Nexus Mods is to place to go if you are interested in modding different games such as Skyrim and Fallout. The site is very popular, has a lot of following and has improved its modding services over the years. With that in mind, you must be questioning is Nexus mods safe to use? In this article, I answer just that.
Nexus Mods: Is It Safe To Use?
Nexus Mods is a trustworthy site, and even though the content on the site is uploaded by millions of users, it is scanned for viruses by the site. The files that are scanned are marked as certified, which means that you can trust them and they can be safely downloaded. Nexus Mods is the largest site of its kind and the platform is completely legit. Some would even say that you should only get your mods from Nexus Mods.
Other than Nexus Mods, some other safe platforms for mods include Steam Workshop and Mod DB. With that said, you should not download EXE or DLL files without confirming that a large number of people have already downloaded and tested them.
Is Modding Games Safe?
Modding or modifying a game changes it from its original form. The mod adds components such as code or syntax. This can even infect your devices without the user knowing. GTA 5 mods have been known to contain remove access trojans and keyloggers.
Nexus Mods’ Vortex features a new security sandbox for installing mods on PC that protect users from malicious mods. Any mod that runs a custom C# script will be blocked from accessing your PC outside the scope of said mod.
Tips To Remain Safe While Downloading Mods
The following are some tips that will help you remain safe when modding your games:
- Check user rating and reviews: When downloading mods, you should check the rating and the reviews for the mod. This will give you an idea of whether or not the mod works and if it is even safe to download. If users experience issues then chances are that they will report it.
- Check compatibility: Not only does the mod need to be safe, but it also needs to be compatible with your version of the game and the other mods that you might be using. Incompatible mods can lead to crashes and other issues.
- Use mods by trusted authors: When downloading mods for a game, you should stick with well-known and reputed mod authors or mod creators. They often have a legit track record of creating high-quality mods that work and are safe.
- Backup Your Game Files: Before you install mods, it is a good practice to backup your game files. If the mod causes any issues, then you can restore your game to its original form.
Is Modding Games Illegal?
Technically, it can be illegal, depending on where you live and what laws apply. In the United States, for example, modding a game can violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act or the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. It can also violate the end-user license agreement (EULA). Most EULAs forbid modders from selling the mods that they create.
So is Nexus Mods safe to use? The short answer is yes.
