How to Mod Steam Games Without Using Workshop: Manual Modding Guide


Last updated: January 2025 | By: Manual Modding Experts

Steam Workshop is convenient, but it's not the only way to mod your games - and often it's not even the best way. Manual modding gives you complete control over versions, load orders, and compatibility. Whether you're modding games without Workshop support, want more control than Workshop provides, or need to use mods from sites like Nexus Mods, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about manual modding.

Why Manual Modding Instead of Workshop?

Advantages of Manual Installation

Complete Version Control: Steam Workshop automatically updates mods, which can break your carefully balanced setup. Manual installation lets you decide when and if to update.

Access to More Mods: Many mod creators prefer Nexus Mods, ModDB, or their own sites over Steam Workshop. Manual installation opens up these vast libraries.

Better Organization: You control exactly where files go, how they're named, and how they're organized.

Troubleshooting: When something breaks, you know exactly what you installed, when, and where.

No Steam Required: Manual modding works even if you bought the game on Epic, GOG, or other platforms.

Mod Manager Support: Professional mod managers like Vortex and Mod Organizer 2 provide features Steam Workshop can't match.

When Manual Modding is Necessary

- Game doesn't have Steam Workshop support

- Mod is exclusive to Nexus Mods, ModDB, or author's site

- You need a specific older version of a mod

- Workshop version is outdated compared to Nexus version

- Workshop mod is broken but alternative versions exist

- You're on a non-Steam version of the game

- Game's Workshop integration is poorly implemented

Essential Tools for Manual Modding

Mod Managers (Highly Recommended)

Vortex Mod Manager (Free)


Best for:

- Fallout series

- Elder Scrolls series

- The Witcher 3

- Cyberpunk 2077

- Stardew Valley

- Many other games

Key Features:

- Automatic LOOT sorting (Bethesda games)

- Dependency visualization

- Conflict detection

- One-click install from Nexus

- Profile management

Download: NexusMods.com/about/vortex

Mod Organizer 2 (Free)

Best for:

- Skyrim (Special & Anniversary)

- Skyrim VR

- Fallout 4

- Fallout 4 VR

- Oblivion

- New Vegas

Key Features:

- Virtual file system (doesn't modify game folder)

- Advanced profile management

- Plugin management

- Mod isolation

- BSA extraction

Download: GitHub.com/ModOrganizer2

Specialized Managers:

- SMAPI - Stardew Valley (required for most mods)

- BepInEx - Unity games (Valheim, Subnautica, etc.)

- MelonLoader - Various Unity games

- Fabric/Forge - Minecraft

Archive Extraction Tools

7-Zip (Free) - Windows

- Extracts .7z, .zip, .rar, and more

- Download: 7-zip.org

The Unarchiver (Free) - macOS

- Handles all common formats

- Download: Mac App Store

p7zip - Linux

\`\`\`bash

sudo apt install p7zip-full # Debian/Ubuntu

sudo dnf install p7zip # Fedora

```

File Management Tools

Everything Search (Windows) - Find files instantly

Total Commander (Windows) - Advanced file management

FileZilla - For downloading large mod packs

Understanding Mod File Formats

Common File Types

.esp / .esm / .esl - Bethesda Plugin Files

- Used by Skyrim, Fallout, etc.

- Go in game's Data folder

- Activated via game launcher or mod manager

.pak - Unreal Engine Archives

- Used by many modern games

- Usually go in \`[Game]\Content\Paks\\\`

- Some games use \`~mods\` suffix: \`filename_P.pak\`

.zip / .rar / .7z - Compressed Archives

- Extract contents before use

- Read installation instructions carefully

.dll - Dynamic Link Libraries

- Script extenders, framework mods

- Specific installation location required

- Be cautious - verify source

.ba2 - Bethesda Archive v2

- Fallout 4 / Fallout 76

- Goes in Data folder

- Paired with .esp file

.jar - Java Archives

- Minecraft mods

- Goes in \`mods\` folder

.scs - SCS Software Archive

- Euro/American Truck Simulator

- Goes in Documents/[Game]/mod/

Reading Mod Installation Instructions

Every mod should include installation instructions. Look for:

- README.txt or README.md files

- Installation section on mod page

- Video tutorials from mod author

- Community guides for complex mods

Red Flags:

- No installation instructions at all

- Vague or confusing directions

- Requires unusual permissions

- Asks you to replace core game files without backup

Manual Modding Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Mod Source

Nexus Mods (nexusmods.com)

- Largest modding community

- Quality control and moderation

- Integrated with Vortex manager

- Free account required for downloads

ModDB (moddb.com)

- Older mods and total conversions

- No account required

- Good for classic games

CurseForge (curseforge.com)

- Minecraft mods

- World of Warcraft addons

- Other games

GameBanana (gamebanana.com)

- Source engine games

- Fighting games

- Various others

GitHub

- Open source mods

- Often most up-to-date versions

- May require manual building

Mod Author's Website

- Support creators directly

- Sometimes exclusive content

- Often latest versions first

Step 2: Download the Mod

Using Nexus Mods:

1. Create free account

2. Find your mod

3. Click "Files" tab

4. Choose version (usually "Main files")

5. Click "Manual Download" (or "Mod Manager Download" if using Vortex)

6. Save to dedicated downloads folder

Recommended Folder Structure:

