1. Unsubscribe from everything on the Workshop
Steam workshop doesn't play nice with other mod sources and without a mod manager to mediate things, we're gonna be searching multiple folders instead of just the "override" folder in KOTOR 2's base directory. Only mod I left there was the widescreen UI fix but YMMV. Ideally you should install the mods in the order they are presented.
2. Essential fixes
The Sith Lords Restored Content Mod (TLRCM): this is our main mod and it restores a lot of scenes that were cut from the original rushed release of the game. THIS IS NOT the infamous droid planet, which is called M4-78, a mod I DO NOT RECOMMEND for its sheer boredom. TLRCM does include the HK-50 factory, several new sections in Nar Shaddaa and a much expanded endgame. The HK factory is HK-47's little solo adventure and it happens after your final encounter with Atris, assuming you did 3 HK-50 encounters with HK-47 in your party. So remember to equip him properly prior to that moment. I recommend the Charric rifle, since he can't equip melee weapons and it would take too many feats to switch to pistols.
OPTIONAL:
► Show Spoiler
AVOID: The dreaded droid planet: this MOD brings Master Vaush back to life in a brand new planet. If you're really curious you may want to install this, but I played through this planet once and do not recommend it at all. Insane amount of back and forth with very little combat or interesting dialogue.
OPTIONAL: Extended enclave: extends the restored enclave sequence, a pivotal moment in the game and even adds some reactivity depending on your stats and influence with Kreia, along adding a new cutscene.
3. Improved textures
High Quality Skyboxes: much prettier skyboxes for all planets. Listed as a dependency for the texture mods.
ShiningRedHD's collection: download every single one of these mods and unpack them all into your override folder. You might want to back it up first. My only criticism of this collection is Dantooine looking way too nice. It's exhibit #8746846 of "modders don't understand art direction". Both Khonda and the Jedi enclave look brand new instead of the bullet ridden shitholes they were originally. Also, if you get the Dxun fog bug like I did, it's not the mod's fault. You can easily find the solution by googling, but I didn't bother. Also, I used the TPC versions of all mods.
High quality blasters: improves all firearms with much more detailed models. Don't forget the disruptor fix included (put it on override after patching).
High quality lightsabers: same thing, but for lightsabers. Not as noticeable, but still something that is nice to have.
Power Textures: makes force powers, grenades and other effects look much better.
Fire & Ice: improves fire and ice effects.
Unlimited world textures mod: improves various objects around the world, most notably the computers of the Hawk and information terminals. Let it rewrite the previous texture packs, these textures look better IMO.
AI Upscaled cutscenes: I think these look nicer than the "HD" cutscenes, but it's up to you. If you get a runtime error, remember: the upscaled movies are NOT to blame, you have a mod conflict elsewhere. Removing everything from the Movies folder might solve the issue, but that's not guaranteed.
AI upscaled portraits: slightly more detailed portraits for the PC and party members. Not a must-have but w/e.
AI Upscaled icons: same as above, but for all icons in the UI. Personally I think it looks a bit dark, but it's a decent addition.
4. Improved backdrops and local improvements
TSL Backdrop Improvements: be VERY careful with this file as it can cause your game to crash if you use TSLRM and don't follow the instructions on the page. Skip if afraid to **** things up.
Ravager Backdrop: replaces the god-awful Ravager model on several backdrops.
HQ Starfields and Nebulas: another backdrop improvement.
HD Cockpit Skyboxes: allows you to look out the window of the Ebon Hawk without being assaulted by ultra low quality eye cancer. I had some issues with this mod, so feel free to skip.
Citadel Station Signage: breathes new life to Citadel Station by improving all the signs. Very noticeable.
Peragus Monitor Adjustment and Peragus Improved Asteroid Field: makes Peragus look a little bit better.
5. Small fixes and other stuff
Atton Head fix: some people (myself included) reported issues with Atton's forehead displaying a small black gap. This mod fixed the problem for me. I read there's a similar situation with Mission in K1, but I didn't see it.
Various head model fixes: fixes some minor issues with the head of certain characters.
Invisible headgear: all headgear in KOTOR looks silly. This mod makes it all invisible.
Ebon Hawk Computer tells influence: The old Remote mod doesn't work with TSLRCM, but this one does. Just go to the computer with the cameras and you'll be able to see your influence with each companion.
Kill the Ithorian: fixes the lack of consequence for your decision regarding the Ithorian prisoner inside Czerka's HQ in Telos.
Galaxy saving mod: many players start a light side playthrough and abandon the idea upon meeting the Czerka salvager in the Telos Military Base. This man singlehandedly has decided the fate of the entire galaxy for me, so this mod improves his pathfinding so that you won't be as tempted to kill him.
Enhanced Merchants: merchants are more likely to stock good items.
KOTOR Save Game Editor: use this to remove unused feats from yourself and your companions, thus improving the performance of AI controlled characters. They can still use regular attacks, but no more wasting turns with unupgraded power blasts.
And that's it for my list. Remember to backup your override folder whenever installing a mod you're not 100% sure of. If I remember anything else I'll update the list. Enjoy!
