Great! I’ll research all possible ways to mod Football Manager 2024 from a modder's perspective. This will include graphical enhancements, database modifications, gameplay tweaks, custom tactics, skins, UI mods, and advanced scripting if applicable. I will also explore how previous Football Manager versions were modded for additional insights.
I’ll update you once I’ve gathered all the relevant details.
Football Manager 2024 (FM24) is highly moddable, allowing fans to customize graphics, databases, gameplay, and more. The community offers a wide range of mods (often called “add-ons” in FM communities (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager)) to enhance realism, change visuals, or tweak game mechanics. Below is a breakdown of all major ways to mod FM24 from a modder’s perspective, including popular techniques, community tools, and insights from past FM versions.
Graphical mods replace or add visual assets in FM24, making the game more immersive. These mods are usually image packs or custom files placed in the user’s Graphics folder, and can be enabled by reloading the skin in-game (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs) (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs). Key types of graphical enhancements include:
Real Logos and Badges: Replaces fake or default club and competition logos with authentic ones. Logo packs (e.g. TCM, Standard Logos) contain hundreds of club crests and are one of the most popular downloads (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). These packs are typically free fan-made images; due to copyright, they’re often found on community sites like FM Scout or SortitoutSI rather than the Steam Workshop (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
Kits (2D and 3D): Custom kit packs add real team jerseys. 2D kits appear on club info screens and match lineups, while 3D kits replace the generic kits worn by 3D player models. Modders create kit packs by mirroring real designs or fantasy styles. Installing kits involves placing the images in a graphics/kits folder and reloading the skin (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs) (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs). The community offers standard realistic kits (matching default FM style) as well as stylized options (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs) (How to install the best FM24 kits and logo packs). There are also tools like KitBasher to help modders design custom kits easily (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout).
Facepacks: Massive collections of player and staff photos that replace the blank silhouette or regen faces. Popular facepacks (e.g. DF11, Cut-Out) include tens of thousands of real player photos. They’re installed by placing the images and a config file in graphics/faces. Once added, you’ll see real player pictures in profiles (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Facepacks from previous FM versions are usually compatible with FM24 as well, since the ID system remains the same.
Stadiums & Backgrounds: These mods add background images for club stadiums, cities, continents, etc. For example, a stadium background pack contains photos of stadiums around the world that display on team screens (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout). Similarly, there are packs for cities, competition backgrounds, and even staff or referees (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout) (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout). Installing them (in graphics/backgrounds) gives more flavor to club profiles and news items. Such packs often work across multiple FM versions – e.g. a stadium pack by “stevemc” works in FM24 and earlier editions (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout).
FM24’s database can be fully customized, allowing for new leagues, players, and rule changes. These database mods are typically created with the official Pre-Game Editor (a free tool by Sports Interactive) and saved as .fmf files that you place in the editor data folder. When starting a new career, you can select which of these custom databases to load. Some key types of database mods:
New & Expanded Leagues: Modders add custom leagues or unlock lower divisions. For example, packs unlock dozens of previously unplayable nations or add real lower tiers (down to amateur levels) with correct structure and rules (FM24 Leagues Mega Pack by @Timo - FM Scout). Modder @Timo, for instance, released a megapack enabling nearly every country’s league system in FM24. These league expansions use “Advanced Rules” in the editor to mimic real-life competition formats (promotion/relegation, playoffs, cups, etc.). You can also find fantasy league systems – e.g. a European “Super League” or a world league – created as database mods.
Real World Data Updates: Fans keep the game world up to date with transfer updates and other data fixes. These mods update player transfers, manager changes, club finances, and more to reflect real-life changes after the official data lock. Community sites release update files (often after each transfer window) so you can start a save with the latest squads (How to make Football Manager 2024 more realistic | FM Scout). There’s also the renowned Real Names Fix which corrects fake names (competition names, club names, awards) due to licensing – for example, turning “Euro Cup” into “UEFA Europa League” (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). This specific fix is one of the few that requires directly editing game files in the installation (replacing text files for languages), but it’s a staple mod each year (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
Custom Teams & Fantasy Scenarios: Virtually any change imaginable can be done via database files (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Modders create scenarios where new clubs are formed or teams are moved between leagues. For example, you might find a “All Clubs Rich” mod that gives every team a huge budget, or a “League Merge” that combines two countries’ leagues. There are mods removing all players (for a fully fictional universe) or setting all players as free agents at game start, etc. These creative scenarios are popular for challenge saves and are made using the editor or in-game editor. “Scenarios” on FM Scout and other sites list many fun setups (e.g. a superstar XI in lower league, or promotion/relegation revamps) (Football Manager 2024 Mods | FM Scout) (Football Manager 2024 Mods | FM Scout).
