The console ecosystem has always been pretty closed-off to mods, and unlike playing on PC, you can’t typically download mods to improve the experience of a game. This changed, however, when certain Bethesda games broke down that barrier, even if Sony weren’t too enthusiastic about the change.
While Xbox has welcomed modding on consoles with open arms, PlayStation has had a very spotty history of allowing them on its platform. This makes sense, as mods can be a route to breaking a game or finding unmoderated content outside the platform holder’s control. However, there are a handful of examples where mods are available on PlayStation consoles.
Updated February 16, 2022 by Nico Dagny: Although games available to be modded are extremely sparse on PlayStation consoles, there is a dedicated community creating and updating content for the few that do allow mods. Games like the Farming Simulator franchise, for example, harbor plenty of passionate creators who churn out some pretty great mods for anyone to try out. So don’t miss out on ways to improve upon your gaming adventures.
Unreal Tournament 3
Unreal Tournament is a legendary franchise of a bygone era, even if it has cropped up more recently. Back on the PS3, it had a massive community backing it, and with a massive community comes a whole host of mods. However, in the PS3 entry Unreal Tournament 3, it was much more difficult to download mods than it is with current games and their extensive mod supports.
To use a mod for Unreal Tournament, you would actually have to have mod files downloaded and available on the PS3 from a different source. You could download them to something like a memory stick, then head over to the Community tab in the game, navigate to My Content, and press Square to import the mods. It’s a hassle to see through but one that’s made worth it from the entertaining mods up for download. Many of the mods created for Unreal Tournament were new war maps that brought back interest for players considering jumping back into the game.
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim - Special Edition
Being the game that has led the way for the concept of console mods, the PS4 version of Skyrim introduced an array of mods that alter aspects like graphics, armor sets, NPC interactions, and even new missions created by fans for fans. Even so many years since the initial launch date, the modding community for Skyrim finds new ways to revitalize and bring the spotlight back to this universally praised gem.
Downloading mods for Skyrim on the PS4 is simple. First, create a Bethesda account and log into the account through the mod submenu accessible from the main menu. After this, all you have to do is find any mods that pique your interest and download them. The game will do the rest for you. There are some great places to start in the modding scene for first-time modders. The first one you should try is Surreal Lighting which provides a general graphics overhaul to the game’s lighting, making it feel more atmospheric and authentic to real life.
Fallout 4
Another Bethesda title, Fallout 4, came out to a somewhat murky reception. While it is a grand and expansive game full of life and wonder, it can be enhanced dramatically with the inclusion of a few mods. Some mods overhaul graphical features, while others will fix visible bugs and glitches in the game. Of course, if you prefer to keep these glitches, you can expand upon them.
Just like with the Skyrim mods, you will need a Bethesda account. After creating your account, navigate to the mods submenu, log in, and begin browsing. Mods can be selected by category or ranking, with options that’ll have you spending countless hours in the game just testing out the different possibilities. Because Fallout 4 can be quite a silly game with unintentional bugs or lackluster and strange writing, don’t be afraid to try out some of the comedic mods that enhance this side of the game. Some standouts for available mods are Cheat Room, Companion Infinite Ammo, and Quick Hack and Pick.
Farming Simulator Franchise
Farming Simulator 2015
Farming Simulator is a pretty popular series that gets overshadowed quite a bit. If you ask someone what their favorite farming game is, chances are the answer will be Stardew Valley. While having a niche target audience, the games have managed to rope in fans dedicated to the franchise. So, it’s good that the newer entries in the series offer mods.
To use mods in Farming Simulator 2015, you will actually have to get them via the PlayStation Store, where mods are categorized as DLC. It’s a bit of a roundabout way to get mods for the game, and of course, it doesn’t include the massive number of community mods available to PC players, but it’s a nice start.
Farming Simulator 2017
Half of this list is Farming Simulator games, and it’s because it’s a franchise that has had a consistent release on numerous platforms that’s always focused on fostering and building up a strong community of modders.
To install mods on PS4, scroll through the main menu to the mod submenu, find a category, and pick the mod — clearly a lot easier than before! Mods in this game can be tools and tractors, vital to any farming fanatic, or great for getting newcomers deep into the weird world of farming sims.
Farming Simulator 2019
Who would’ve guessed Farming Simulator 19 would make it here? Well, after two years, a lot of changes came to the PS4 entry of Farming Simulator, with the mods submenu staying exactly where it was, keeping things easy and simple.
Just like before, you will need to scroll to the mods submenu, and from there, browse through available mods. Tractors, forage harvesters, sugarcane technology, cultivators, disc harrows, seeders — you name it! It’s most likely a mod waiting to be discovered.
NEXT: Farming Simulator 19: The Best Mods
