Starfield supports official Creations in game, but most popular PC mods are on Nexus and many need SFSE (the script extender). Use Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex for those. After every Bethesda update, check ModSafe: SFSE and Address Library usually need an update first.
Steps
- Launch once. Start the game from Steam so it creates its settings, then quit.
- Install a mod manager. Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex, pointed at your Starfield install.
- Install SFSE. Download the build for your game version from the official SFSE site or its Nexus page. Place the loader and DLL next to Starfield.exe. From now on, start the game with sfse_loader.exe.
- Add Address Library and Starfield Engine Fixes. Then Baka Achievement Enabler if you want achievements with mods.
- Add interface mods. The StarUI mods, Compact Mission Menu and Undelayed Menus.
- Add gameplay and visual mods. A few at a time; load a save to test after each batch.
- Keep plugin mods sorted. Let your manager sort plugins and read each mod page for load order notes.
Common pitfalls
- Version mismatch. SFSE plugins stop working after a game update until SFSE and Address Library update.
- Launching from Steam. Starting Starfield.exe directly disables SFSE plugins.
- Mixing Creations and Nexus versions. Don't install the same mod from both. Pick one source.
- Loose file mods not loading. Some mods need loose-file loading switched on in StarfieldCustom.ini. The mod page says if so.
Rolling back
- Disable the mod in your manager (MO2 profile or Vortex deploy).
- If an update broke SFSE, wait for SFSE and Address Library to update rather than uninstalling everything.
- Back up Documents/My Games/Starfield/Saves before big changes.
- Set Steam to update only when you launch the game to avoid surprise breakage.