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Pillars of Eternity mods: how to download and install the IE Mod

Pillars of Eternity mods, done right — the IE Mod set up for the first game, with expansion compatibility, a clean download and install, and fixes for the problems that actually come up.

Full IE Mod overview

Pillars of Eternity is the game that started the studio's Infinity-Engine revival, and it is still the most-modded of the pair. The best Pillars of Eternity mods start with the IE Mod, and if you are here for the first game specifically — not Deadfire — this is the page for you: how the IE Mod fits the base game, what the White March expansions change, and how to install without the usual headaches.

Base game, White March, and choosing an IE Mod download

The base game shipped in 2015 and was patched heavily, then extended by The White March — Part I and Part II. Each of those changed systems, added content and shifted the numbers a mod might rely on. That is why "which version?" is the first question to answer: a mod release aimed at a pre-expansion build can stumble once the White March content is in play. Before you install anything, note your exact game version and pick a mod release that names it.

A clean install of Pillars of Eternity mods, in order

Start by copying your entire save folder somewhere safe — this single habit prevents almost every "I broke my run" story. Then download a mod release matched to your game version, and put its files where the release's readme tells you; for this game that is typically an override or mod directory rather than the core game files, which keeps removal trivial. Finally, launch the game and load a copy of a save to confirm the mod's features are present and nothing looks wrong before you return to your real campaign.

What you can do once it is in

With the mod installed, the real payoff of Pillars of Eternity mods arrives: the game's cheat and debug tools are a click away rather than a memorised keystroke. From there the workflow splits into three: raw console commands for precise, one-off changes; the save & asset editor for reshaping characters and items directly in a save file; and the item & money reference for spawning exactly the gear or currency you need. Most players end up mixing all three.

Keep a sandbox save

Enabling cheat commands disables achievements on that save. The clean fix is a dedicated "sandbox" save you experiment on, kept apart from the achievement-earning run you care about.

The base game, specifically

Modding Pillars of Eternity — questions & answers

Which version of Pillars of Eternity does the IE Mod need?

Match the mod release to your installed game version. The base game saw many patches, and a mod built for one build can misbehave on another, so check the release notes before installing.

Does it work with The White March expansions?

The White March Parts I and II change the game substantially. Confirm that the mod release you choose lists expansion compatibility; if it predates the expansions, expect rough edges on expansion content.

Where do the mod files go?

Follow the release’s own readme. Community mods for this game typically live in the game’s override or mod directory rather than overwriting core files, which keeps them easy to remove.

Will modding stop my achievements?

Turning on the game’s cheat commands disables achievements for that save. Convenience-only changes usually do not, but if achievements matter to you, keep a clean save for your main run.

Can I add the mod to an existing playthrough?

Usually yes — back up your save first, install, then load a copy of your save to confirm nothing broke before continuing your real campaign.

The game crashes on launch after installing — what should I check?

The usual culprit is a version mismatch or files placed in the wrong folder. Remove the mod, confirm the game launches clean, then reinstall matching your exact game build and following the readme’s folder path.

Is this the same as modding Deadfire?

No. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a separate game with its own engine build, console and mod tools. A mod for the first game will not simply carry over.

How do I remove the mod?

Delete the mod files from the folder you installed them into and restart. If any change persists in a save, restore the backup you made before installing.