How do mods work in Nexus?

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Nexus Mods and similar platforms actually make managing the installation and running of mods quite straightforward. They typically operate on an internal architecture that functions like a "mod installer"; tools such as Vortex or NMM (Nexus Mod Manager) automatically organize mods in a hierarchical order and streamline file copying. The most critical part here involves "hook" systems that use binary patching (which could be translated as "binary patching") techniques to prevent conflicts between the game's original system files and mod files. Essentially, mods usually interfere with original .dll files through direct DLL Injection or by modifying IL (using altered Mono .dlls for C#) to add new functions. On the advantages side, this system offers players nearly limitless customization options, but when it comes to disadvantages, stability issues are the most prominent. For instance, if two mods target the same .dll file or work with gson/xml structures, file conflicts can arise. Additionally, there's a constant risk of incompatibility between game updates and mods; this is why many mod systems pose a significant security problem for mods that lock the game's version or don't guarantee compatibility with game updates. When it comes to technical aspects, especially with Unity-based games, you need to be careful when trying to modify (tamper with) Scene/Asset loading processes. If your mod attempts to alter an original prefab, it may not work in the game's new version. You should also be cautious not to disrupt the standard AssetBundle loading system, as AssetBundles are typically protected with SHA256 hashing. When interfering with the game's core system (such as the MonoBehaviour flow), you must be extremely careful when using Reflection; otherwise, you might encounter game crashes. And don't forget, after uploading to Nexus, try to provide everything as a compiled mod package (e.g., alongside .dll files) to ensure players can run the mod smoothly.