Historical Databases: The community loves to relive past eras by creating retro databases. Notably, modder TheMadScientistFM has released complete databases that recreate entire seasons from the past – for example, the 1994/95 season database for FM24 lets you manage teams with original squads from that year (prime Paolo Maldini at AC Milan, etc.), and a 2007/08 database brings back the mid-2000s rosters (MadScientist - FM Scout Member | FM Scout). These are massive projects: modders research old player data and use the editor to essentially time-travel the game. Such throwback mods have been made for many seasons and are updated to work with the current FM. They require starting a new save with the provided database file.
(Note: Using the official Pre-Game Editor can be complex – “you have to have a PhD in nuclear physics to use that thing,” one fan joked (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager) – but thankfully many in the community share their editor files, so you can just download mods rather than create everything yourself.)
Altering FM24’s core gameplay – such as the match engine, AI behavior, or game rules – is more limited, but some dedicated modders have achieved notable tweaks:
Match Engine Mods: Historically, FM’s match engine wasn’t openly modifiable, but FM24 saw breakthrough fan mods that change the match physics and AI logic. One famous example is the FM24 Match Physics Mod (originating from a Chinese modder “红骑士Sakura”), which overhauled the in-game physics file (simatch.fmf) (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). This mod adjusts how the ball moves, how players control it, and how matches flow – resulting in more realistic ball bounces, tougher first touches, and varied passing behavior (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer) (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). Essentially, by editing hidden parameters, modders refined the engine for greater realism and challenge. Multiple variants exist (e.g. a “Lower Leagues” physics mod to make scrappy lower-division play feel authentic (Football Manager 2024 Mods | FM Scout)). Installing these requires replacing a core game file (the simatch.fmf in the FM24 data directory) with the modded version (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). It’s an advanced tweak, but the community response has been very positive, with many saying it “feels more like watching an actual game of football” with these mods (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). Sports Interactive doesn’t officially support engine mods (and may patch against them), so use with care – but they demonstrate that even FM’s gameplay can be fan-tuned.
AI and Difficulty Adjustments: Directly modding the AI’s decision-making isn’t straightforward, but creators find indirect ways. For example, editing manager profiles in the database can influence how AI managers set tactics or value players. A modder could make all AI managers favor attacking football, or give them higher tactical knowledge, indirectly raising the difficulty. Similarly, one could boost all AI clubs’ financial resources or reputation via the editor to make them more competitive in transfers. These kinds of changes blur the line between “database mod” and gameplay tweak, but they affect how the game plays out (e.g. a richer AI makes for tougher career mode). Another example: enabling or disabling features like the Brexit scenario – some database mods remove Brexit or alter its outcomes, which significantly impacts long-term gameplay (work permit rules, player nationalities, etc.).
Bottom line: Gameplay mods in FM24 are either data-driven tweaks (via editor files) or engine file edits. The latter – like the match engine/physics mods – are a newer frontier in FM modding and show that even the simulation aspects can be modded unofficially (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer) (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). Always back up original files when trying these. For a comprehensive list of smaller gameplay mods (fatigue tweaks, realism fixes, etc.), check the Steam Workshop or community forums (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
While not “mods” in the traditional sense, the FM community widely shares custom tactics and training schedules as downloadable files. These allow you to plug in strategies or regimens crafted by experienced players, effectively “modding” your approach to the game:
Tactics: If you want a plug-and-play tactic that guarantees success (or emulates a real-life style), you can download tactic files (.fmf format) made by other users (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). These range from high-scoring cheat tactics to realistic tactical replications (e.g. Guardiola’s 4-3-3 or a classic 4-4-2). Sites like FM Base and FMScout have huge libraries of user-submitted tactics, often tested and rated. Importing a tactic is as simple as placing the file in your Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2024/tactics folder or using the in-game “Import” function. From a modder’s perspective, creating a popular tactic involves fine-tuning player roles and team instructions; many share their tactics to help others or to compete in community tactic leagues. Using someone else’s tactic is totally optional – some purists frown on it – but it’s your single-player game, so feel free to try them (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
Both tactics and training files have been community staples for years. They are free to use and easy to install, making them an accessible way to “mod” your experience for better results or realism. Many players browse sites like FM-Arena or the SI forums for curated “best tactics” or training guides and download the associated files.
