Everyone has played a game whose premise, features, or gameplay mechanics showed far more potential than the developers have explored. Thankfully, some of these developers understand that and give gamers the tools to use their creativity and create their original content. Thanks to that, PC gaming has changed completely.

Sometimes, what is just a mod starts to seem like a standalone game, and the fan-made project ends up attracting more players than the game itself. Half-Life, Star Wars, and Elder Scrolls V Skyrim are just some examples of games that some dedicated fans were able to put their hands on.

Best Mods Ever Created for PC

We’ve prepared a list of some of the best mods ever created for you to see that a great game isn’t made only by its developers but by the modding community as well. Mods can offer enhancements or a whole new experience. Let’s see some of them.

Dark Mod - Doom 3

• Release Date: August 3, 2004
• Developer: id Software, Aspyr, Vicarious Visions
• Platforms: PC and Xbox
• Metascore: 88 (XB), 87 (PC)

If the original version of Doom had some terrible graphics and wouldn’t be a challenge for any PC with a processor, the same couldn’t be said of the sequel, Doom 3. It was far more developed than the original game. But besides all that, gamers started modding Doom 3 environment and paid tribute to the Thief Games series.

With this in mind, modders used the id Tech 4 from Doom to simulate Thief, which worked quite well. At the time, players had a Thief game reimagined that matched very well with the graphic quality Doom presented at the time. 

You can get Doom 3 - BFG Edition Steam CD Key with RoyalCDKeys.

The Sith Lords Restored Content Mod - Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

• Release Date: December 6, 2004
• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
• Metascore: 86 (Xbox), 85 (PC), 77 (Switch)

If Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic was a huge success, its sequel, Knights of the old Republic, ended up disappointing, mainly for its lack of content. Fans knew Obsidian could offer more in terms of story development. Well, the thing was: they have a lot of things to add.

As we said before, some mods offer enhancements for the base experience. One such game was the Kotor. The Sith Lords Restored Content mod brings a lot of cut content to the game, breathing new life into it and making the story more expansive and immersive.. If you like to play games from the Star Wars universe, the Kotor series is a must-play.

You can get Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords Steam CD Key with RoyalCDKeys.

Black Mesa - Half-Life 2

• Release Date: November 16, 2004
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Platforms: Xbox and PC
• Metascore: 96 (PC), 90 (Xbox)

For sure, Half-Life is a fertile ground for modders, and some of the best mods created came from there. We will begin our Half-Life journey by talking about Black Mesa. It is the full recreation of the first Half-Life using the same engine as the second game.

It took more than eight years to rip it out from its source engine and fully bring the base game to Half-Life 2. But it was certainly worth it as, for all that matters, the game now has an entirely “New Campaign.”

You can get Black Mesa with RoyalCDKeys.

NeoTokyo - Half-Life 2

• Release Date: November 16, 2004
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Platforms: Xbox and PC
• Metascore: 96 (PC), 90 (Xbox)

Following, we bring NeoTokyo mod, which also uses the half-life framework in its development. It introduces a cyberpunk setting and a backstory of great quality. Those who are going to play will have fun but can also expect a lot of crazy mess and a hard time, as the game presents an unforgivable fast-paced multiplayer combat.

The success was huge, and the developers didn’t stop there. After all, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. They went beyond the multiplayer experience as a new single-player campaign content was released and it will pass in the NeoTokyo world.

Counter-Strike - Half-Life

• Release Date: November 19, 1998
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Platforms: Windows and PS2
• Metascore: 96 (Windows), 87 (PS2)

Now we bring what is not only the best mod for Half-Life but maybe the best mod ever created. Yes, Counter-Strike, the game that, in 2020, had more than 24 million active players, started as a mod. 

The terrorist vs counter-terrorist game was revolutionary and reached an incredible number, surpassing all the expectations. Today, there is no player that likes FPS and has never tried CS. It is one of the biggest Valve games.

Nameless Mod - Deus Ex

• Release Date: June 23, 2000
• Developer: Iron Storm
• Platforms: Windows, PS2 
• Metascore: 90 (Windows), 81 (PS2)

The original Deus Ex is more than 20 years old, but its impact on the cyberpunk genre is still noticeable. Apart from the game itself, Deus Ex also has its own very special mod, called the Nameless Mod.