```

D:Mod Downloads├── Skyrim├── Fallout 4├── Witcher 3└── Cities Skylines```

Step 3: Read the Mod Description

Critical Information to Find:

- Requirements: Other mods or DLC needed

- Installation method: Manual vs mod manager

- Load order: Where it should be placed

- Known conflicts: Mods it doesn't work with

- Version compatibility: Which game version it supports

Check the "Posts" or "Bugs" tab for recent user reports of issues.

Step 4: Extract the Archive

1. Right-click downloaded file

2. Extract to a temporary folder

3. Look inside extracted folder

Common Structures:

Good Structure (Data folder provided):

```

ModName/

└── Data/

├── meshes/

├── textures/

├── ModName.esp

└── ModName.ba2

```

Needs Extraction (nested):

```

ModName/

└── ModName/

└── Data/

└── [files]

```

Manual Placement Required:

```

ModName/

├── meshes/

├── textures/

└── ModName.esp

```

Step 5: Install the Mod

Method A: Using Vortex Mod Manager


1. Open Vortex

2. Select your game

3. Click "Mods" tab

4. Drag-and-drop mod archive onto Vortex window

5. Vortex auto-detects installation method

6. Click "Install"

7. Enable the mod

8. Deploy mods (if not automatic)

Method B: Using Mod Organizer 2

1. Open MO2

2. Click "Install a new mod from archive" button

3. Browse to downloaded file

4. MO2 analyzes structure

5. Verify installation looks correct

6. Name the mod appropriately

7. Click OK

8. Enable in mod list (left pane)

9. Activate plugin if needed (right pane)

Method C: Manual Installation

For Bethesda Games (Skyrim, Fallout):

1. Navigate to game's Data folder:

- Steam: \`steamapps/common/[Game]/Data/\`

- GOG: \`GOG Games/[Game]/Data/\`

2. Copy mod files into Data folder

- Merge folders when prompted

- Don't overwrite without backup

3. Activate plugin:

- Launch game

- Mods menu > Load Order

- Enable the .esp file

For Unreal Engine Games:

1. Navigate to:

\`\`\`

[Game]\\[GameName]\\Content\\Paks\\

\`\`\`

Or sometimes:

\`\`\`

[Game]\\[GameName]\\Content\\Paks\\~mods\\

\`\`\`

2. Copy .pak file here

- May need to create \`~mods\` folder

- Some games use \`mods\` or \`LogicMods\` instead

3. Launch game - mod usually auto-loads

For Unity Games (e.g., Cities: Skylines):

1. Check game's mod folder:

- Often in Documents: \`My Games/[Game]/Mods/\`

- Or AppData: \`%LOCALAPPDATA%/[Game]/Mods/\`

2. Extract mod folder here

- Each mod in separate folder

- Preserve folder structure

3. Enable in-game mod menu

Step 6: Configure Load Order

What is Load Order?

Load order determines which mods load first and which override others. Critical for stability and compatibility.

