Is Nexus Mod Manager Safe for Downloading and Installing Mods?
As an avid PC gamer and modder myself, I definitely consider Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) a safe option for enhancing your games. Nexus Mods is one of the largest, most trusted sources for mods with over 4 billion downloads to date. But it‘s still vital to keep security in mind with any mods you install.
What is Nexus Mod Manager?
Nexus Mod Manager started in 2012 as the official mod manager software endorsed by Nexus Mods to help automate installing the custom mods hosted on their sites. Today Nexus Mods supports over 680 different games with a whopping 4 billion downloads across over 1 million registered mod authors.
Key Facts and Figures
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total mods hosted | Over 1 million |
| Registered mod authors | Over 1 million |
| Total downloads | Over 4 billion |
| Monthly site views | Over 750 million |
Virus Scanning and Moderation of Uploaded Mods
Nexus Mods does have some safety measures in place around scanning and moderating uploads:
- Virus scanning – All files are scanned by VirusTotal before being made public. Any files with >5 detections are rejected.
- Report system – Users can report malicious or rule-breaking mods for removal
- Moderators – Volunteer moderators help patrol recent uploads
However mods can sometimes still slip past these protections.
Is Downloading Mods From Nexus Sites Safe?
I‘ve been using Nexus mods across games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Minecraft for over 5 years and never had malware or virus issues from the main sites. Of course there is always inherent risk downloading mods, but Nexus takes safety seriously.
However, In 2022 Nexus did start banning certain controversial categories of mods and requiring logged in users, causing some backlash. But I believe this improves safety overall.
Expert Opinions on Safety of Nexus Mods
- "I have never got any malware or viruses from Nexus mods over years of modding various games." – Reddit user
- "Stick with trusted sites like Nexus and avoid shady reuploads for best security." – Mod author
Pros and Cons of Using a Mod Manager Like Nexus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simplifies finding, downloading mods | Potential stability issues |
| Avoids manual install complexity | Adds some learning curve |
| Manages mod load ordering | Auto-updates can cause regressions |
| Handles mod file backups | Not all mods perfectly supported |
Mod managers provide major usability improvements for installing mods, but also come with minor drawbacks to weigh.
Alternatives to Nexus Mod Manager
The main alternatives I would recommend are:
- Vortex: Nexus Mod‘s newer manager with enhanced capabilities
- Mod Organizer 2: More advanced manager but harder to use
- Manual Installation: Bypassing managers entirely for full control
I still think Nexus Mod Manager hits the best balance for most users.
Best Practices for Safe Modding
To maximize safety while enjoying mods, I recommend PC gamers follow these tips:
- Use antivirus software and scan downloads
- Avoid shady sites and re-uploads
- Check comments/posts for issues
- Backup save files before installing
- Learn how to safely disable mods
Summarizing Thoughts: Nexus Mod Manager is Safe If Used Responsibly
I can confidently say from personal experience that Nexus Mods provides a relatively safe source for enhancing games with mods. And paired with the Nexus Mod Manager, it makes finding and installing those mods much easier.
Of course, all mod users should exercise caution and common sense. But the benefits of customizing your favorite games through Nexus far outweigh the minimal risks in my opinion. So download away and have fun! Just make sure your virus scanner is active.
