One of the coolest mods in Fallout 4 history, and our pick for best mod of 2017, is Sim Settlements. It's a brilliant reworking of Fallout 4's settlement construction system, where NPC settlers actually build their own homes and buildings, which grow and change over time.

If you enjoyed Sim Settlements as much as I did, you'll be excited to hear that a sequel is on the way. Sim Settlements 2 has been announced, and from the trailer above, it looks like it will be even bigger and more ambitious than the original.

"We're reimagining what it would be like if 'Fallout 4' had a main storyline and the settlements had purpose and importance to the characters involved," King Gath, creator of Sim Settlements, told me in an email .

"In other words, it's not an optional side scenario for Preston, but a key driver of the quest line.

That's right, in addition to its own main quest, Sim Settlements 2 will feature side quests and, as you can see from the trailer, several fully voiced original characters. In addition, a cute pug also makes an appearance! The story will be episodic, with the first act to be released soon and the rest to be released next year, according to King Gato.

"Additionally, dozens of recruitable characters will be lured to your settlement, depending on what you build in the settlement," says King Gath. For example, building a brewery might attract Monty Fearon, the Brotherhood's foremost beverage scribe, while building a large farm-centric settlement might attract Odette, who just left her farm after tragedy struck. All of these characters are fully voiced, and many will invite you to join them on their quests."

Not much is known about the actual new settlement construction features and systems in Sim Settlements 2, but more details will be revealed soon. The original Sim Settlements mod will continue to be bug fixed and supported after Sim Settlements 2 is released, according to King Gath.