It is always recommended you play the first few hours vanilla. So you get to know the game and perhaps find out what things there are you want to change. Using mods is a balancing act, as some mods do not work together, so without knowing how things should work (vanilla) you'd think the game is broken, when you might actually resolve the issue by changing the mods' loading order.

For a total beginner with 16Gb + RA, a SSD and modern computer, go have fun!

But if you have a bit older comp or HDD, then you can benefit from the various performance enbettering mods, like

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1649794243

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1630021836

but you really should play first a bit and see if any issues arise. You can always add mods to your ongoing game with importing your save.

alright, I might do that then. unrelated, do you know how to delete exported characters? I have some from my last attempt at this game.

i highly recommend getting the Dark UI mod it makes menus look so much nicer ,, will only improve the vanilla experience

once you go for mods either reactive world or Genesis might be a good start ,,, i think i like reactive worlds better ,, because it is a little more vanilla ,,, in the past because they changed the dust bandit home there was pathing errors in genesis that would not let you walk around the area , but might be fixed by now for all i know

:Edit " or should I say, "♥♥♥♥ it, we ball" and die in the desert like a dozen times?" -----

-A really well trained ninja with good speed stealth and assassination will let you explore the entire game,,, kinda slow but broken OP starting point as "rebirth slaves start" and training strength by unlocking shackles and stacking them in your inventory to grow strength and labor in the day and at night sneaking out of your cage to train stealth and assassination

once you escape rebirth go to the floatsam safe house to get gear and food than head to floatsam village ,, you will have 2 trained ninjas and be able to explore the whole game
you can also join the floatsam and follow that story path if you want
but keep in mind if you plan to join the floatsam you will need at least one female human to talk to the floatsam leader they are all female ninjas

I do not recommend Genesis for beginner players, it is meant for those who wish more content and harder mobs after vanilla, same is with UWE

I don't recommend getting or using any overhaul mods. They tend to conflict with a lot of other clothing and race mods. Cattrina has good advice, try the game out without any mods and try to survive. After that, you will have an idea of what mods you need.

But you are here asking for mods, so I'll deliver some. Native Stylize mod is pretty good, it makes the game look completely different and I recommend downloading shiny metal mod, metallic armor looks metal mod, and Trinity's weapon packs. Some of Fox's weapons are cool too but I recommend picking some as there are some weapons that look a bit out of place.

Skeleton race mods wouldn't hurt either, and maybe download some good Start mods that enable you to start in a good city, the lore friendly start mods has a Shek start where you spawn in Admag with basic stats, you could try that.

Originally posted by Cattrina:

I do not recommend Genesis for beginner players, it is meant for those who wish more content and harder mobs after vanilla, same is with UWE

I love all of your mods and content. You do amazing work btw.. stay awesome

One last thing, dialogue mods are pretty good. I recommend that dialogue mod called let's talk, it's very good and immersive.

Originally posted by Elemental Conjurer:

Originally posted by Cattrina:

I do not recommend Genesis for beginner players, it is meant for those who wish more content and harder mobs after vanilla, same is with UWE

I love all of your mods and content. You do amazing work btw.. stay awesome

Thank you :)