General Rules:

1. Master files first (.esm files)

2. Core gameplay mods early

3. Content additions middle

4. Patches and fixes late

5. Visual/UI mods last

Tools for Load Order:

- LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool) - Auto-sorts Bethesda games

- Vortex - Built-in LOOT integration

- Mod Organizer 2 - Manual drag-and-drop

- Game's native mod manager - Varies by quality

Step 7: Test Your Mod

Testing Checklist:

1. Game launches - Does it crash immediately?

2. Main menu - UI looks correct?

3. Load save - Existing save works?

4. New game - Can start new game?

5. Mod features - Does mod content appear?

6. Performance - FPS acceptable?

7. Save game - Can save successfully?

If Problems Occur:

- Disable mod and test again

- Check error logs (usually in Documents/[Game]/)

- Verify all dependencies installed

- Check mod description for special instructions

- Search mod's Posts/Bugs section

Game-Specific Manual Modding Guides

Skyrim Special Edition

Essential First Mods:

1. SKSE64 (Skyrim Script Extender)

- Download from skse.silverlock.org

- Extract to game root directory

- Launch game via skse64_loader.exe

2. SkyUI (Requires SKSE)

- Improves inventory UI

- Required by many mods

3. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

- Fixes hundreds of bugs

- Load early in load order

Installation Path:

```

steamapps/common/Skyrim Special Edition/Data/

```

Recommended: Use Mod Organizer 2

Fallout 4

Essential First Mods:

1. F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender)

2. Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch

3. Mod Configuration Menu

Enable Mods:

Edit \`Fallout4.ini\` (Documents/My Games/Fallout4/):

\`\`\`ini

[Archive]

bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

sResourceDataDirsFinal=

```

Create \`Fallout4Custom.ini\` in same folder:

\`\`\`ini

[Archive]

bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

sResourceDataDirsFinal=

```

The Witcher 3

Mod Location:

```

The Witcher 3/Mods/

```

Installation:

1. Create \`Mods\` folder if doesn't exist

2. Extract mod folder to Mods

3. Each mod in separate folder:

\`\`\`

Mods/

├── modBetterGraphics/

├── modImprovedCombat/

└── modQualityOfLife/

\`\`\`

Script Merger (Required for multiple script mods):

- Download Script Merger tool

- Run after installing script-based mods

- Merges conflicting scripts automatically

Minecraft (Java Edition)

For Fabric/Forge:

1. Install Fabric or Forge loader

2. Run game once (creates mods folder)

3. Close game

4. Place .jar mod files in:

\`\`\`

.minecraft/mods/

\`\`\`

5. Launch game via Fabric/Forge profile

Mod Compatibility:

- Fabric mods need Fabric

- Forge mods need Forge

- They don't mix!

Cyberpunk 2077

Prerequisites:

1. Install Cyber Engine Tweaks

2. Install RED4ext (for advanced mods)

Mod Locations:

- Main mods: \`Cyberpunk 2077/archive/pc/mod/\`

- CET mods: \`Cyberpunk 2077/bin/x64/plugins/cyber_engine_tweaks/mods/\`

- RED4ext: \`Cyberpunk 2077/red4ext/plugins/\`

Stardew Valley

Prerequisites:

1. SMAPI (Stardew Modding API) - REQUIRED

- Download from smapi.io

- Run installer

- Launch game via SMAPI.exe

Mod Installation:

1. Download mod

2. Extract folder

3. Place in: \`Stardew Valley/Mods/\`

4. Structure should be:

\`\`\`

Mods/

├── ModName1/

│ └── manifest.json

└── ModName2/

└── manifest.json

\`\`\`

Content Patcher Mods:

- Require Content Patcher mod installed first

- Very common type of Stardew mod

Advanced Manual Modding Techniques

Creating Mod Profiles

Why Use Profiles?

- Different playthroughs with different mods

- Testing configurations

- Stable vs experimental setups

Mod Organizer 2:

1. Click profile dropdown

2. Create new profile

3. Activate mods specific to that playthrough

4. Switch profiles anytime

Vortex:

1. Settings > Mods > Profiles > Enable

2. Create new profile

3. Activate mods per profile

Merging Mods

Why Merge?

- Bethesda games have 255 plugin limit (.esp/.esl)

- Reduce clutter

- Improve performance

Tools:

- zMerge - Merge compatible plugins

- zEdit - Advanced merging and patching

Warning: Only merge compatible mods. Always backup first!

