Control is a video game where each level seems modular and progression appears abstract. However, players don't actually get control over Control. That didn't stop certain players from challenging the game's fabric of codes and introducing their own style and customizations to the rather rigid game.
While Control's mods are not as wacky or as outstripping as the ones for Bethesda games, they're enough to let you manipulate some of the game's reality as you see fit. Of course, the most necessary mods are general gameplay improvements that seek to streamline some of the mechanics or lack thereof. So to mitigate some of Control's more Kafkaesque qualities and make it seem less oppressive, you can employ these mods.
10 No Intro Screen
First up, you'll want Control to stop wasting your time. It's good that the game gives credit where it's due but you'll probably be aware of that fact after seeing all those logos for 10 billion times.
The good thing is that you can skip all that fuss with the No Intro Screen. It's a small mod that will eliminate all the intros included upon booting up the game. These are previously unskippable.
9 Control Save Editor
This is borderline cheating but only if you have no self-control. Control can have many levels or areas that are easily missed thanks to the erratic level and map designs. Some areas are also straight-up difficult especially if you stumble upon them and don't know how to turn back.
The Control Save Editor will save you from such trouble and can also give you a boost if you need it. Another application of this mod is for an unofficial new game plus option where you can have all the weapons and upgrades as well as the outfits during your run.
8 Health Regen
Another mod that might count as a cheat is Health Regen and it's pretty straightforward. Whereas in Control, you'll have to obtain health pickups to replenish your health and this can be a daunting experience for anyone used to something faster-paced.
Health Regen solves player dependence on these health pickups. Now, you can simply trade blows with anomalies in the heat of combat without your personal safety restricting you too much.
7 Dynamic HUD (DynaHUD)
Control is an already beautiful game graphically speaking and its advanced graphics technology (Raytracing) means it represents the peak of gaming visuals well. However, it can still be improved in some aspects.
That would be the HUD (heads-up display); making it more reactive to players' actions by disappearing when unneeded makes for a more cinematic experience. The Dynamic HUD mod grants just that level of increased immersion.
6 Service Weapon Hotkeys
So what can you change in Control that won't be considered cheating? Perhaps something as useful as the Service Weapon Hotkeys. Because it's pretty clear that Controls, well, control scheme is designed with the console controllers in mind.
PC players have the luxury of having more keys at their disposal than they need. So the aforementioned mod lets players take advantage of those extra keys by mapping them to the service weapons for easier access.
5 Custom Expedition Settings - Longer Time Limits And Enemy Difficulty
Expeditions in Control are generally similar to side quests in other games and offer a nice distraction from the dizzying main quest plot. However, they can get rather hectic as well with the time limits and all the high-level enemies.
If you're one of the players who love to take their time and do quests at their own pace, then the Custom Expedition Settings - Longer Time Limits and Enemy Difficulty makes these aspects of gameplay more relaxed.
4 CONTROL - Better PhysX
Speaking graphical improvements for Control, another advanced tech it comes pre-packaged with is Nvidia's PhysX. It's a more realistic simulation of particle effects in-game that adds more to the atmosphere and the game's action.
It's just that PhysX effects can appear wonky at times or even exaggerated. So in come some of the more meticulous players to implement their own interpretation of how debris should behave in PhysX with the CONTROL - Better PhysX mod.
3 Better Character Illumination
Control has top-notch visuals already but that doesn't mean its realistic lighting is practical or perfect. In some areas of the game, it can be rather dark or poorly lit and makes seeing difficult for general gameplay.
Better Character Illumination is thus a mod that addresses that minor issue in the game. In a sense, it's also a gameplay tweak as it makes darker areas of the game easier on the eyes. It not only makes Jesse more illuminated but also the NPCs and enemies.
2 Leather Jacket Collection
While on the topic of making Jesse stand out better, her usual wardrobe options in the game can be rather drab or too corporate. The other costumes are too militaristic or serious either. That's why someone introduced a Leather Jacket Collection for her.
This mod is practically just a retexture of Jesse's civilian outfit. It modifies the design of her top to include some decals of varying cultural identities from biker insignias to pop culture symbols and logos. There's a total of 104 jacket designs there to make Jesse's first day at work less plain.
1 Different Hair Colors For Jesse
Why stop at clothes? Why not include Jesse's hair as well? With the Different Hair Colors for Jesse mod, you get to give Jesse a more millennial or Gen Z touch. Think of it as a more stylish way to break away from the bureaucratic monotony of the whole damn labyrinthine office.
Within the mod package exists six hair colors to choose for Jesse. She's already a redhead but you can make her hair either redder, purple, blonde, pink, brown, or light pink in case you want to make up a backstory for her where she moonlights as a twitch streamer.