It is not as simple as some of the others already mentioned. This is a total conversion mod, an example of a mod that completely changes the game's core experience. Generally, this kind of mod brings new campaigns, new missions, new items, and new weapons. With Deus Ex Nameless Mod, it is no different. Still, the essence that conquered so many players 20 years ago is there.

RoyalCDKeys offers 4 different keys for Deux Ex games.

Star Wars: Galactic Warfare - Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare

• Release Date: November 5, 2007
• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Windows 
• Metascore: 94 (PS3 and Xbox) 92 (Windows)

What would you think of the mix of Star Wars and Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare? Personally, it is a dream coming true. The project has begun with the concept of changing CoD combats and putting blaster weapons on them but became far more than just an idea.

In the end, players have the galactic empire vs. the rebel alliance battles to fight. Some CoD multiplayer maps were also changed to create faithful representations of Mos Eisley, Bespin, Tatooine’s Bestine, and Jundland Wastes. Some spaceships from the series were also available.

A Game of Thrones - Crusader Kings 2

• Release Date: February 13, 2012
• Developer: Paradox Development Studio
• Platforms: Windows
• Metascore: 81

Crusader Kings and Game of Thrones have incredible similarities. The game is a dynasty simulation full of strategies, war, politics, and conspirations. On the other hand, this is exactly what Game of Thrones is about, which raises the question: why did Paradox lose the opportunity to make an epic crossover? Because the community didn’t.

This is a total conversion mod that brings George R.R. Martins's fantasy map to the game—from Westeros in the West and the mysterious city of Asshai to the east. You can choose any of the noble houses of Westeros, the night watch, the pirate warlords, or the merchants from the free cities. With this mod, you will fight a long war for the iron throne in a period that goes from Aegon’s conquest to Martin’s fourth book, A Feast for Crows. 

Now, go there, play it, and create a better final than the one HBO gave to the series. The GoT universe deserves it. RoyalCDKeys offers 5 different Keys for Crusader Kings games.

Enderal: Forgotten Stories  - Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Release Date: November 11, 2011
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Windows
• Metascore: 96 (Xbox), 94 (Windows), 92 (PS3)

Now, we get to the first mod of an Elder Scrolls game. As for Elder Scrolls III, Elder Scrolls IV, and Skyrim, modding is challenging because the games are simply too good and have tons of incredible mods. Choosing one would be an astonishing achievement.

This full conversion mod was developed by SurrealAI and presents a new fantasy quest with a full voice-acting cast. The mod gives a gothic series essence and completely changes the skills and mechanics in Skyrim. The objective is to ensure a hard and very rewarding gameplay.

RoyalCDKeys offers 5 different keys for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Nehrim: At Fate’s Edge - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

• Release Date: March 20, 2006
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Windows
• Metascore: 94 (Windows and Xbox), 93 (PS3)

This time, the second mod chosen from the franchise is for Oblivion, the fourth game of the series. The mod is the Nehrim: At Fate’s Edge and, just like the last one, it brings a brand new story, with a unique campaign to play.

Once again, players will face different gameplay compared to what they are used to. Besides the new campaign, the entire world was recreated by the 12 people team behind it. You will have three different races to play in another total conversion work.

Garry’s Mod

• Release Date: November 29, 2006
• Developer: Facepunch Studios
• Platforms: Windows
• Metascore: TBD

As you saw in the list, we put the name of the mod followed by the game’s name. But, for Garry’s Mod, we just can’t, as the whole game is a giant mod creation center. The multiplayer game features a whole set of tools for players to explore and create everything they want, from small units to giant maps. 

Some of the most exciting mods the game presents are Murder, Prop Hunt, Zombie Survival, and Hide and Seek. But the greatest thing is that the game has MUCH MORE than those. So, you just have to pick the best mod for you and start playing it. Also, with a bunch of things to do, you can show all your abilities and create a fantastic mod full of detail.

You can get Garry’s Mod Steam CD Key with RoyalCDKeys.

Multi Theft Auto - GTA

• Release Date: October 26, 2004
• Developer: Rockstar
• Platforms: PS2, Xbox, Windows
• Metascore: 95 (PS2), 93 (Xbox and Windows)

The Multi Theft Auto is, for sure, the precursor of GTA online. The game was created to bring multiplayer experience to GTA III and Vice City, but the mod found its peak in San Andreas.

