How would today’s gaming look without modding communities? They are one of the most influential forces, allowing changes to visuals, storylines, or characters. These alterations may be introduced not only by fans, but sometimes even officially implemented by developers.

Today we’re about to take a look at best games with active modding communities.

GameReleaseGenreDeveloperVideo
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition 2016-10-27 RPG Bethesda Game Studios
Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition 2011 Sandbox Mojang Studios
Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition 2017-09-26 RPG Bethesda Game Studios
The Sims 4 2025-10-02 Simulator Maxis
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced 2015-04-14 Action Rockstar North
Stardew Valley 2016-02-26 RPG, Cozy ConcernedApe
Terraria 2011-05-16 RPG, Adventure Re-Logic

Skyrim

Release date:2016-10-27
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:Bethesda Game Studios

One of the PC games with a huge modding tradition, Skyrim has been constantly evolving since its premiere, with hundreds of thousands of mods and tools like the Creation Kit.

Fans are encouraged to create content, supported by numerous guidebooks and active communities. Over the years, iconic mods like Enderal (a completely new storyline) and SkyUI have defined the game’s modding legacy.

You may like it because
  • It has developers’ support for creating mods
  • Large number of iconic mods which changed the game storyline
  • Lots of tools helping more and less experienced players
  • It has a long modding tradition

Minecraft

Release date:2013-11-19
Genre:Simulator & Adventure
Developer:Mojang Studios

If we think about active gaming modding communities, Minecraft is surely one of the first titles that comes to mind. Thanks to modloaders like Forge and Fabric, even inexperienced fans can create their own mods.

The community is highly engaged, and developers have acknowledged this by cooperating with players. Some of the most iconic mods include OptiFine, which improves graphics performance, and Tinkers’ Construct, which adds tool-building mechanics.

You may like it because
  • Mods have real influence on gameplay
  • Players and developers cooperate
  • The community is active and engaged in creating

Fallout 4

Release date:2017-09-26
Genre:Shooter & Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:Bethesda Game Studios

This post-apocalyptic RPG is also distinguished by a close-knit and active community. The developers have provided fans with an official tool – the Creation Kit – that allows them to create mods that range from minor changes to completely new story lines.

Interestingly, the game supports modifications not only on PC, but to a limited extent on other platforms as well. Among the best-known mods are Sim Settlements, which expands the settlement system, and FROST Survival Simulator, which introduces a survival mode.

You may like it because
  • You can explore post-apocalyptic world using mods
  • Mods creation is supported by developers
  • Mods are available on different platforms (to a limited extent)
  • You can change the course of entire gameplay experience

The Sims 4

Release date:2014-08-02
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator
Developer:Maxis

Can anyone still imagine The Sims series without mods? In the fourth installment of one of the most popular PC games, players have at their disposal not only mods that change outfits or hairstyles, but also entire gameplay mechanics.

Although the game’s developers do not provide official modding tools, they are open to players introducing their own content – especially on platforms such as ModTheSims.

Among the most well-known mods are MC Command Center, giving control over the gameplay, and Wicked Whims, focusing on relationships.

You may like it because
  • Developers support fans, even without sharing official tools
  • It has access to huge modding platforms
  • You can even change social relationships between Sims

GTA V

Release date:2015-04-14
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Rockstar North

Gaming modding is also present in the well-known GTA V. In the case of this action game, the community is active in the forums, creating not only new weapons, impressive vehicles and locations, but also whole new story threads.

Examples of well-known and already iconic mods include LSPDFR, which allows you to play as a police officer, and NaturalVision Evolved, which significantly improves graphics.

You may like it because
  • You can create new storyline elements
  • You can create new iconic vehicles or weapons
  • Large number of modding tools

Stardew Valley

Release date:2016-02-26
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Strategy & Indie & Adventure
Developer:ConcernedApe

Even though the game itself isn’t complex, the modding community is definitely one of the most active. Players can implement small changes as well as alterations in gameplay mechanics.

The game supports modding through the SMAPI system, and some of the most iconic mods include Stardew Valley Expanded, which adds new locations and expands the storyline.

You may like it because
  • Extensive modifications, even though the game is rather simple
  • Mods have huge impact on gameplay
  •  Official modding tools are available

Terraria

Release date:2011-05-16
Genre:Adventure & Platform & Role-playing (RPG) & Simulator & Strategy & Indie
Developer:Re-Logic

This popular sandbox title offers a lot of modding possibilities for players. They have access to official tools like tModLoader and can change both small details and also big extensions, including new campaigns.

Some of the most well-known mods are Calamity Mod and Thorium Mod, which both bring new content to the whole gameplay.

You may like it because
  • You can explore huge open world
  • You can add new campaigns
  • The game has official modding tools

Here you have a short look at best games with active modding communities. Gaming modding definitely bring a lot of excitement and freshness to gameplay and allow fans to have real impact on their loved titles.