FM24’s user interface can be completely reskinned and customized. Skins are modded UI themes that change the look and layout of the game’s menus, panels, and colors. Modders create skins to improve readability, add information, or just freshen the appearance:
Custom Skins: A skin is essentially a collection of XML layout files and graphics that override the default UI. By applying a skin, you can get a dark mode or light mode variant, different color schemes, or new interface features. For example, the popular FLUT Skin and Tato24 Skin offer a dark, slick interface with extra panels showing player stats and an “Instant Result” button (to simulate matches quickly) – features the default skin doesn’t have. Another, Rensie’s custom skin, focuses on a minimalistic look with enhanced data presentation (What Skin Is Everyone Using For FM24...? : r/footballmanagergames). Skins can also enlarge certain fonts or rearrange widgets to surface information that’s otherwise buried. If you find the default UI not to your taste or lacking detail, there’s likely a skin mod that suits you (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Installing a skin is done by placing its folder in the skins directory and selecting it in Preferences.
UI Tweaks: In addition to full skins, modders release smaller UI tweak mods. These might include custom panels (e.g. a detailed club finances panel), sidebar icons replacements (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout), or different attribute color sets. For example, some prefer a different color-coding for player attributes (green for good, red for bad, etc.), which can be changed via a skin or panel mod. There are also mods to display extra stats on certain screens (like showing a player’s hidden attributes or added graphs) – these often require minor XML edits. The scope for UI modding is quite broad, but most users stick to the ready-made skins which incorporate many of these tweaks.
In summary, UI mods in FM24 range from complete skin overhauls to small cosmetic tweaks. They are easy to swap in and out, so you can always try different looks. If the default interface isn’t ideal for you, the modding community likely has a solution – skins “change the way the game interface looks” to suit your preference (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
For those looking to go even deeper, there are advanced modding methods involving direct patches or external scripts. These are more technical and come with some risk, but they extend FM24 in powerful ways:
Real-Time Editors & Memory Patching: Tools like Cheat Engine allow you to directly edit the game’s memory during runtime. Modders have created Cheat Engine tables (scripts) for FM24 that let you modify various in-game data on the fly (Football Manager 2024 GAME MOD Cheat Table (CT for Cheat Engine) v.1052024 - download - gamepressure.com) (Football Manager 2024 GAME MOD Cheat Table (CT for Cheat Engine) v.1052024 - download - gamepressure.com). For example, you can set your club’s balance to $1 billion, heal injuries instantly, or adjust a player’s attributes mid-season. The Football Manager 2024 Cheat Table is essentially a game mod that adds a cheat menu when loaded via Cheat Engine (Football Manager 2024 GAME MOD Cheat Table (CT for Cheat Engine) v.1052024 - download - gamepressure.com). Using it involves attaching Cheat Engine to the FM24 process and activating desired cheats (finances, attributes, etc.) (Football Manager 2024 GAME MOD Cheat Table (CT for Cheat Engine) v.1052024 - download - gamepressure.com). This is obviously a “cheating” method rather than a creative mod, but from a modder’s perspective it shows how FM can be manipulated beyond intended limits. Trainers (standalone programs with toggles for cheats) also exist that achieve similar effects. These methods patch values in memory and don’t permanently alter game files – but they can break your save or cause instability if misused.
Core File Patching: Some mods require editing core game files in the installation directory. We’ve mentioned the match engine mod (replacing simatch.fmf). Another common core mod is the Real Names Fix, which involves editing the lnc files in the game’s data folder to replace fake names (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Modders also sometimes hex-edit the game’s executable or .dll files to remove restrictions. For example, in some older FMs, there were patches to unlock more database export options or to bypass the 5-star scouting cap. These kinds of patches are very niche and version-specific. Typically, they’re shared on forums with detailed instructions, and one must backup originals before applying. It’s advanced territory because a game update could overwrite these changes or cause mismatches.
Scripting and External Tools: Outside of the game itself, modders use scripts to generate content or facilitate modding. One notable example is NewGAN Manager – an external tool that uses AI-generated faces for newgen (regen) players. While not a mod that installs into FM24, it’s a script-based tool that scans your save, generates portrait images for the computer-generated players, and then injects them into the game as facepack graphics. This involves Python scripts and an AI model running outside FM, but it’s become a popular way to enhance immersion. The community also uses scripts to mass-generate config files for graphics (e.g., the FM XML Generator automates creating the XML that assigns images to IDs (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout)). From a modder’s view, these scripts simplify what would be tedious manual work (like linking thousands of face images to player IDs).
