Space Engineers, the voxel-based open-world sandbox title from Keen Software, just received its latest major content update on 13 May 2024. Titled Signal, this new update adds new blocks, new content to existing DLCs, blueprints, and much much more. It’s a great update and one that adds more fun to the game. And speaking of fun, Space Engineers also has quite an incredible modding scene. In fact, there are just so many mods that it can be quite difficult to determine which one to install and which ones not to. That’s where guides like this one come into play.
One of the best things about PC gaming is that you get to use stuff like mods. It plays a huge part in keeping a game alive and fresh for players. Just take a look at The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and its modding scene, or other games like Starsector, Fallout: New Vegas, Civilization 6, and more. Space Engineers also has a great modding scene, and in this guide, we have listed some of the best mods that you can download and play with to make your Space Engineers play session more epic.
Best Space Engineers mods to install in 2024
Here are some of the best Space Engineers mods to install in 2024. Keep in mind that this isn’t a ranked list. All of the available links below will take you to the Steam Workshop page of the mod, where you can simply click on the Subscribe button to download and install that mod.
Industrial Overhaul
- Created by: Clockwork168
- Released: 1 January, 2021
- Required mods: Nil
Don’t like how the industry works in the base game? If yes, then this mod is exactly for you. The Industrial Overhaul mod massively changes refining and assembling in Space Engineers and also introduces a more streamlined tech progression for players. The mod also adds 8 new Ore types, 19 new Production Blocks, 12 refined ingot types, and 26 Components. For a more in-depth look at all the changes this mod brings, you can take a look at this user guide posted by the mod author.
Download now: Click here
MES (Modular Encounter System)
- Created by: Meridius_IX/Lucas and team
- Released: 24 September, 2018
- Required mods: Nil
The MES or Modular Encounter System, is a framework that is used for NPC encounters. It handles all NPC grid spawns and also adds a behavior system for NPCs. The mod by itself isn’t going to work if you don’t have any faction mods installed. So, install a faction mod of your choice and that mod or mods will use MES to set spawning conditions. It’s quite a fun mod and will help you experience a more vibrant and happening world.
Download now: Click here
Build Info
- Created by: Digi
- Released: 7 September 2015
- Required mods: Text HUD API
A simple mod but arguably one of the best mods for Space Engineers. That’s how great of a mod this is. What this mod does is show you more information about the block you’re aiming or holding. That’s not all, though. It also adds in ToolbarInfo, World Info, a ConveryorVis (Converyor network visualization), and a ton of other much-needed quality-of-life stuff.
Download now: Click here
Build Vision
- Created by: Dark Helmet
- Released: 29 March, 2018
- Required mods: Rich HUD Master
Based on the original Build Vision mod by Jimmacle, Build Vision 3.0 adds a quick-access menu to the game. Using it will allow you to access a block’s settings and change its properties by just pointing and clicking on it. Much more convenient than having to go into the full menu. It’s a great mod that you will never stop using once you have seen just how much quality of life it adds to your play sessions. Use Build Vision along with Build Info for a more fun Space Engineers experience.
Download now: Click here
Aerodynamic Physics
- Created by: DraygoKorvan and Shaostoul
- Released: 9 December, 2015
- Required mods: Text HUD API, Definition Extension API
If you want more physics simulation in the game, this is the mod to get. Aerodynamic Physics adds a number of things to the game. It adds winds, lift profiles to all grids, drag forces, deflection forces, differential lift, ground effect, and more. Not only that, this mod will also automatically adjust drag in the game to be more realistic depending upon your ship design, giving you an incentive to build aerodynamically suitable aircraft. The mod authors have even shown the math behind this, which you can take a look at by going to the mod’s workshop page. All in all, a great mod for fans of more realistic aerodynamical physics.
Download now: Click here
Nanobot Build and Repair System
- Created by: Dummy08
- Released: 5 February, 2017
- Required mods: Nil
The Nanobot Build and Repair System adds a bot that can help you with repairing damaged blocks, and building and grinding marked or enemy blocks. It even comes with a bunch of other features, like Grind Color, Ignore Color, and Janitor feature. In a nutshell, it is great to have on your modlist.
Download now: Click here
Nanobot Drill and Fill
- Created by: Dummy08
- Released: 3 October, 2019
- Required mods: Nil
The Nanobot Drill and Fill mod is another Dummy08 creation. There are three things that this mod does, or rather, the nanobot can do: drill, fill landscapes, and collect ore (including floating ore). All these are available as work modes – Drill, Collect, and Fill. Want to cut things? Use the Drill work mode. Or maybe you want more ores? Switch to Collect work mode. Rest assured, using this mod will be of huge help to you.
Download now: Click here
Exploration Enhancement Mod
- Created by: LeonserGT and team
- Released: 8 October 2015
- Required mods: Nil
The Exploration Enhancement mod will truly enhance your Space Engineers experience in all shapes and forms. EEM introduces a new item called “Credits” in the game, which is used as a currency for trading with other NPCs and two types of trade ports – Retail and Commercial. Thinking about attacking a trading port? Think again, ‘cause the SEPD is always around. The SEPD is the police force that guards trading stations and civilians. And not only police, there’s also the military – UCMF. Flying with frigates, destroyers, and such, the UCMF always flies in operative groups or wings and packs a considerable amount of firepower. EEM also adds in random encounters, new cargo ships, custom factions, and everybody’s favorite—more pirates. This is the definitive mod to get if you are looking to spend hundreds of hours in the game.
Download now: Click here
Energy Shields
- Created by: Cython and Shaostoul
- Released: 20 July, 2015
- Required mods: Nil
Want to live that Star Trek fantasy? Why not use this mod? As you might have guessed already, the Energy Shields mod adds a shield generator in the game, which can be used to protect a whole grid from damage. You can even upgrade them using special modules or simply change the stats using the good old config file method. It’s a simple mod that adds only one thing but what it adds is a game changer.
Download now: Click here
Abandoned Settlements
- Created by: Dan
- Released: 6 December, 2020
- Required mods: Modular Encounters Systems
Abandoned Settlements provides you with another option for your survival runs. Instead of mining your way to progression, now you can salvage for resources. During explorations, you will come across a variety of damaged remains, ranging from abandoned settlements to mines. There are some that are safe to plunder but there are also some which are defended by automated defense. In conclusion, this is a fun mod to have if you are yearning for more in your survival runs.
Download now: Click here
Well, that’s the end of our list of best Space Engineers mods in 2024. You can also take a quick look here if you want to know the best mods for Tekken 8. And keep following DigiStatement for more such guides like this. Also read: How to install Fallout 4 mods on Steam Deck