Today, Grand Theft Auto freedom, insanity, and amazing storytelling still impress, so imagine how it was back in 2003. The only thing lacking was a multiplayer. So, when Multi Theft Auto came, all the problems were suddenly solved. In Grand Theft Auto SA received even more features, including some roleplaying and sneaking possibilities. 

You can get Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Steam CD Key with RoyalCDKeys.

Third Age: Total War - Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms

• Release Date: August 28, 2007
• Developer: Creative Assembly, Feral Interactive
• Platforms: Windows 
• Metascore: 85 (Windows)

This total conversion mod took the Total War mechanics and fitted it into the Lord of the Rings universe. An incredible combat mechanic from the total war series tied to, probably, the most incredible high fantasy world ever created – it's just impossible not to bring it to the list.

You have 14 different factions, such as Gondor, Rohan, high elves, Dwarves, Isengard, Mordor, Orcs from the misty mountains, and many more. The game presents 25 different units and heroes from each faction for you to lead into battle against your enemies.  

There is no right side here, and you can finally help Sauron take control and bring destruction to middle earth. Or you can lead a Hobbit army to the battlefront, fight in famous locations, overthrow the dark lord, and bring peace to our age.

DotA - Warcraft III

• Release Date: July 1, 2003
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment (Warcraft 3) 
• Platforms: Windows
• Metascore: 88

Do you know that one of the most relevant game modes of the last decade started as a mod? Defense of the Ancients (DotA), which ignited the MOBA fever was, after all, a mod of Warcraft III. Before League of Legends and the long war between both games, IceFrog created what can be called one of the most revolutionary mods of all time.

Everybody knows how these MOBAs work. Two teams of five members (champions or heroes) fight each other, divided into three routes (lanes). The objective is to destroy the enemies' towers until you reach the base construction (ancient or nexus, depending on the game you play). It was back in 2003 when the first DotA began the journey that would change PC games and the whole gaming world forever.

The Witcher 3 Enhanced Edition or Ghost Mode

• Release Date: May 18, 2015
• Developer: CD Projekt
• Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 
• Metascore: 93 (Windows), 92 (PS4), 91 (Xone)

This time, we bring two mods together. Both of them concern the last chapter of Geralt of Rivia, Butcher of Blaviken, the (in)famous witcher. Both mods are what we call an overhaul mod. The changes presented are not enough to make it a complete conversion but still bring significant changes to the general gameplay and graphics. For certain games, this is the perfect thing to add hours of fun.

That way, both mods considerably improve The Witcher 3. The enhanced edition focuses on player immersion and changes many things in the game, such as the combat, loot, alchemy, and level system. 

Ghost Mode is not that drastic, keeping many characteristics of the original game. It brings changes in damage, loot system, game descriptions, etc. It is up to the player to decide which will be the best.

RoyalCDKeys offers 8 different keys for the Witcher 3.

Modern Combat - Company of Heroes

• Release Date: September 12, 2006
• Developer: Relic Entertainment, Feral Interactive
• Platforms: Windows 
• Metascore: 93

Going forward, we bring a mod for Company of Heroes games. Modern Combat, as the name suggests, takes you from the standard game scenarios during World War II and brings you to the modern days of China.

Taking advantage of the game’s engine, this mod takes us to a modern battlefront. This means you will have all the modern equipment the biggest nations have at their disposal. Between all the weaponry you will find choppers, rocket launcher trucks, guided missiles, weapon suppressors, and more. This is one of the most ambitious mods for Company of Heroes. Fans won’t be disappointed.

You can get Company of Heroes - Franchise Edition Steam CD Key with RoyalCDKeys.

New California - Fallout New Vegas

• Release Date: October 19, 2010
• Developer: Obsidian 
• Platforms:  Ps3, Xbox 360, Windows
• Metascore: 84 (Windows and Xbox), 82 (PS3)

Fallout franchise surely has ups and downs but New Vegas, for sure, can be called an “up”, as it is one of the best games of the series. So, besides a great base game, what about some mods to make it even better? Well, here it is.

The mod creators brought a new storyline for the Fallout title, bringing great new content for those who already played and those who still intend to play it. New California, formerly known as Project Brazil, left the beta version in 2019. Until then, many new upgrades came. The map passed through several changes, and new locations, objectives, and things to do were added.  Great support work for a mod that was able to make the title stronger than it already was.

RoyalCDKeys offers 10 different Keys for Fallout New Vegas.