What are the best The Outer Worlds 2 mods? If the original Outer Worlds is anything to go by, we won't be seeing any Skyrim-style overhaul mods that add brand-new areas to the game. That's not to say there isn't anything fun to look forward to, but you should temper your expectations as we expect to see many gameplay tweaks that make the core experience even better.
Using both The Outer Worlds 2 console commands and mods, you can bend the RPG game to your will, giving you instant access to a character who can do anything you desire. From gaining the ability to respec your character to unlocking a free cam that allows you to take stunning photos, there's something for everyone in our list of the best The Outer Worlds 2 mods.
The best Outer Worlds 2 mods are:
Simpler N-Ray
The original version of the N-Ray can be a bit intense. While it serves its purpose in allowing you to see wires through walls, the visual effect it causes feels like taking a flashbang right to the face. Using Cerberry's Simpler N-Ray Visuals mod, you can tone down this effect to make any N-Ray scanner usage much less taxing on your eyes.
Optimized Tweaks
We're usually reluctant to add any engine tweak mods to our lists because the supposed impact they have in some games is minor at best, but that isn't the case with VynnGfx's Optimized Tweaks mod. If you're having problems with stuttering and performance, this mod focuses on resolving issues with Unreal Engine 5 that developers continue to run into.
Optimized Tweaks also features separate files that drastically reduce the game's visuals in exchange for performance, in some instances doubling the frame rate on handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck.
Character Editor (Respec)
As you may have discovered, you can't respec in The Outer Worlds 2, as the devs want you to live with your choices. However, this isn't real life, and you don't have to listen to Obsidian, or anyone, really. Using nathdev's Character Editor mod, you can break all the rules by not only changing your skills and perks on the fly, but also your character! If you want a haircut, just launch into the editor menu and switch it out, or if you want a new face altogether, simply make the changes you want, whenever you want.
Near Third Person Camera
The angle of the stock third-person camera just doesn't feel quite right. While it would be better if we could just adjust the camera settings ourselves, we're happy to rely on xD1712's Near Third Person Camera mod for now. Aside from some issues when using specific melee weapons, this mod improves the camera to make it more like traditional third-person action games.
Map Tweaks
Caites, known for their countless gameplay mods across most major releases, is back once again with plenty of tweaks for The Outer Worlds 2. Our favorite of the bunch has to be the Maps Tweaks mod which removes the fog of war effect from the map, giving you a clear view of your next destination. If you're looking for more tweaks that make things slightly more convenient without destroying the game's balance, check out Better Time Dilation, Easier Perks and Flaws, and Better Skills.
More Skill Points
The best part of any RPG is when you level up, gaining new abilities and skills that make you stronger. Sure, you could play through the entire The Outer Worlds 2 quest list to earn experience points, or you could use this mod and customize the levelling process to your liking.
Another gameplay tweak, this time courtesy of goldenchrome, who has designed the More Skill Points per Level mod which does exactly what it says. Alter the amount of skill points you earn per level up, giving you more options when it comes to conversations and interactions in the environment.
Free Cam
Embrace your inner photographer with KeinZantezuken's Free Cam and Teleport mod, unleashing a whole new perspective to see the galaxy. Your character will become disembodied while you use the free cam, but that's a relatively small price to pay to take photos from practically anywhere.
Console Commands
KeinZantezuken's Console Enabler mod allows you to use The Outer Worlds 2 console, unlocking access to the dev tool. When the mod is active, all you need to do is press the tilde key to open up the console, and then you can type any console command to add or remove practically anything you want in the game. Be sure to use our skills, traits, and perks guide for reference to instantly improve your character.
RenoDX HDR Fix
If you own one of the best gaming monitors, you need to download this mod right away, especially if you're using a fancy HDR monitor. While The Outer Worlds 2 does give you a few HDR settings to adjust, the RenoDX HDR Fix gives you complete control over every important variable. Don't worry, you don't need to do any tinkering if you don't want to, as the default values should be better than anything you can get from the base game.
Those are all the best Outer Worlds 2 mods so far, but stay tuned as we'll be adding more to this list as they're released. While you're here, we highly recommend reading our Outer Worlds 2 companions guide for a full breakdown of each party member and their unique abilities. We also have an Outer Worlds 2 map guide where you can find out all the planets there are to explore in the game.