NOTE
This is the current version of the Step NoMansSky Guide. Don't forget to endorse Step on the Nexus if you like the guide. Please report any problems or confusing instructions on the latest Feedback & Bug Reports pinned forum topic.This Release
Supported Game Version: NMS:Voyagers v6.01+
This is our next minor release of the Step No Man's Sky (NMS) Guide. Just a few of the highlights are:
- Entire Guide has been updated to support the new modding structure introduced in game version 5.5: Worlds Part II.
See the changelog for more details and to determine if upgrading from a previous version is advisable.
Step NoMansSky Guide
This is the official Step modding guide for No Man's Sky. Its goal is to provide an "enhanced vanilla" look and feel with a focus on exploration gameplay. It is built for No Man's Sky on the PC without VR. Other situations by vary. For a full list of features to expect from this Guide, please see our Nexus Mods page.
Modding No Man's Sky is more of a manual process versus other games. As such, throughout this Guide expect to edit files, build patches, etc. However, this is a Step Modifications Guide so there will instructions throughout process. Be aware of what modding NMS entails before moving forward.
- Visit the forums to learn more or contribute.
- Also follow Step Modifications on Facebook.
- To support hosting and maintenance of this website, consider donating to the project.
New to Modding?
We recommend that you ...
- read through this Guide at least once before attempting installation.
- follow all linked guides and read through them, as well.
There is a lot of information to absorb and learn in order to successfully build a modded game. We and the community, have brought together a lot of this information into guides as a free and hopefully convenient resource for all. New and experienced modders alike will find many answers within these guides and linked resources. This Guide is written in such a way that it expect the basics of modding to be known and how to use related tools (e.g. mod managers, LOD optimizers, configuration utilities, etc.). However our support forums are always available.
Nomenclature and Instructions
The following nomenclature is used throughout this guide and should be understood before proceeding.
- 'tick' means 'check': Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation.
- Baseline: The recommended install option is shown within the Baseline column of the mod tables below.
- Step Patches: Custom patches created for the respective Step Guides. Always use them!
Expand Instructions!
Click the heading below to expand detailed instructions that are collapsed by default for readability:
Expand mod table detailed instructions:
System Requirements
No Man's Sky should be run on a relatively modern Windows 10/11 64-bit desktop or laptop at 1920x1080 or higher.
- The minimum specs should allow the game to be ran on High settings
- The recommended specs should allow the game to be ran on Ultra settings
- CPU/GPU Marks should be within the ranges listed below. Refer to the links for examples.
| Hardware | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Mark Range | 6,000 - 7,000 | > 8,000 |
| System RAM | 8Gb | 16Gb |
| GPU G3D Mark Range | 10,000 - 12,000 | > 13,000 |
| Game Drive | HDD | SSD |
- For those wishing to use high quality settings at resolutions higher than 1920x1080, be advised that a more powerful system will likely be required.
- This game will also consume a lot of VRAM, so the more VRAM available the better the performance will be; since files will not have be offloaded to slower system RAM.
STEP 1
Follow the System Setup Guide!
Those who have not completed the System Setup Guide should STOP and do so now!
- The Setup Guide is a perquisite for this Guide.
- Once it has been completed, return here and continue below.
- Deviate from these instructions at your own risk! Instructions in this guide presume that previous instructions have been followed.
As suggested in the Setup Guide, for supporting No Man's Sky this Guide uses the following folder structure:
Drive:\Modding\Tools\..\AMUMSS..\HGPakTool
Tools Installation and Setup
Install the following tools to the location created above (i.e., ..\Modding\Tools):
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
AMUMSS 
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| ||||||
| HGPakTool
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| This mod is optional! HGPakTool is used for extracting the game files from the game or mod archived PAK files. Unless mods are being created or mods that haven't been updated for game version 5.5+ wish to be installed, then it's not likely this tool will be needed. As such, it's installation can be skipped by most users.
Since a release of this tool as not been published, it mush be installed manually. To do so:
To use HGPakTool, simply drag and drop a PAK file on top of the HGPAKTool.bat file. A prompt will appear to confirm and a new folder will be created for the extracted files. | ||||||
AMUMSS
AMUMSS is one of the modding tools used to manage No Man Sky mods. By utilizing LUA scripts, AMUMSS will automatically combine changes from mods and compile them into patched EMXL files for installation; everything from file extraction to conflict resolution to packing is completed for the user. However, AMUMSS is not required for this Guide. Mention of AMUMSS is for reference for users modding beyond what is provided within this Guide. As such, AMUMSS may be skipped if strictly following this Guide.