In all cases of advanced modding, caution is advised. Always back up your save and original files. The FM community notes that most mods are harmless and easy to use, and actual .exe or code-altering mods are very rare. If you’re asked to run an unknown executable for an FM mod, double-check it – aside from trusted tools like the official editors or NewGAN, most content doesn’t involve running third-party programs.
A variety of tools and editors exist to help modders create or apply mods, as well as to assist in scouting or editing within the game. Many of these tools are community-developed and have a long history in the FM scene. Key tools include:
Official Pre-Game Editor: Provided by SI for free (downloadable via Steam or Epic), this is the primary tool to create database mods. With it, modders can edit players, clubs, competitions, and more, then save changes as files to be used in new games. It’s extremely powerful – you can alter anything from a player’s attributes to a nation’s league system – but as noted, it has a learning curve (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Still, it’s essential for any serious database modding.
Official In-Game Editor: An official DLC (paid) that lets you make changes while a save is running. It’s mostly used as a “cheat” tool (to tweak a player, heal injuries, etc. on the fly) or to fix errors in an ongoing save. From a modder’s perspective, the in-game editor isn’t used to create publicly shareable mods (since changes apply only to your save), but it’s a handy tool to experiment with effects or to manually implement something. For example, a modder might use it to test how a player’s performance changes at different attribute levels.
FM Scout Editor (FMSE) & Others: The community has developed alternative editors. FM Scout Editor (FMSE) was an attempt to create a user-friendly third-party pre-game and live editor. It had features similar to the official ones and sometimes allowed editing things the official tools didn’t. According to FM Scout, FMSE24 was being worked on to improve speed (FM Scout Editor 24). However, as of FM24, FMSE might be discontinued or not fully released (older versions became free when discontinued (FMSE Discontinued - FMS Editor 2017-2023 Now FREE | FM Scout)). Another is MacAssistant for macOS users, serving a similar purpose as FMRTE on Mac. These tools are useful if you prefer their interface or if they offer extra functions, but keep in mind they rely on reading the game’s memory or save and can lag behind game updates.
FMRTE (Football Manager Real-Time Editor): A popular third-party in-game editor, FMRTE allows you to edit virtually anything in your current save – players, finances, club info, competitions – in real time. It’s a paid tool (requires a license for full editing; free in scout mode) (FMRTE 24). Modders using FMRTE can, for instance, move a team to a different league mid-save or change a match score. It’s very powerful for personal use modifications or experimentation. Some modders use FMRTE to set up scenarios quickly instead of using the pre-game editor (e.g. instantly transferring all superstar players to one league). FMRTE basically “hacks” the running game, so it must be updated for each FM24 patch. It’s the go-to for many who want to customize their save on the fly beyond what the official in-game editor permits.
Genie Scout: While not an editor, FM Genie Scout 24 is a widely-used scouting tool that reads your save data to provide insights on players (including hidden attributes and potential ability) (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout) (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout). From a modder’s perspective, Genie Scout doesn’t create mods; it’s more for power-users who want to find the best players or wonderkids easily. It extends the game’s scouting capabilities externally. Alongside Genie, there are other analysis tools (as seen in FM Scout’s tools section: personality calculator, lineup tools, etc.) that deepen your understanding of the game data (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout) (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout).
Modding Utilities: There are numerous small tools to assist mod creation. For example, FM XML generators help create the necessary config files for graphics mods (mapping image files to in-game IDs) (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout), saving modders a lot of manual editing. Kit creation tools like KitBasher let modders design kits via a GUI without needing Photoshop (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout). There are also fixture generators, schedule editors, and other niche tools. If you’re looking to create a specific type of mod, chances are someone made a tool to simplify the process. The FM Scout Tools section showcases many of these utilities (from official editors to fan-made apps) (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout), calling it the “official home” of tools like Genie Scout, FMS Editor, and others (Football Manager 2024 Tools | FM Scout).
In summary, third-party tools and editors greatly expand what a modder can do, from editing databases more conveniently to customizing a live save. They have been part of FM modding for years and remain vital in FM24’s mod ecosystem. Most of these tools are free or have free versions (the community has traditionally kept modding accessible – “almost all mods are free” (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager)). Just remember to download them from reputable sources, and double-check compatibility with FM24’s latest version.
