Why bother with mods?
If The Outer Worlds 2 felt like someone politely asking you to pick a lane and then locking the other ones behind a door labeled “nope,” mods are your mischievous locksmiths. These fan tweaks don’t change the core game the developers intended, but they can smooth out rough spots — more skill points, snappier companions, a less seizure-inducing scanner, and camera options for folks who prefer seeing their character’s hair in glorious detail.
More Skill Points Per Level
Creator: goldenchrome • Downloads: ~67k
Want to stop feeling like you’re perpetually two points away from doing the thing you dreamed of? This mod bumps the skill points you get when you level up (vanilla gives two). You can crank it up a lot, but the mod author suggests a gentle nudge — just a bit more per level — so you get a lot more freedom without turning every skill check into a participation trophy. Use conservatively on your first run if you still want some challenge.
Better Companions
Creator: Caites • Downloads: ~18k
Companions can be lifesavers or dramatic collapses of friendship depending on the fight. This mod gives your party members sturdier health, faster regeneration, harder-hitting weapons and shorter ability cooldowns. It comes in tiers (vanilla, Balanced, Stronger) so you can decide whether you want subtle help or full-on superhero sidekicks.
Near 3rd Person Camera Overhaul
Creator: xD1712 • Downloads: ~16k
If you’re the type who likes to admire your character’s ridiculous armor choices up close, this camera tweak shifts the view lower and slightly left, making third-person play feel chunkier and more action-game like. It’s great for immersion, closer-up fashion checks, and generally pretending you’re in an overdramatic cover shooter.
No Level Cap (Raises Cap to 50)
Creator: Caites • Downloads: ~8k
If the vanilla level cap of 30 felt like a speed bump in your completionist career, this mod stretches the cap up to 50. Progression still scales like the original game (the XP curve keeps getting steeper), but you get more levels and more perks to tinker with — handy if you want to squeeze every last build out of your character.
Simpler N‑Ray Visuals
Creator: Cerberry • Downloads: ~2k
The N‑Ray Scanner is useful but flashy — think neon confetti that also pokes your eyes. This mod tones down the bright colors and dizzying transitions so the scanner is functional without being a visual assault. Great for long play sessions and people who like their overlays subtle.
Quick tips before you mod
Modding can be delightful but also chaotic. Back up saves before you install, read compatibility notes if you plan multiple mods, and consider playing at least one run without big gameplay changes so you experience the game as intended. Small QoL and visual mods are usually safe for first playthroughs; major stat or progression changes are best saved for a second run or a sandbox playthrough.
Final words
Whether you want a gentler skill curve, tougher buddies, a closer camera, more levels to chase, or a less flamboyant scanner, the mod scene has your back. Tweak responsibly, enjoy the chaos, and may your future loot drops always be legendary (or at least aesthetic).
