Baldur’s Gate 3 is celebrated as a standout PC game, and mods can elevate the experience even further. They can enhance visuals, add more outfits, boost performance, and introduce new content. This guide gathers a wide range of Baldur’s Gate 3 mods to help players get the most from their run.
How to install mods on Baldur’s Gate 3
Mods can be added manually or with a mod manager. The manager is usually the better option because it not only installs enhancements and add-ons but also makes it easy to enable or disable them as needed. Some mods, however, do not support manager-based installation. For instance, the Party Limit Begone mod, which increases your party size, must be activated by manually moving files into the game folder. Installation details are provided in each mod description.
The basic steps are:
- Download and extract the mod manager archive. It is also wise to install this patch when required by certain mods.
- Download the mods you want, extract them, and copy them to the folder C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalLarian StudiosBaldur’s Gate 3Mods.
- Launch the mod manager.
- Open the settings with Ctrl P and specify the game location. The executable path should point to C:SteamLibrarysteamappscommonBaldurs Gate 3binbg3.exe and the game data path to C: SteamLibrarysteamappscommonBaldurs Gate 3Data. If Steam sits on another drive, adjust accordingly.
- Note the tab Inactive mods. That is where all installed changes appear. To activate them, move the desired items to Active mods.
- Start Baldur’s Gate 3.
Remark: in the Profile value, choose Public in the manager.
If a mod is installed manually, the description will indicate this clearly.
The mod is not installed, the game crashes after installing the mod what should I do
Using Mod Fixer is recommended. It resolves most issues that appear after enabling several mods and is also needed for mods built for earlier game versions. Copy the utility to the folder C:UsersusernameAppDataLocalLarian StudiosBaldur’s Gate 3Mods and do not run it through the mod manager.
If a mod fails to start or causes a crash, disable it in the mod manager and try manual installation. Always back up replaced files first.
Candlekeep Reshade – graphics enhancement with Reshade technology
- Installation: manual.
- Patch: not required.
A straightforward approach to improving textures while keeping Baldur’s Gate 3’s visual identity intact.
- Download the reshade tool again from the official source.
- Run the installer and choose bg3.exe or bg3_dx11.exe depending on the graphics API in use.
- Download the mod archive and move it to the Baldur’s Gate 3 bin folder.
- Launch the game, wait for the shader configuration, and press the Home key.
- Click the icon for the chosen graphics mod, in this case Candlekeep Reshade.
Gleaming Sun Reshade – contrast enhancement
- Installation: manual.
- Patch: not required.
This mod improves the game’s visuals by increasing contrast, making sunny areas brighter and shadows deeper. Install instructions are the same as above. If a shader pack is chosen that does not require Candlekeep Reshade, Gleaming Sun Reshade can be used instead.
Darker Reshade – darker color scheme
- Installation: manual.
- Patch: not required.
Built on Reshade technology, this mod darkens the overall palette to evoke a strong dark fantasy mood. It is especially appealing to fans of that aesthetic.
The real Baldur’s Gate 3 experience Reshade – realistic graphics
- Installation: manual.
- Patch: Not Required.
The aim is to render Baldur’s Gate 3 with a high degree of realism. Lighting is redesigned to create a photorealistic feel. Installation steps are outlined above.
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Different heads for your character – improved faces for characters
- Installation: automatic.
- Patch: Not Required.
This mod updates NPC facial details and introduces unique NPC skins for a refreshed look throughout the game.
DLSS update – game performance improvement
- Installation: manual.
- Patch: not required.
This modification helps players who experience frame rate issues by delivering smoother performance. It allows the game to run more comfortably on capable hardware.
- Download the archive with the mod and extract it.
- Copy the files to the Baldur’s Gate 3 bin folder, replacing existing files.
- Launch the game.
It is wise to back up the bin folder first.
Note: all mod actions described here assume a standard installation path and may vary if Steam is installed elsewhere.