Modding in FM24 builds upon a long history of community content in previous FM titles. Many techniques and mods from past years still apply:
Consistency Over the Years: The way you mod FM24 is very similar to FM23, FM22, etc. The franchise has had the same fundamental structure for user data (graphics, editor data, skins folders) and the same types of mods. For example, facepacks, logo packs, and skins you used in FM23 can often be reused in FM24 by just moving them to the new folder, since IDs and formats haven’t changed. A lot of graphical packs explicitly state compatibility with multiple versions – e.g. a stadium background pack notes it “works with FM2024 and previous versions as well” (FM 2024 Misc Graphics | FM Scout). This backwards compatibility means the community’s content library has grown over time. If you can’t find an “FM24 version” of a mod, an FM23 version might still function (though always read if there were any changes in format).
Community Evolution: Traditional sites like SortitoutSI, FM Scout, FM Base, and FM Arena have been hosting mods and discussing modding for many iterations of the game (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). If you read an FM21 modding guide about installing graphics or creating a database, much of that wisdom still holds true in FM24. Sports Interactive’s official forums also have years’ worth of Q&A which are often applicable to FM24 because the Editor and the game’s file structure stay consistent. New modders in FM24 benefit from all the groundwork laid by previous communities – from established standards (like where to put files) to huge archives of graphics that get updated incrementally each year.
Notable Long-Standing Mods: Certain mods have appeared annually. The Real Names Fix is one – every year, within days of release, modders produce a file to fix competition and club names (a process largely unchanged each time, involving the fake.lnc file) (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). Data Updates have been a thing since the Champ Manager days – now often delivered via Steam Workshop or fan sites for convenience. Logo and face packs have simply grown (e.g., the Cut-Out Megapack by SortitoutSI updates continuously; you don’t redownload from scratch each year, you just add new images). Skins like “Dark Polish”, “FLUT skin”, or TCS have appeared in multiple FM editions, adapted slightly for UI changes but fundamentally similar. Knowing this, an FM24 modder might even look at older FM mods for inspiration or assets that can be ported forward.
New Frontiers: Each FM edition sometimes opens new modding possibilities or challenges. For instance, in recent FMs, the match engine modding emerged (it wasn’t common in, say, FM20, but by FM23/24 we see it happening) (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer) (Football Manager 2024 fan creates overhauled physics engine in amazing game-changing mod - VideoGamer). On the other hand, some past mods became obsolete due to game changes (for example, older FMs required a mod to “unlock Germany national team” due to licensing; FM24 might not need this if licensing changed or if the official fix is simpler). It’s always good for modders to read FM24-specific threads for any subtle differences (like folder locations on different OS, or changes in file encryption). Sports Interactive sometimes introduces new features that modders then target – e.g., FM21 introduced women staff, and by FM24 there are mods adding women’s databases even before an official women’s mode exists.
Steam Workshop vs. Traditional Download: In the past, all mods were downloaded from forums/sites. Now, FM24 has Steam Workshop integration for easier mod subscription. However, not everything is on Workshop (due to copyright content like logos). Many longtime modders still use traditional sites for sharing. The Workshop is a relatively new convenience that ensures compatibility and auto-updates. But if you see discussions from earlier FMs, they’ll talk about manually adding files – which still applies if you get mods from sites. Essentially, FM24 modding is a hybrid of new distribution (Workshop for ease) and old-school methods (downloading files from community sites). If you’re coming from an older FM, you’ll find your knowledge of installing mods still relevant – just now you have the option to click “Subscribe” on Workshop for certain items to auto-install them (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager).
In conclusion, Football Manager 2024’s modding scene is the result of years of community-driven efforts, making the game extremely customizable. Whether you want to update the game to mirror reality (through real logos, name fixes, and data updates), venture into fantasy (custom leagues and scenarios), or tweak the game’s mechanics (physics mods, AI challenges), there’s likely a mod or tool available. The community provides a wealth of resources – from forums with guides to established sites hosting downloads – to support all these modding endeavors. Best of all, most of these mods are free and easy to use, requiring just a bit of folder management or a few clicks on Steam Workshop (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager) (FM24 Mods : r/footballmanager). As long as you follow instructions (and occasionally exercise a bit of patience for complex editor work), you can transform FM24 in countless ways to enhance your football management experience.
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