- Open the AMUMSS folder (i.e.
.\Modding\Tools\AMUMSS) - Add an exception/exclusion for this entire folder to any antivirus/antimalware software (Windows and/or 3rd party solutions)
- Run the Test_AMUMSS_install.bat file (
.\AMUMSS\TOOLS\) and follow its prompts to determine and fix any issues that may remain - Once the above test passes, run BUILDMOD.bat by double-clicking on it.
- When first ran, it will check for updates and ask to install each one and restart afterwards. Allow it to install all updates available.
- The following should be displayed towards the top of the log:
Path to NMS_FOLDER is >>> GOOD <<< game files found - Next AMUMSS will check and update MBINCompiler, if updates are available.
- At
??? Do you want to use AMUMSS in [F]ULL, [D]EV, or [L]EAN mode, enter F - At
??? IS your NMS game version [P]ublic or [E]xperimental, enter P - Ignore the
[NOTICE] No user .lua Mod Script found in ModScript...message, as this is just an initialization run. If there are other warnings, investigate.
- The following should be displayed towards the top of the log:
- When first ran, it will check for updates and ask to install each one and restart afterwards. Allow it to install all updates available.
- Press any key to close when complete.
- Firewall / Internet Security / Antivirus Software:
- AMUMSS connects to the internet to check for MBINCompiler updates. To allow this process, an exception may have to be created in this software for:
<pathTo>\AMUMSS\MODBUILDER\MBINCompilerDownloader\curl.exe
To check if this working, the following should be displayed in BUILDMOD.bat log when an update is available and downloaded, else only an error message will be displayed:>>> Added MBINCompiler.x.xx.x.exe to Extras\MBINCompiler_OldVersions folder...
...
>>> Your new MBINCompiler is version: x.xx.x - If the CMD window closes immediately (or is blank) when double-clicking BUILDMOD.BAT, it could be security software blocking the program from running. Try creating an exception in the software and rebooting the PC.
- AMUMSS connects to the internet to check for MBINCompiler updates. To allow this process, an exception may have to be created in this software for:
STEP 2
Mod Installation
Currently no mods listed within the Guide are required, besides the Resource Files. Yet, all mods are recommended for the intended user experience the Guide provides. Those who deviate from the Guide will have various results.
NOTE:When downloading a NMS mod from Nexus, always use the Manual Download button on the mod's File tab.
Manual Installation
All mods listed with the green bar within the tables will be manual installations. Only mods that aren't expected to have conflicts with other mods within the Guide are installed straight to the game folder. Manually installing a mod to the game is done so by placing the mod's file within the game's MODS folder:
- Open the downloaded archive and extract the top-level folder to:
.\No Man's Sky\GAMEDATA\MODS\ModFolder- The ModFolder should be a folder of the mod's name filled with sub-folders that matches the game's directory structure.
- If manually creating a ModFolder, the character limit is 122 characters.
- Instructions are provided the first time these installations are encountered within the Guide; however, subsequent instances will not include them.
PAK Installation
Since game version 5.5, PAK files are no supported by the game for modding purposes. If a mod has a PAK file, it will be out of date and require unpacking (HGPakTool) and updating; either manually or using AMUMSS. None of these mods exist within the Step Guide.
Mod Table Reference
| Table Flags | Red vertical bars indicate the mod requires an update and should not be installed for the newest game version. Yellow bars indicate the mod is installed using AMUMSS. Follow installation procedures for AMUMSS for these mods. Green bars indicate the mod is installed manually. Follow manual installation procedures for these mods. | |||
| Mod Name | The mod's name presented as a link to Nexus for downloading.  = Link to the mod's wiki page, which includes various information about the mod.
| |||
|
|
Link to the mod's wiki page, which includes various information about the mod. | |||
|
Link to the mod's forum discussion topic. | |||
| Baseline | This notes the Step Baseline version or option of the corresponding mod that should be installed, and usually refers to options affecting performance/quality. | |||
| Instructions | Brief notes that apply to the mod or installation. In some cases, mods with several options will include a suggested option. These suggestions will take the form of: Step recommends: Option A main file In other cases, there may only be one appropriate option that fits the Step Mandate. These instructions will take the form of: Install Option A main file When [Expand] is present, click this link to expand the mod row to reveal detailed instructions for installing the mod. |
- To maintain compatibility, it's important to install mods as described; thus, ensure to click on [Expand] when it's available on the mod listing. If no Detailed Instructions are provided for a particular mod, check the Baseline column for the recommended option. If no Baseline or instructions are provided, all options are valid. Step encourages customization.
