When modding, it is my understanding that, in general, the lower down the list, the better the mod. But I've been crafting like this isn't 100% always the case, and I would like a confirmation on my assumptions A good example is a rifle stock: at the bottom of the list is usually Marksman's Stock and Recoil Compensating Stock. The description for Marksman's is "Exceptional" sighted accuracy, "Superior" recoil and aim with scopes. On the other hand, the Recoil Compensating Stock has "Exceptional" for sighted and recoil, but "better" for scopes. What the hell does "better" mean? Better than what? Everything? To me, exceptional is better than superior, someone please confirm that for me. But "better" is completely subjective.

Right now I'm attaching Marksman's to scoped weapons, because I'm assuming that Superior > Better scoped accuracy. I attach Recoil Compensating to rifles with Reflex sights because I'm assuming that Exceptional > Superior recoil.

TL;DR: In the hierarchy of performance descriptors for weapon mods, is Exceptional > Superior > Better, or what?

No mod, better, superior, exceptional, yeah I don't know. In any case don't go by the list assuming as you go down it gets better. Generally speaking it does, but another one is the rifle receivers, they are all over the place as you go down the list.

I think it goes Exceptional > Superior > Better > Improved. Speaking about stocks specifically: If you prefer taking single, well-placed shots (ie sniping) then you'll want the Marksman's Stock. If you plan on making a ton of shots in a short window of time (ie full auto), you'll want to go with the Recoil Compensating Stock.

Yeah in my verbose way, that's what I was trying to say: i'm doing that currently. I haven't found anything authoritative but so far it seems I've got it right.

This makes sense, not sure if it works like it in the game, Found that an assault rifle on full auto has an annoying climb then used sighted, works better from the hip and just adjusting against high level enemies,

No stat for recoil, you have an accuracy stat who I think is only relevant for chance to hit in vat.

Yeh, the further down the mod is on the list, the "better" the applied benefits of the mod will be.

Yeah, full auto have a habit of making the weapon climb... especially in real life. That is why many assault rifles also includes a burst mode which only fires 3 rounds every time the trigger is pulled.

If you are lucky enough to be using a PC, download this mod. You will then know exactly what stats each of those things affect and by how much.

http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/4760/?

I noticed that mod is called "Better Weapon Mod Descriptions". Is there a "Superior Weapon Mod Descriptions" mod?

I am guessing you got beat up a lot as a kid.

edit: full disclosure, I did laugh.

Thanks, that sounds like the perfect mod for me. I'm trying to avoid modding this time around since it's so easy to get carried away with them for me, but in this case it I can't not try it! Do you know the difference between the "lite" and "standard" versions? Modder's description is "Lite values given are in comparsion to Standard mods. No stats are modified." Not very clear.

No idea, I just got the standard version and am happy with it.

gahhh hurry up console mods!!!

Just a follow-up, the "lite" version simply does not replace the default description of the base mod, it leaves the Bethesda version as-is. This mod is absolutely essential. It is mind-boggling how much information Beth left out. For example, how each mod affects VATS. I always thought it was simply based on fire rate. Nuh-uh.

you sir need "better weapon description" mod and there is also one for armor as well...

I'm yet to encounter a single gun that doesn't hold to the format of getting better as you go down the list. The sole exceptions being in the case of long vs. short barrels offering different advantages, and different muzzles offering different advantages.

saw this thread, and here is your answer.....

if it is lower on the list, it is NOT better. that is a falsehood. everything is compared to the STANDARD. you need to KNOW what it is you are trying to build. for example. if you want a plasma sniper rifle, take the mods that give SUPERIOR range and sighted accuracy, but you will probably suffer lower damage.

you want a scatter gun that obliterates enemies at 4 feet, get mods that have SUPERIOR damage or hip-firing, but then you sacrifice range.

you want to know which is better, EXCEPTIONAL or SUPERIOR, get EXCEP. dmg and compare it to SUP. dmg in your weapon info box, which ever is higher, is better.

no 3rd party mod is needed to understand this.

Agreed. I love this mod myself as it nicely shows the changes to things in actual percents.

that's really the best way to look at mods. almost all mods give bonus to one stat while negating another.