Hey, just adding my list.
PATCHES: Official Bioware Patch: There's no excuse not to get it, really, so run over to
Bioware and get your fix!
Baldurdash Fixpack: The problems they didn't fix with the official patch are handled by the awesome folks at
Baldurdash.
Baldurdash Gametext: Same as above: it updates stuff like descriptions, fixing typos or statistics in the game. Install it after the patch but before other mods.
Ease of Use mod: Thanks to
Weidu. There's a lot of stuff in Ease of Use that can absolutely ruin your game. Just install a few components like the romance bugfixes, Imoen's dialog bugfixes, and optionally shut up the "You Must Gather Your Party..." voice. Do not install the concurrent romance part or the multiple stronghold part: they work, and sound like a lot of fun, but they end up spoiling more than they're adding. It's just not the same, trust me.
G3 Tweaks: Plenty of good stuff in here as well. The world map fixes are awesome, the restoration of the SoA logo (if you have ToB) works well, and the Valen/Solafein injections are a must, but an often overlooked part of this mod. What happens in your unmodded game is that NPC's who are too far away from the rest of the party don't get included into some conversations. This bit replaces that code using a simple check: in the party or not? The result: getting a lot of conversations you missed the first time around.
G3 Oversight: Fix all those nasty alignment bugs and tweaks the classes. Just get the read me
here and you'll see what I mean.
QUESTS: G3 Anniversary Mod: Because barcrawling is fun. This mod might be less applicable for you serious types, but my bard had an amazing time with this. Get it, you won't be disappointed.
Unfinished Business: A lot of stuff got cut from the release when the developers had to release BG2 in time: this mod restores a lot of the cut material. A no brainer.
Quest Pack V2: There's only one quest pack out there that needs downloading, and it's the one at
Pocketplane. Version 2 of the quest pack fixes many bugs from the previous release, so if you tried that one but was disappointed, try this instead. The site itself has a detailed read me of all the quests added.
Ascension: The essential mod for every Throne of Bhaal fan, designed and written by David Gaider, who worked on the ToB game itself. In his words, it's pretty much what would have been if the designers were allowed more time before the game shipped. An extended finale to the saga, including the possibility of converting Balthazar to your cause and added roleplaying abilities. Get it at
Weidu.
NPC Related: Flirt Pack: I loved the romances - and the flirt pack at Pocketplane enhances the four possible romances in every way. The writing, though entirely within the BG2 style, is a bit more mature than Bioware's though, so if that isn't your cup of tea, don't download this.
Banter Pack: Adds banters for all NPCs. If you liked the interjections in the original but want more quality writing, download this. Also from Pocketplane.
Turnabout: An addition to the Ascension mod specified above, this mod allows you to resurrect dead comrades before the final battle. A great addition to an already awesome mod. Can also be found at the Pocketplane.