To mark ModDB’s 20th anniversary, the portal’s community carried out a poll highlighting the five most influential mods of the last decade. The results spotlighted a blend of grand campaigns, technical breakthroughs, and fan favorites that reshaped how fans approach fan-made worlds and total conversions.
The top spot, secured by a wide margin, went to The Chronicles of Myrtana: Archolos, a comprehensive prequel for Gothic 2: Gold Edition. This ambitious project opens a brand-new region on the massive island of Arholos, delivering a 60-hour narrative arc, more than 170 missions, and 200 randomized events that keep players on their toes. It also introduces 100 fresh armor sets and weapons, fully professional voice acting, an original soundtrack, and a host of new gameplay mechanics that redefine the Gothic experience. Available on GOG and Steam, Archolos has earned an impression in the community, with close to 10,000 reviews and a 98% positive rating, underscoring its broad appeal and lasting impact.
TOP 5 best mods:
- The Chronicles of Myrtana: Archolos for Gothic 2: Gold Edition (steam);
- Mental Omega for Command & Conquer: Yuri’s Revenge (ModDB);
- Enderal for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (steam);
- Black Mesa for Half-life 2 (steam);
- Call from Chernobyl for STALKER: Call of Pripyat (ModDB).
What stands out is that Archolos drew more votes than the other four titles combined, a testament to its scope and the way it reimagines a beloved universe. The mod not only expands the world but also elevates mood, storytelling, and player choice, creating a lasting impression on both new players and long-time fans.
In recent times, a fresh trailer has been released for the remake of the original Gothic, developed on Unreal Engine 4. Alongside this revival, a quirky new project has emerged—Squirrel with a Gun—sharing the playful spirit of the franchise with enhanced gameplay, more footage, and a distinctive new identity on Steam.
These developments illustrate how community-driven projects breathe new life into classic games, offering expansive worlds, refreshed visuals, and renewed excitement for fans around the world, including players in North America and beyond.