Discontinuing the Nexus Mods App FAQ
Why not move more developers onto the App and make it the main mod manager?
We explored that option, but Vortex already supports hundreds of games and has a large existing ecosystem. Shifting all development to the App would have meant rebuilding support for those games before most users could benefit.
By focusing on Vortex, we can apply what we learned from the App in a way that reaches many more users and allows us to iterate faster.
Why not continue developing both the App and Vortex?
Supporting two mod managers meant splitting development effort and slowing progress overall. By focusing on one tool, the team can move faster, share learnings more effectively, and deliver improvements more consistently.
Is the app being shut down?
We’ve stopped development on the Nexus Mods app and are focusing our efforts on Vortex. The app won’t be receiving updates going forward.
When does active development on the app officially stop?
Active development on the Nexus Mods app has already stopped. We shared this now so we could clearly explain our direction and focus going forward, rather than leaving people guessing.
Will you provide critical bug fixes for a short window? If so, until when?
We’ve stopped development on the Nexus Mods app and are focusing our efforts on Vortex. The app won’t be receiving updates going forward.
How long will the app keep working for?
The app may continue to work as it does today, but it won’t receive updates or fixes. If issues arise over time, there won’t be active development or support available to address them, as ongoing work is focused on Vortex.
Do I need to move to Vortex right now?
There’s no forced deadline. We’re focusing on improving Vortex and will share more information over time to help people transition when they’re ready.
What should I do if I’m currently midway through using the app for collections?
If you’re midway through a setup, you can continue using the app if it’s working for you. However, if you’re looking for the most stable path forward long term, rebuilding your setup in Vortex is where ongoing development and support are focused.
Will the app still install mods correctly after development stops? / Should I expect any limitations if I continue using the app?
The app may continue to work as it does today, but it won’t receive updates or fixes. If issues arise over time, there won’t be active development or support available to address them, as ongoing work is focused on Vortex.
Is there a way to migrate from the app to Vortex?
There isn’t a direct, automatic migration path between the app and Vortex. If you want to move your setup across, the most practical option is to recreate it in Vortex, for example, by rebuilding or re-downloading your mod list there.
What does this mean for Stardew Valley users?
Any users currently using the app for Stardew Valley should be aware that, while the app may continue to work for this game, it’s no longer being actively developed or supported. Our focus is on Vortex, and that’s where all future improvements and fixes will be made.
Will Vortex get feature X?
We’re bringing the best ideas and learnings from the app into Vortex, but we’re not announcing specific features yet.
Which app-inspired improvements are likely to come to Vortex first?
We’re bringing the best ideas and learnings from the app into Vortex, but we’re not announcing specific features yet.
Are you dumbing Vortex down?
No. The goal is clearer onboarding and better guidance without removing the depth and powerful functionality that experienced modders rely on.
What areas of Vortex will the team be focusing on in the next 6–12 months?
We’re concentrating on improving Vortex as a whole. Work is already underway, and we’ll share more details through monthly roundups and other updates as changes are ready.
How often will you be sharing updates?
We’ll be sharing updates regularly as work progresses, including through our monthly roundups and other posts when there’s meaningful progress to talk about.
What about Linux?
We’re exploring what better Linux support could look like for Vortex, but it isn’t a supported platform, and there are no guarantees around coverage or timelines.
Will there be guidance for creators who made collections for the app?
We know some creators built collections specifically for the app. We’ll be reaching out where needed, and we’ll share more over time about how Vortex can better support creators going forward.
Can the community continue the app?
The app is open source, so the community can fork it if they’d like. Any fork would need to use a different name so it’s clearly distinguishable from official Nexus Mods tools.
Does Vortex run on Linux?
Vortex can run Linux in some setups, and parts of the team actively use and test it on Linux. However, Linux isn’t currently a supported platform, and compatibility can vary depending on the game, mods, and system configuration.
Because of that, we’re being careful not to make guarantees around timelines or coverage. We’ll share more as we’re confident in what we can reliably support.
Will there be an official Linux version of Vortex?
Linux support is something we’re interested in improving, but there’s no confirmed timeline for an official Linux release. The range of games, mods, and Linux environments makes this a complex area, and we want to avoid promising more than we can deliver.
Was the decision driven by new ownership or cost-cutting?
No. This decision was driven by product direction rather than short-term cost considerations. Focusing on one mod manager allows us to pool development effort, move faster, and deliver improvements to far more users.
We’ve actually increased the number of people working on Vortex, which gives us more capacity to improve it than ever before.
Is this about cutting costs rather than investing in the future?
No. We’ve hired more people and are dedicating more resources to Vortex than ever before. This decision was made specifically for long-term benefits, allowing us to iterate faster and deliver value to more users.
Did anyone lose their job?
No. Everyone from the app team is still here and is now part of the wider Vortex team.
Will Vortex’s interface change?
Yes, we’re continuing to improve Vortex’s interface over time. The work done on the App has influenced how we think about clarity, layout, and usability, and those learnings are being applied as Vortex evolves.
Will Vortex change how load order and sorting works?
We’re evaluating different approaches to load order management, including ideas explored during development of the App. That includes keeping manual control while providing better tools, guidance, and feedback to help users understand when something may be ordered incorrectly.
We’re not announcing specific changes yet, but improving clarity and confidence around load order is an area we’re actively thinking about.
Are mods or Vortex going to be put behind a paywall?
No. Mods have always been free on Nexus Mods, and they will stay free. We have no plans to put Vortex or mods behind a paywall. That’s a core principle for us.