have both at the same time. On my last run (which was some time ago so maybe it's good now) I got pretty deep but began to have crazy CTDs upon entering East LA so be wary and ymmv. Currently getting CTDs on hub changes (sometimes on a regular loading screen) with the current modlist.
After downloading launch the installer and ensure the location it picks is the location of your game install. Pick the addons you want. After installing you must launch the game via the new Clan Quest Mod shortcut. If you don't launch from the shortcut or via the steam launch route you will launch the game vanilla.

Alternatively for steam users you can add -game CQM to launch options on steam to the game and it will launch via steam. (Or add the shortcut as a non steam game then add -game CQM to launch options

Hopefully Bloodlines 2 will be a decent title with a lovely modding scene and I'll see all of y'all over there when the time comes.

As usual I'll do my best to help you guys troubleshoot but just make sure to have master backups especially since manual modding usually doesn't have a reversal.


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)

Baldur's Gate 3 2024 Modding Guide (WIP)

The Witcher 3 2024 Modding Guide

Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Guide

Oblivion "Remastered" Modding Guide (WIP)