Fallout 4 and Skyrim Special Edition famously offer console mod support across PS4 and Xbox One, but recent updates to both games quietly nerfed the feature over the past week. Amid rising user speculation, Bethesda confirmed the changes in a forum post.
As it stands now, both Fallout 4 version 1.9 and Skyrim Special Edition version 1.4 restrict the number of mods players can install. While previously resorting to a file size limit of 2GB and 5GB on Xbox One, there’s now a hard cap on the total mods that can be installed. For both games, that limit is 100 mods on PS4 and 150 on Xbox One. Even if there’s still space available after that threshold has been reached, no more mods can be added.
Bethesda support staff claim the revisions result from internal testing of console mod support and the need to provide a balance between customization and stability. Regardless, the studio showed empathy for the situation to its loyal fans online.
“We understand this is a frustration point for all of you,” a representative said, “we’re still new to the process of allowing mods on consoles and working on ways to improve the experience over time.” The rep added that more updates will dispatched to tweak mod support for Bethesda games as future discoveries are made.
As close followers of the Fallout 4 PS4 mod controversy will know, last week’s adjustments aren’t the first time Bethesda has taken steps to restrict mod use in the name of stability. Mods on Sony’s console are historically shackled compared to Xbox One and PC. With the recent changes, that playing field has been leveled slightly. That being said, 150 or even 100 mods should still allow plenty of room for creative gamers to do a lot with the feature.
Both Fallout 4 1.9 and Skyrim 1.4 offered improvements to mods in the form of a “featured mods” section and the ability to filter by mods with the highest rating. For Fallout 4, the PS4 build also received a PS4 Pro patch capable of native 1440p resolution.
Fallout 4 and Skyrim Special Edition are available now on PC, Xbox One and PS4.
What do you think of these quiet changes to PS4 and Xbox One mod support? Has Bethesda left enough room for Fallout 4 and Skyrim players to remain creative? Tell us in the comments section!
