Our verdict: Mod Organizer 2 is the manager most large Skyrim and Fallout modding guides are built around. Because mods never touch the game folder, you can reorder, disable or remove them without breaking the install. It is less beginner-friendly than Vortex and takes some reading before the first mod list.
About Mod Organizer 2
Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) is a free, open-source mod manager started by Tannin, the author of the original Mod Organizer, and now maintained by a community team. Every mod is installed into its own folder. When you launch the game through MO2, its virtual file system (USVFS) makes the game see all enabled mods as if they were in the data folder, while the real game directory stays untouched.
MO2 is built for Bethesda games such as Skyrim, Fallout 3, New Vegas, Fallout 4 and Starfield, with a plugin list, LOOT sorting, BSA/BA2 previews and save game parsing. Game plugins add support for other titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Valheim, The Witcher 2 and Subnautica. It connects to Nexus Mods for downloads and keeps separate profiles and instances for different setups. Version 2.5 requires Windows 10 1809 or newer and the Visual C++ 2015-2022 x64 runtime.
What it does well
- Virtual file system. Mods stay in their own folders and the game directory is never modified.
- Profiles and instances. Separate mod lists, INI files and saves per profile or game.
- Plugin load order. Plugin list with LOOT sorting and conflict views for Bethesda games.
- Conflict view. Shows which mod overwrites which file and lets you set priorities.
- Tool launcher. Runs xEdit, LOOT, script extenders and other tools inside the virtual setup.
Who it is for
Good fit
Experienced modders building large Skyrim, Fallout or Starfield mod lists who want a clean game folder.
Look elsewhere
Beginners who want a one-click experience, or games without an MO2 plugin.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Game folder stays clean
- Easy to disable or reorder any mod
- Profiles and portable instances
- Standard tool in big modding guides
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Game and tools must be launched through MO2
- Supports fewer games than Vortex
How to install Mod Organizer 2
Use the installer from the GitHub release; it can also create a portable instance. Install the Microsoft Visual C++ x64 runtime first if MO2 does not start. Do not place MO2 or the game in Program Files, and always start the game and tools from MO2, otherwise the mods are not loaded.
Questions about Mod Organizer 2
Is Mod Organizer 2 free?
Yes. MO2 is open source under the GNU GPL v3 and has no paid version.
What is the difference between Mod Organizer 2 and Vortex?
MO2 loads mods through a virtual file system and never changes the game folder; Vortex deploys mods into the game folder with links. Vortex supports more games and is easier for beginners.
Which games does Mod Organizer 2 support?
Mainly Bethesda games such as Skyrim, Fallout 3, New Vegas, Fallout 4 and Starfield, plus other titles through game plugins, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Valheim.