Creating Compatibility Patches

When Needed:

Two mods modify same game assets and conflict.

Tools:

- xEdit (SSEEdit, FO4Edit) - View and edit plugins

- Creation Kit - Official modding tools

- Wrye Bash - Create Bashed Patch

Basic Patching:

1. Load both mods in xEdit

2. Identify conflicts

3. Create new plugin

4. Copy desired changes to patch

5. Load patch last in load order

Managing Large Mod Lists

Best Practices:

1. Document everything:

- Keep spreadsheet of installed mods

- Note versions, dates, links

- Track dependencies

2. Test incrementally:

- Add 5-10 mods at a time

- Test thoroughly

- Document what works

3. Backup working setups:

- Export mod list

- Backup mod folders

- Save working game state

4. Use modding guides:

- Communities create comprehensive guides

- Follow proven combinations

- Learn from others' experience

Script Extenders and Frameworks

Common Frameworks:

- SKSE/SKSE64 - Skyrim

- F4SE - Fallout 4

- OBSE - Oblivion

- NVSE - New Vegas

- SMAPI - Stardew Valley

- BepInEx - Unity games

- MelonLoader - Unity games

Installation Usually Involves:

1. Download from official source only

2. Extract to game root directory

3. Launch game via extender's .exe file

4. Verify working (usually displays version in main menu)

Critical: Always download script extenders from official sources. Fake versions can contain malware.

Troubleshooting Manual Mod Installation

"Game Won't Launch"

Solutions:

1. Remove last installed mod

2. Verify game files

3. Check for missing dependencies

4. Ensure script extender up-to-date

5. Check mod version matches game version

"Mod Features Don't Appear"

Checklist:

- Mod actually enabled?

- Plugin activated (if applicable)?

- Installed in correct location?

- Load order correct?

- Dependencies installed?

- Started new game if required?

"Crashes in Specific Areas"

Likely Causes:

- Mod modifies that area

- Texture memory overflow

- Script errors in location

- Conflicting mods

Solutions:

- Identify mods affecting that area

- Test disabling one at a time

- Check error logs

- Reduce texture quality settings

"Save Game Won't Load"

Causes:

- Missing mod that was in save

- Mod load order changed

- Corrupted save

Solutions:

- Re-enable all mods from when save was created

- Restore load order

- Use save cleaner tool (for Bethesda games)

Safety and Security

Verifying Mod Safety

Safe Sources:

- Nexus Mods (moderated)

- Steam Workshop (moderated)

- CurseForge (moderated)

- Mod author's official page

Red Flags:

- .exe files (unless documented and trusted)

- Requests for admin privileges

- No user reviews or comments

- Suspicious file sizes

- Mirrors of popular mods on sketchy sites

Scanning Downloads

Always:

1. Scan with antivirus before extracting

2. Check file hash if provided

3. Read user comments for warnings

4. Start with small, well-reviewed mods

Backup Strategy

Before Modding:

1. Backup clean game install:

- Copy entire game folder

- Or create system restore point

2. Backup save games:

- Copy saves folder elsewhere

- Many games: Documents/My Games/[Game]/Saves

3. Document vanilla state:

- Screenshot settings

- Note game version

During Modding:

- Backup after stable configuration achieved

- Export mod lists from managers

- Keep installer files for all mods

Conclusion

Manual modding provides unmatched control and flexibility compared to Steam Workshop's convenience. While it requires more knowledge and effort upfront, the benefits - version control, access to broader mod libraries, better troubleshooting, and platform independence - make it worthwhile for dedicated modders.

Key Takeaways:

1. Use mod managers (Vortex or MO2) whenever possible

2. Read installation instructions carefully for each mod

3. Test incrementally - add a few mods at a time

4. Document your setup for troubleshooting

5. Backup working configurations before major changes

6. Join communities for game-specific advice

Whether you're modding Skyrim with hundreds of enhancements, adding quality-of-life improvements to Stardew Valley, or transforming Cyberpunk 2077's visuals, manual modding puts you in complete control of your gaming experience.

Happy modding!

---

*Updated January 2025. Methods verified across Windows, macOS, and Linux. For game-specific help, consult dedicated modding communities on r/skyrimmods, r/falloutmods, and similar subreddits.*