# The Evolution of Modding in Starfield: A Look at Custom Animations
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates Bethesda’s upcoming robot army DLC for *Starfield*, excitement is also swelling around the game’s modding scene, particularly with the recent breakthrough in seamless custom animations. This development comes at a time when modders are exploring the vast possibilities within the game’s framework, making significant strides in enhancing player experience.
## The Introduction of Seamless Custom Animations
Until recently, modding in *Starfield* allowed for the usage of existing animations, typically reserved for NPCs, or required the intervention of the game’s script extender to implement custom animations through console commands. However, advancements in modding tools have made it possible to integrate custom animations more fluidly into the character’s in-game movement—a breakthrough that has reinvigorated the modding community.
The key to this innovation lies in the *Starfield Animation IO*, a toolset designed for Blender that was created by seasoned Fallout modder Neeher. Their efforts have culminated in a first-person running animation mod that showcases the player’s hands in action. While this might seem trivial at first glance, it reflects a significant leap forward in the ability to create more immersive and customized gameplay experiences.
## The Potential for Custom Weapon Animations
Neeher’s expertise does not stop at simple animations. Their previous work in the *Fallout* series demonstrated a knack for developing weapon mods that featured unique animations, lending credibility to their insights on the future of weapon modding in *Starfield*. In their recent explorations, Neeher acknowledged that while creating dynamic running animations is a notable achievement, the ambition to incorporate fully animated custom weapons still faces hurdles.
In a detailed video, Neeher explained that current limitations restrict modders from animating weapon parts like triggers, slides, and magazines. However, the ability to animate a character’s hands and arms around a weapon offers hope for future enhancements. As they put it, “weapon mods are doable now, like properly custom animated weapons,” although the existing tools have yet to unlock the potential for more complex animations.
## Looking Ahead: The Future of Starfield Modding
Despite the current restrictions, Neeher expressed optimism about the modding landscape. Addressing the community’s desire for intricate weapon animations, they reassured fans, stating, “this is only the first step.” Should modders gain enhanced capabilities over time, the potential for unique, custom weapons akin to their previous achievements in *Fallout 4*—such as the renowned “select guns series” or the photonic disruptor—could become a reality.
As modders continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in *Starfield*, players may find themselves drawn to re-experiencing the expansive world created by Bethesda, but with a uniquely personalized twist. This ongoing evolution in modding not only enriches the *Starfield* experience but also showcases the enduring creativity of the gaming community.
With Bethesda’s upcoming DLC on the horizon and innovative modding tools paving the way for more intricate customizations, the future of *Starfield* looks bright. The fusion of player creativity and game development promises to yield fascinating and enjoyable results as fans continue to delve into this vast universe.