Foundation
Foundation includes mods that provide large and sweeping changes toward how the game's environments are generated. Additionally, all full replacement mods that require merging are included here.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Exosolars Abyss
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
 WARNING: "This mod is not updated to the support the latest version of the game. Do not use!" | ||||||
| Exosolars Grass Fix
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| ||||||
Animation and Physics
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Better Asteroid Explosions
|
| Rotating Atmosphere
|
Models and Textures
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Better Crystals
|
| Better Deposit Colors
|
| Black Carbon
|
| Blackhole BAAA
|
| Exosolars Clear Visor
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Step Recommends: Exosolar's Clear Scanner and Surveyor main file
| ||||||
| Fine LOD
|
Install the Fine LOD Lite Main File. |
| HD Clouds
|
2K |
| Windrex
|
Step recommends: Windrex and Windrex - Windshield Wiper main files |
Sounds and Music
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| No Suit Annoyances Updated
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| This mod is added for convenience. It removes many of the repetitive notices from the space suit that tend to get annoying over time. Installing it is optional. | ||||||
Fixes
Mods located here provide various fixes to multiple bugs and/or inconsistencies throughout the game.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Bigger Wallet
|
| Frigate LOD Fix
|
| Miscellaneous Text Fixes
|
| True Black
|
| Unpredictable Roaming Ships
|
Step Recommends: Unpredictable Roaming Ships main file |
Gameplay
Gameplay includes mods that affect various aspects of gameplay mechanics.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Better Buildings Scans
|
| Better Ship Transfer Ranges
|
Only install Better Ship Teleport Module Range main file |
| Exosolars Beyond Base Building
|
| Gumsks Base Building
|
Step Recommends: gBase Boundaries 2k main file |
| New Milestones
|
| Quick Crates
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| ||||||
| Short Shop Dialogs
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| ||||||
Interface
Interface mods alter various aspects of the user interface.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Better Frigate View
|
| Colorful Substance Labels
|
| Fast Actions
|
Step recommends: Fast Actions main file |
| Fast Text View
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
WARNING: "This mod is not updated to the support the latest version of the game. Do not use!" | ||||||
| Fullscreen Warps
|
| Tiny Inventory Changes
|
Locations
Location mods either add new locations or alter vanilla locations in larger ways.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Unpredictable Shelters
|
Lighting and Weather
Lighting and Weather mods alter interior and exterior lighting and/or weather systems.
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Exosolars Lumen
|
| Integrated Planets
|
| Natural Nights
|
| No Bloom Effect
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
| ||||||
| ReLight
|
Resource Files
| Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
|---|
| Step NoMansSky Resource Files
|
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
If a new version of the Resource Files or Optionals are released, overwrite the old files with the new. | ||||||
Quality of Life Mods
These are a few quality of life mods listed here because they are, technically, outside the scope of the Step Mandate; which governs our mod lists for our Game Guides. Nonetheless, these mods will lessen or remove some annoyances that can develop from repeated gameplay. If any of them are desired, install them now before moving on.
- Better Base Sites
-
- This mod allows base locations to be discoverable via the Secure Site planetary charts (purchased from the station merchant). These Sites are large, flat areas with a base computer in the center, which can be claimed as a new base location. The base location is mixed with other available options for the chart, so players aren't guaranteed a base location every purchase.
- gMission No Approximate Location
-
- Since the feature was added, many find the "approximate location" aspect of missions very annoying; even unrealistic at times. This mod controls the distance the game places the "approximate location" for missions. Use the 10u option to place the marker directly at the mission location, similar to before the feature was added to the game.
- gShip - More Frequent Traders - Easier Ship Hunting
-
- This mod causes the traders on outposts and stations to swap out more frequently. This can be useful for ship hunting and trading, but also provides a sense of busier star systems.
STEP 3
There shouldn't be any need for the average user of this Guide to utilize AMUMSS. However, those that are customizing their installations with other mods may run into conflicting files between two mods due to the mod's use of MBIN Replacements or conflicting settings within EXMLs. As such, below are brief instructions on the use of AMUMSS for these users. All other can skip to Step 4, below.
