First playthrough - mods and version changes

[SPQR]

For my first playthrough, I'm wondering if I should use mods or not (recommendations welcome!) and if I do, will I be stuck on that version of the game for that world? Or if I don't use mods, will I still be stuck on the version I play or will I be able to update on the same world? Thanks!

[Debesiss]

When it comes to using mods, you don't have to be stuck on one version. I've been playing on one world since 1.20.3 and it only recently started breaking, mostly due to mistakes on my part like not checking mod updates frequently enough so do keep that in mind! Remember to make backups just in case, there's a button for that in the modify world menu.

As for mod recommendations, I'd suggest Simple HUD Clock Patch and Better Firepit, they bring pretty small changes but are still very useful. Other ones I'd recommend the most that bring bigger changes would be Better Ruins, Better Traders and Primitive Survival.

[Thorfinn]

In general, adding mods on the fly is fine, except for mapgen. Mapgen mods work, they just make a jarring disconformity between new and old. Removing mods that added blocks can leave your world littered with white cubes with red question marks. It works; it just looks goofy.

I'd recommend the vanilla experience for the first time through. If you cannot help yourself, maybe some basic stuff that doesn't really change things too much like StepUpContinued or whatever it is called. Sortable Storage is a real QoL that doesn't affect game play. I'd draw the line at or before mods like Grog or Bushmeat Meals. Maybe some of the HUD stuff, though that impairs immersion if that's important to you.

The next world, I'd add immersion and ambience mods. Look for mods by Salty.

Next, go wild. Or skip straight to this step, and make the game your own if you don't care to get the developer's vision of the game.

[Zane Mordien]

I always recommend doing your first world in Vanilla. After you get to iron and have plenty of flax then add mods to keep the game interesting to you.