🔧 Cyberpunk 2077 Mods Guide — REDmod, Nexus Mods & Best Mods 2026
Complete modding guide: REDmod official framework, Nexus Mods installation, essential frameworks (CET, redscript, ArchiveXL), popular mods & collections, installation best practices, and PC-only modding resources.
Published September 1, 2026 · Last updated September 2, 2026
Quick Answer: How to Mod Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 has extensive mod support through REDmod (official framework) and Nexus Mods (primary community hub). Mods are PC only. The recommended setup: install REDmod DLC (free), use Vortex mod manager, install essential framework mods first (Cyber Engine Tweaks, redscript, RED4ext, ArchiveXL, TweakXL), then add content mods. Popular collections like Project Ultrapunk and Night City 3.0 offer one-click install of hundreds of curated mods. Current game version is 2.31+. Always backup saves before modding.
| Component | What It Is | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| REDmod | Official modding framework by CDPR | Free DLC on Steam/GOG/Epic |
| Nexus Mods | Primary mod repository (thousands of mods) | nexusmods.com/games/cyberpunk2077 |
| Vortex | Recommended mod manager | Free from Nexus Mods |
| Cyber Engine Tweaks | Core scripting framework | Nexus Mods — essential |
| ArchiveXL | Add items without conflicts | Nexus Mods — essential |
| Collections | Curated mod packs (100s of mods) | Nexus Mods — one-click install |
💡 Mods are PC only. Console players (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch 2) cannot install mods. Always check mod compatibility with your game version (currently 2.31+) before installing.
REDmod: Official Modding Framework
REDmod is the official free DLC released by CD Projekt RED that provides tools and framework for loading community mods. It supports custom sounds, animations, scripts, tweaks, and archives.
| Platform | Installation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Add REDmod DLC from store page, then install | Not automatic — must manually add |
| GOG | Add REDmod DLC from store page, then install | Not automatic — must manually add |
| Epic Games | Automatically installed with game 1.6+ | No action needed |
💡 After installing REDmod, you will find a tools/redmod folder inside the game directory. REDmod-compatible mods go into Cyberpunk 2077/mods/ folder (they contain an info.json file). Most popular mods do NOT require REDmod — they use frameworks like Cyber Engine Tweaks instead.
Essential Framework Mods (Install First)
These foundational tools are required by almost every modern mod list. Install them before adding any gameplay, visual, or clothing mods.
| Framework | Purpose | Required By |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET) | Lua scripting, console, UI tools | Many QoL and gameplay mods |
| redscript | Scripting language for deeper changes | Advanced gameplay mods |
| RED4ext | C++ plugin loader | Required by redscript and many mods |
| ArchiveXL | Add new items without conflicts | Clothing, weapons, vehicles mods |
| TweakXL | Modify game data (tweaks) | Balance and item mods |
| Input Loader | Custom keybinds | Mods with custom controls |
| Native Settings UI | In-game settings menu for mods | Highly recommended for all mods |
💡 Always install framework mods first. Most mod pages list their requirements — check carefully before downloading. Missing dependencies are the #1 cause of mod crashes.
Popular Mods & Collections (2025-2026)
The most recommended mods based on community consensus and GameSpot's 2026 roundup.
| Category | Mod Name | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Life | New Level Cap | Raises level cap from 60 |
| Quality of Life | They Will Remember | Gang reputation & grudges system |
| Quality of Life | Night City Alive | More reactive world events |
| Quality of Life | Appearance Menu Mod (AMM) | Spawn NPCs, change appearance anytime |
| Quality of Life | Photo Mode Unlocker | Full photo mode control |
| Visuals | HD Reworked Project | Comprehensive texture overhaul |
| Visuals | ReLUX / Lighting Overhauls | Improved lighting and atmosphere |
| Gameplay | Cyberware-EX | Multiple operating systems with enough capacity |
| Gameplay | Virtual Atelier | Virtual clothing stores |
| Gameplay | Hardcore Combat Overhauls | More challenging combat |
| Content | Proxima's Apartment Emporium | Apartment overhauls and new decorations |
| Content | Drone Companions | Combat and utility drones |
Recommended Collections (One-Click Install)
Large, maintained collections available on Nexus Mods. These bundle hundreds of compatible mods with pre-configured load orders.
| Collection | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCR Core | Essential QoL + stability | Good starting point for new modders |
| Project Ultrapunk | Visual fidelity + stability | Heavy on visuals, well-tested |
| Night City 3.0 / Welcome to Night City | Immersive world enhancements | Popular community choice |
| Blood & Chrome: Desire Protocol | Combat + immersion | Action-focused |
| Simulation – Night City | Realism + depth | For hardcore immersion seekers |
| Femme Fatale / Themed | Character appearance + romance | Aesthetics-focused |
💡 Collections are regularly updated for the latest game version (2.31+) and often require Phantom Liberty. They handle load order automatically — much easier than managing individual mods.
Installation Best Practices
Follow these steps to avoid crashes and conflicts.
- Backup your save files and game folder before installing any mods.
- Use a mod manager (Vortex recommended for beginners, MO2 for advanced users).
- Install framework mods first (CET, redscript, RED4ext, ArchiveXL, TweakXL), then content mods.
- Read the description and requirements on every mod page — check game version compatibility.
- Deploy / enable mods through the launcher after installation (REDmod compiles on first launch).
- Start a new game or use a clean save when installing large collections for best stability.
- Let Vortex or MO2 handle load order automatically — manual ordering causes conflicts.
- After major game updates, wait a few days for frameworks and popular mods to be updated.
- Keep mod count reasonable — large collections can require 12 GB+ VRAM for heavy visual packs.
- CDPR does not review or support third-party mods. Issues are the responsibility of the user and mod authors.
Modding Resources & Links
Official and community resources for Cyberpunk 2077 modding.
| Resource | Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Official Modding Support | cyberpunk.net/en/modding-support | REDmod download, FAQ, tutorials |
| Nexus Mods | nexusmods.com/games/cyberpunk2077 | All community mods & collections |
| Community Wiki | wiki.redmodding.org/cyberpunk-2077-modding | Detailed technical documentation |
| REDmod Steam Page | store.steampowered.com/app/2060310 | Official REDmod DLC page |
| GameSpot Best Mods 2026 | gamespot.com/gallery/best-cyberpunk-2077-mods | Curated list of high-quality mods |
| CDPR Fan Content Guidelines | cdprojektred.com/fan-content | Rules for creating & sharing mods |
💡 The Community Wiki (wiki.redmodding.org) is the most comprehensive technical resource for modding. It covers troubleshooting, load order guides, and detailed documentation for each framework.
Important Warnings
- Mods are PC only — PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2 players cannot install mods.
- Steam Family Sharing can prevent REDmod installation — the account owner must install it.
- Large visual collections can require significant VRAM (12 GB+ recommended for heavy packs).
- Always verify that a mod is updated for the current game version (2.31+ as of 2026).
- CDPR prohibits commercial use or paywalls for mods (e.g., the VR mod incident in early 2026).
- Some mods may conflict with achievements — check mod descriptions if you care about achievements.
- Uninstalling mods mid-save can corrupt your game — use clean saves or start fresh.
- Phantom Liberty is required by many modern collections — check requirements carefully.