To merge files using AMUMSS, it is recommended to use the mod's LUA files. This is the method described here. For mods without LUAs, see the AMUMSS documentation.
To patch mods using AMUMSS:
- Open the downloaded archive and extract the files to:
- All LUA scripts are placed within:
.\AMUMSS\ModScripts - All game asset folders (models, textures, loose MBIN files, etc.) are placed within:
.\AMUMSS\ModScript\GlobalMEFTI
- All LUA scripts are placed within:
- All these files will be used to merge the changes into individual EXML files, which can then be placed within the game's MODS folder.
Some LUAs have questions that request user input. These questions have timers associated with them, which are set by the mod author. Most have adopted 10 secs for their timers. Once the timed limited is hit, the default option will be auto-selected. Pressing Enter/Return will select the default option. However, if the provided time is not enough to read the options, timers can be adjusted by editing the mod's script. To change the timers:
- Open the mod's LUA
- Find all lines that have the following:
OffsetGUIF = GUIF({DefaultOption, [[The question text will be here?]]},10) - Change the 10 at the end to a larger time in seconds (60 = 1 minute, 90 = 1 min 30 sec, etc.).
Running AMUMSS
Please continue below to build patched files. Use the following options at the provided prompts:
- Open the AMUMSS folder:
..\Modding\Tools\AMUMSS - Run BUILDMOD.bat by double-clicking on it.
- At this point, there may be updates for AMUMSS. Install all updates, restarting the BUILDMOD.bat file after each update.
??? Do you want to use AMUMSS in [F]ULL, [D]EV, or [L]EAN mode [F,D,L]?, enter L- If issues beyond the normal arise from running AMUMSS, use FULL to produce all help files to help troubleshoot.
??? Is your NMS game version [P]ublic or [E]xperimental [P, E]?, enter P??? Do you want to create a COMBINED[Y] or INDIVIDUAL[N] mods [Y,N]?- This options appears if there are more than one LUA scripts present.
- Entering Y will result in one set of combined, patched files, which will be the most common option.
- Enter N will result in a set of files for each of the individual LUAs present, and is mostly used when converting or updating multiple mods.
- One of the two following prompts will be next:
??? Would you like to COPY created Mods to your game folder [Y, N]?, enter N??? Would you like to or [N]ot COPY [S]ome or [A]ll Created Mods to your game folder [Y, N], enter N
- After the above, some LUA scripts may provide options for the user to select. Please select the options desired, when applicable.
After the selections, above, AMUMSS will build the patched files using the LUA scripts, provided loose files, and game files. When complete, there may be errors, warnings, and/or notices. What to do at this point depends on the reason for the issues:
- When mods are updated to support the latest version of the game, there shouldn't be any errors or warnings. Notices can be reviewed, and often don't effect the file outcome.
- Errors or warnings should be investigated to determine the cause of the error/warning. Correct these issue to ensure the desired outcome is reached. Most Warning will result in AMUMSS not producing files.
Installing AMUMSS Patch
- Open the CreatedMODS folder:
.\AMUMSS\CreatedMODS - Move the created ModName folder from CreatedMODS into the game's MODS folder:
.\No Man's Sky\GAMEDATA\MODS
STEP 4
That is a wrap on the Guide! Congratulations and enjoy the enhanced gameplay! Below are some recommended settings for the the game and graphics, as well as, a few tips for new players.
Graphic Drivers
The following can be set within the graphic drivers, themselves for a possible bump in quality. These are optional, but recommended:
- Disable any Anisotropic Filtering Optimizations settings
- Set Texture Filtering to the highest quality setting
Starting a New Game
To start a new game, select Play Game and then New Game on the menus. Game options should appear. Which option to choose is entirely user choice; however, Custom will allow the control of many game aspects for a tailored experience.
Step recommends using Custom to achieve the intended Guide outcome. As such, the following Custom settings are recommended for a more casual, exploration-focused gameplay that the Guide was designed for; without cutting out the other gameplay elements. The Guide's Resource Files are designed around these settings. As always, any of the settings may be adjusted up or down for a harder or more relaxed experience.
Survival Settings
- Survival Difficulty: Relaxed
- Sprinting: Standard
- Relaxed Sprinting will remove the extra life support cost from running, which some players may prefer because it makes exploring very easy.
