Overview

Limo is a free, open-source Linux mod manager for handling mods, plugins, and load order. It is best suited to Linux players with supported Bethesda Steam games or OpenMW who want NexusMods and LOOT tools in one application. Its strongest fit is the officially supported Flatpak workflow; players using other games or the AUR should weigh the narrower support carefully.

Key features

Limo can import installed Steam games and supports specialized Steam game configurations. Through its built-in NexusMods integration, users can check for mod updates, view mod information, and download mods without leaving the manager. That makes it a practical hub for Linux players whose games and mod sources fit its integrations.

For plugins, Limo integrates LOOT to manage installed plugins, sort load order, and check for issues. It also handles OpenMW plugin and archive files with LOOT support. Conflict detection adds visibility when mods target the same files, and the lower mod in the deployer's load order wins. Limo automatically backs up target files when they need to be overwritten, giving users a recovery point while deploying changes.

Automatic updates and mod profiles round out the workflow. The repository is licensed under GPL-3.0. Thunderstore and Gamebanana API support are planned, but are not current integrations.

Pricing

Limo is free, with a free plan and no stated free-tier limits. There are no paid plan prices or billing terms to weigh. Its open-source GPL-3.0 license also makes it a suitable choice for users who value software they can inspect and share under that license.

Platforms

Limo is developed primarily for Linux and is available as a Flatpak, through the Arch User Repository, or as a source build. The Flatpak is the officially supported version and currently supports Bethesda Steam games such as Skyrim, Skyrim SE, and Skyrim VR. The AUR version offers early access to some features, but that makes it a less conservative option for users who want the officially supported release. Steam import and specialized configurations help with supported installed games; they do not make the Flatpak a general-purpose manager for every Steam title.

Who it's for

Choose Limo if you use Linux, play a supported Bethesda Steam game or OpenMW, and want mod downloads, plugin sorting, conflict handling, and backups together. It is less compelling for players whose games fall outside its stated Flatpak support, or who need a manager on Windows or macOS.

Pros and cons

Pros: NexusMods downloads and update checks, LOOT sorting and issue checks, and OpenMW support bring several mod-management tasks into one Linux app.
Pros: Conflict detection, a clear load-order rule, and automatic backups address practical risks when deploying files.
Pros: Free access, open-source GPL-3.0 licensing, and no stated free-tier caps make the price straightforward.
Cons: Official Flatpak game support is currently focused on Bethesda Steam games, so other Linux players should not assume their titles are supported.
Cons: The AUR version can expose features earlier, but it is not the officially supported release.
Cons: Thunderstore and Gamebanana are planned integrations, not present capabilities.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Game Mod Managers.

Mod Organizer 2 is a free, open-source alternative for Windows 10 1809 or later and Windows 11; choose it if Windows is your platform rather than Linux.
Modrinth covers Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and API platforms, with a free plan and a Modrinth+ plan at 4.99 USD per month; choose it if you want that broader platform reach.
CurseForge offers a free web catalog for Minecraft mods and modpacks; choose it for that web-based Minecraft catalog rather than Limo's Linux desktop workflow.
Vortex is a free, open-source mod manager associated with Nexus Mods and supports Windows; choose it if you need a Windows option.
Corkscrew is a free, open-source option for Linux and macOS; consider it if you want a cross-platform alternative.
HumanitZ Mod Manager is a free portable desktop app for HumanitZ mod management on Linux and Windows; choose it for that game-specific use.
Alternative Mod Launcher is a free GPLv3 Windows launcher requiring XCOM 2 (WotC) or XCOM Chimera Squad, Steam, and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later; choose it for those games on a compatible Windows setup.
PalMods Desktop App is a free option for Linux and Windows; consider it if those are your target platforms.

Verdict

Limo is a strong choice for Linux players using its supported Bethesda Steam games or OpenMW: NexusMods access, LOOT, conflict handling, and automatic backups make a coherent free toolkit. Look elsewhere if your game is outside the Flatpak's stated support or you need a different operating system.

	Limo	ZModManager
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	Linux	Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Mod profiles	Yes	Yes
Conflict detection	Yes	Yes
Automatic updates	Yes	—
Mod source access	built-in	manual import
Supported platforms	linux	windows
Deployment method	link	copy

Limo vs ZModManager

Limo

ZModManager