Expanded Backgrounds
🟡 Updated this year⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.7% endorsement rate
- 🏆 #47 of 55 Perks and Skills mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Summary
Expanded Backgrounds reworks vanilla backgrounds and adds new ones, each granting five carefully selected skills instead of three. This is supported by UI tweaks to the backgrounds page of character creation so all five skills are visible. These UI tweaks are compatible with CharGenMenu through the optional compatibility patch (see installation) The goal of this mod is to make backgrounds feel more distinct, flavorful, and (eventually) meaningful from the moment character creation begins.
Most backgrounds include one Tier 2 skill to better reflect their narrative identity. Some backgrounds are intentionally more focused specialists, while others are broader generalists. Notably, the background does not include a Tier 2 skill by design with its lack of focus, while Professor includes two Tier 2 skills to reflect its extreme focus. I encourage feedback and critique of the choices.
This is a flavor-first mod. Balance was considered, but perfect symmetry was not the goal. Each background is meant to feel intentional without being overtly overpowered.
New Backgrounds
v0. 2. 0 (2025/1/1) adds 6 new backgrounds meant to fill in the gaps of missing Advanced skills from the vanilla rework. These backgrounds are-
[]Combat Engineer - Weapon Engineering
[
]Lancer - Energy Weapon Systems[]Ace Pilot - Engine Systems
[]Fleet Technician - Shield Systems
[]Saboteur - Demolitions
[]Prize Fighter - Gymnastics
NOTE: these backgrounds do not yet have player dialog tied to them however that is on the short list for updates.v0. 3. 0 adds duplicated vanilla background conditioned dialog for all added backgrounds.
Installation
Installation using a mod manager is recommended. I tested using MO2 but Vortex should work just as well. Built and tested on game version 1. 15. 222. 0 (feedback of success or failure on older versions appreciated).NOTE any loose files editing the chargenmenu swf will win over the archived version in the main download. If you have loose UI files such as 60 FPS - Smooth UI then be sure to install the loose files version.
IF you have CharGenMenu be sure to grab the optional patch and place it below this mod and CharGenMenu in your load order.
Manual installation is possible if you know what you’re doing, a loose file version is provided. Extract the contents into your .../Starfield/Data folder placing the ESM at the root of the Data folder and the UI file in a folder titled "Interface".
Compatibility & Load Order
This mod will conflict with other mods that alter the vanilla background records. There should be no issue with mods that add additional backgrounds even if they have less than 5 skills. If you encounter an issu
Expanded Backgrounds reworks vanilla backgrounds and adds new ones, each with five skills, plus a CharGen UI update for correct display. Most backgrounds include a Tier 2 skill to emphasize identity, with a flavor-first approach. A modest but active mod with 52 endorsements and 6,954 downloads, last updated March 2026.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Decent community traction with 52 endorsements and nearly 7k downloads
- Adds meaningful depth to character creation with five skills per background
- UI update ensures all skills are visible, avoiding hidden stats
⚠️ Cons
- Limited endorsements suggest a niche audience, not a mainstream overhaul
- Potential conflicts with other mods that alter vanilla backgrounds or CharGen UI
- Last updated March 2026, so may not be compatible with future game patches
For players who want more character-building options and a stronger sense of identity from their background. If you enjoy role-playing and want skills that reflect your character's story, this is for you. Skip if you prefer minimal changes to vanilla systems.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Check if the mod requires a specific game version or DLC, as background changes can be sensitive to updates.
- Use a mod manager to easily toggle this mod on/off if you encounter conflicts with other character creation mods.
- Preview the new backgrounds in the CharGen menu to see how the five skills and Tier 2 skills affect your build.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Starfield Mods
- Author
- Barsoomchild
- Version
- 0.3.0
- Downloads
- 6,954
- Endorsements
- 52
- Category
- Perks and Skills
- Created
- 12/21/2025
- Updated
- 3/5/2026
🔧 How to Install Starfield Mods
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