- Scanner Recharge: Fast
Crafting and Item Settings
- Fuel Usage: Discounted
Combat Settings
- On-Foot Combat: Minimal
- Space Combat: Minimal
Ease of Use
- Tutorial Missions
- Those who are familiar with the gameplay may consider disabling the Tutorial Missions. This skips the repetitive gameplay forced at the start of a new game; teaching the basics. This will quickly drop the player onto a planet with the normal gear installed. Simply start exploring or find the ship and be off into space to summon the Anomaly.
Game Settings
The following are only recommendations for in-game settings. They can be accessed from the Options menu in the left bottom corner before starting a game. Once a game has been started, press Esc to open the game menu and click on Options.
Display & Graphics
- Window Mode: Fullscreen
- Max FPS: monitor refresh rate - 3 (144 - 3 = 141)
- All settings on High or Ultra
- Anisotropic Filter: 16x
- GTAO: High
- There isn't much difference between High and Ultra, visually; therefore, only use Ultra if performance allows.
- Anti Aliasing:
- If Nvidia 30xx/40xx series: DLSS or DLAA
- If AMD or later model Nvidia: FSR (results will vary)
- If neither of the options above are viable: TAA
Network
- Multiplayer can be disabled here for solo players. This disables the majority of multiplayer aspects in-game; the Anomaly/Nexus will be empty, other players won't be ran into by chance, etc.
- For those planning to play the multiplayer aspects of the game, there a several settings located here to consider before playing.
Camera
- On-Foot Field of View: 80 or higher
- Flight Field of View: 85 or higher
- This will help prevent the HUD clipping on some ships. Those playing at screen resolutions other than 1920x1080 may have to adjust for their systems.
- Vignette & Scanlines: Disabled
- First-Person Head Bob: Disabled
- These two above are two settings that will help alleviate some of the motion sickness effect the game can have.
- Camera Shake Strength: Step removes many shakes and lowers the effects of others. However if the camera shakes are still too strong, return here and lower this setting.
New to Game Tips
New to No Man's Sky and not sure where to start? Here are some tips from over 200 hours of gameplay:
- If there is an ongoing expedition, they will sometimes be available from game-start. If so, opt to start with an expedition to potentially grab some great goodies before you ever even start the main game. Once the expedition is over, players will start the game as usual.
- Complete the entirety of "Awakenings" mission line as early as possible. This introduces players to many of the game's features, and will unlock the basic tech along the way for free.
- Don't feel like the first base has to be perfect. More than likely, a more attractive spot will come for a better base.
- Warping to a new system? Visit the Space Station! This will allow players to return via teleporters, but more important is to visit the Exosuit Merchant to upgrade the suit's inventory, tech or cargo capacity. Since this can only be done once per station, it will take some traveling to fully unlock all exosuit slots.
- Planets with "Ancient Bones" are an easy way to build units.
- Skip the first freighter that is offered to you for free. It will always be a C-class from this event. A freighter will still be able to be obtained, since the game is scripted to provide freighter attacks every so often, but make sure it's B-class or better.
- When on the search for new freighters or ships, wealthier systems will have higher chances for higher-classed vessels.
- More resources will be needed than is realized, at first; especially once base building starts and freighters are obtained.
- Making the radius of the mining beam smaller will be slower, but results in more resources mined. Patience pays off! (R & T keys)
- Purchase the Personal Refiner as early has possible from the Anomaly. It will be a godsend for refining on the go.
Troubleshooting
General
Below are a few resolutions to issues when modding No Man's Sky:
- No mods present in-game
- Remember to install mods to the MODS folder and nowhere else!
AMUMSS Errors and Warnings
To investigate any error, warnings, and/or notices from the AMUMSS generation:
- Open the REPORT.lua file in a rich text editor, like Notepad++:
.\AMUMSS\REPORT.lua - Use the editor's 'Find' function to search for the first "error", "warning", or "notice"; depending on what is being investigated.
- It will display as one of the following the report: [[ERROR]], [[WARNING]], [[NOTICE]]
AMUMSS Errors
[[ERROR]] MBINCompiler = [MbinException]: Unable to read beyond the end of the stream => check your script!
- Typically when this error is seen it is followed by a list of MBIN files, and means MBINCompiler was unable to extract these game files. This is common after a game update.
- Remove these mods, run AMUMSS again, and play without them until MBINCompiler updates to support the files or...
- Do not play the game and patiently wait for MBINCompiler to update.
AMUMSS Warnings
[[WARNING]] Some SPECIAL_KEY_WORDS cannot be found. Skipping this change!
[[WARNING]] Some KEY_WORDS not found, script result may be wrong!
- Typically this warning means AMUMSS wasn't able to find what the author intended to locate using their LUA script; meaning there is an error the mod's LUA script that the author needs to address. In such cases, AMUMSS will skip the change and move on.
- Determine whether not having the change present is game-breaking or not. In most cases, skipping these changes will be fine and the game will run without issue.
- Optional, but consider contacting the mod's author to make them aware of the errors, providing a copy of the output to make it easy for them to track down.
Credits
The Step Team would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):
- Hello Games for their games
- The authors of mods recommended within our Guides
- The authors of mods who granted permission for their mods to be incorporated into the Resource Files
- The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input
The following mods had open permissions (or permissions were granted by author) and were merged into the Guide's Resource Files
- Better Landings
- Clean Space Origins
- Exosolar's Abyss | Only part of the changes from this mod are merged.
- Fine LOD | Only part of the changes from this mod are merged.
- Gumsks Cameras (gCam)
Personnel
MO Support
- GSDfan
Step Administrators
- DoubleYou
- Greg
- TechAngel85 | Lead Release Coordinator, Patch Coordinator, Mod Author
- z929669
Retired Staff
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COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
About Step
Created by TheCompiler (Daniele Ferraro), Step is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced, modded game. Thus, the Step Guides provide detailed, well-tested build instructions for a solid, modded game that achieves an enhanced, vanilla experience.
The Step team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the Step Community Forums. Posting rules apply, so be sure to read and follow them. Engage and enjoy a warm welcome and plenty of high-quality support from a large community of experienced members.
Step Modifications can only get bigger and better with help from the community. It is very time consuming for the Step Team to ensure that the Step Guides are consistently maintained at the highest quality possible. As such, we rely on the community. Whether a regular user or a knowledgable modder, below are some ways to help Step grow:
The Community
All members of the community can help build the Guides they love and utilize for their own games. Step relies on the community, that's you, to help identify mods that improve the vanilla game while adhering to our Mandate through mod suggestions. We also need ongoing bug reports, feedback, reviews, and updates on included mods that may cause problems or that stray from the Mandate. This help can be as simple as reporting an encountered bug or as extensive as providing a one-off review of a mod based from personal experience with it.
In order to suggest a mod for inclusion in this Guide, visit the Mods section of the forums and use the Create Mod Topic button on the editor toolbar.
Staff Roles
There are official staff roles that are almost always open for new candidates.
Community members interested in becoming a member of the Step staff, please contact any Administrator or Step Staff member on the forums. Please include some idea of the role desired and include strengths and weaknesses within that role! For example, if applying for a Curator include the game desired to curate, strengths (xEdit, conflict resolution, texture editing), and weaknesses (mesh work, CK, scripting). This gives Step some initial idea of the candidate's skill sets.
Forum Moderators
Most of the moderation work for our Moderators is simply to keep topics on track and do general forum maintenance; such as moving topics to the correct forum and handling spammers. Very rarely does moderation on the Step forums end up in warnings and bannings (and we all like it that way). To be effective Moderators, community members who desire this role are expected to be familiar with the Step community and actively involved. As such, Moderator criteria is be based upon level and quality of activity within our community. Moderators will be expected to be more familiar with the Community Guidelines than the average member and be able to remain unbias in their moderating.
Guide Curators
Guide Curators are the super-stars of the staff at Step Modifications. They are those who curate the Guides for members. Guide creation, growth, and maintenance takes a lot of time, effort, and skill. As such, Curators are generally required to be of a higher skill-level than the average modder. In an ideal world there would be 2-4 Curators per Guide. However, Curators are often working alone on Guides; thus, they require the knowledge and skills to be able to follow Mandate while building mod lists, patches, and writing all Guide and ancillary content in a way members can easily follow. This is no small feat for a single staff member to do! For more information about Guide Curation, see Game Guide Curation.
Testers
Generally, Testers are required to maintain a non-deviated Guide installation from which to install and test mods that are tagged for testing on the forums, as well as, general testing of Guides as a whole with the goal of finding bugs, issues, possible improvements, etc. Testers will be given access to Staff forums that house useful information on the Guides they test for. For more information about our testing process, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense of what's involved.
