This Tutorial aimed to be simple by leaving out all the information you don't need and to get an overview. If you use Windows Vista or Windows 7, you should read Point V) Installing Fallout first.
More information and further Links you'll find at the end of the article.
- 1I ) Mods Prerequisites - Tools that make life easier
- 2II ) Installing Mods
- 2.2The Folder Structure
- 5V ) Installing Fallout
- 10X) Links
Must Haves
- a 'Data Compression Utility' like 7zip, WinRAR, IZArc or TUGZip -> to extract file archives
- Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) -> The official Mod Manager. Currently in beta stage and regarding tools not as powerful as FOMM, but more features will follow
- Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM) -> optional Fallout Launcher providing very useful Modding-Tool, like BSA browser, BSA creator and TESsnip
- Fallout Script Extender (FOSE) -> many Mods require its additional scripting commands to work
Report RSS How to install UI mods on New Vegas - April 2019 An updated guide on properly installing interface overhauls such as Vanilla UI Plus or Darnified UI, along with extensions such as the Mod Configuration Menu or Project Nevada.
- There are nearly 20,000 mods for Fallout: New Vegas, featuring everything from small tweaks and aesthetic changes to additional quests and new characters to massive overhauls of the game's inner.
- Forums: Index Fallout: New Vegas gameplay help How to attach weapon mods? I have procured a barrel extension for a.357 revolver i'm currently carrying. Selecting in pipboy does nothing. Aanyone know how i attach this thing? As it so far has not been readily explained. Highligh the weapon in.
Recommended Additions
- FO3Edit -> detects Conflicts between Mods, a powerful tool for Mod editing
- Better Oblivion Sorting Software for Fallout3 (BOSS for FO3) -> sorts your load order automatically
- Fallout Mod Sorter (FOMS) -> another load order helper
- ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated -> does the whole 'ArchiveInvalidation'
- Games for Windows LIVE Disabler -> disables GfWL and moves your DLCs into your game folder
- Fallout Installation Cleaner (FOIC) -> cleans up your Fallout; removes Mods, 3rd party tools, .. etc
Mods come as package -> first you need to extract them to a temporary location by using a tool like 7zip. Examine the files / folders of the Mod you've unpacked to get a quick overview.
Example of an unzipped Mod under XP and Vista / Windows7
You'll find files with ending *.esp or *.esm and maybe additional folders like textures, meshes or sound.
After you unpacked a lot of Mods, you'll consider each result as quite unique, but generally the structure is almost the same.
Anyway, there are two common rules you should keep in mind:
- All Mods have to be placed into the Data Directory of your Game.
- The folder structure must be correct.
The Data Folder
-> The default path for DVD Versions is C: Program Files Bethesda Softworks Fallout 3 Data
You may have customised the install path to something else e.g. C: Games Fallout..
That's why in some READMEs you'll find the term '< install path > Fallout 3 Data '
-> The default path for Steam Versions is C: Program Files Steam steamapps Common Fallout 3 Data
To avoid issues under Vista and Win7, the install location of Steam can be customised, see point #V .29 Installing Fallout
The Folder Structure
Files that belong into the. This is the process to recognise certain new files which have been placed into the Data folder.-> It's recommended to use the little tool ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated.
-> Unzip, run it, activate it
The whole Archive Invalidation will be done.
Finally check your G.E.C.K. Mods (*.esp) at your Fallout Launcher or use FOMM
(click to enlarge)
--> finished, enjoy the game :-)))
See videos on Youtube:
Fallout 3 - How to install Mods
Fallout 3 - How to install FOSE
Mods are best installed by your own.
( Avoid extracting something directly into your Game / Data Dir )
- There could be a ReadMe -> It‘s recommended to read it before you install a Mod
- Make a save game that is 'clean'. -> You could need it later - just to be sure
- If you install a Mod by your own, you‘ll know how to remove it
- Only add one Mod by one. -> Test it. -> If you install a plenty of Mods, you‘ll probably have to spend a plenty of time to figure out, why your game is crashing.
- Take care of Mod Conflicts and your Load Order. Tools like FO3Edit and the Fallout Mod Sorter (FOMS) help to increase your games stability.
- If something went terribly wrong, you'll be lucky if you backed up your Data folder
Keep your System up to date.
Perform a Windows Update including DirectX.
Clean your Windows
Fallout Nv Mods On Steam
(CCleaner recommended) and reboot.
Install Fallout.
If you use Windows7 or Vista, it is highly recommended to install the game to another location than 'Program Files' ( for example C: GamesFallout 3 ) to avoid problems with the security feature UAC.
Alternatively you could disable UAC, but this may lead to a less secure system, so be warned. For Steam versions there is hardly a way to customise the install dir. So you may need to go for the 'disabling UAC' option - or install Steam to another location than 'Program Files'
e.g. C:GamesSteam ..
( click to enlarge )
Install the latest official Patch
Install the latest official Patch which fits to your game version. Note, that Steam and GotY versions should already be up-to-date.
=> If you get the xlive.dll error at start, see solution here: Games for Windows Live fix.
Backup your 'clean' Data folder before installing Mods.
It saves time if something went wrong - especially if you installed Fallout via Steam.
( a reinstall wont work in every case properly.
- Backup save games and your ArchiveInvalidation.txt file if you use one
- Uninstall Fallout3 in your System Control (Software / Programs) or use a helper like the Revo Uninstaller
- There are two Folders left: the Game Dir (with your Mods) & your 'My Games' folder
- -> delete or simply rename the Folders to backup
- -> be careful with backed up data and avoid using old *.ini files
- Clean Registry (CCleaner)
- Reboot your System, to get all Registry changes applied
- Go on with Point V) Installing Fallout
You can play Fallout in two different ways: off-line or on-line via GfWL.
As soon as you switch between these two modes, if you install F.O.S.E. (which disables GfWL) or if you simply move your DLC files into the Data folder, you'll consider your save games are 'gone'. This happens because Fallout uses two slightly different locations to store the game saves in.
- off-line: <Start Menu> Documents My Games Fallout3 Saves
- on-line: <Start Manu> Documents My Games Fallout3 Saves 'Your Live Name'
-> If you want to continue your game on-line or off-line, simply copy the save games into the respective location.
Sometimes you need to access hidden folders on your Hard Drive.
For example if you want to access the GfWL Folder where DLCs are stored in.
- XP: C: Documents and Settings 'User Account'Local SettingsApplication Data Microsoft Xlive
- Vista: C: Users 'User Account'AppData Local Microsoft XLive
These Folders are hidden by default so you may need to set them visible.
If you have to deal with several file extensions like *.exe, *.esp or *.bsa, you should disable Hidden file extensions too.
- Open a Window, e.g. 'Computer' ( on Win7: hit < Alt > if the menu bar wont be shown on top of the window )
- Go to Tools --> Folder Options and click the View tab.
- In the Advanced settings list, enable the point 'Show hidden files and folders'.
- Click to clear the check box 'Hide extensions for known file types'.
- Apply this setting, and click OK.
If you test a lot of mods you may want to have quick and easy access to your data folder.
Creating a Desktop Shortcut:
- Go to your Fallout 3 folder ( by default C:Program FilesBethesda SoftworksFallout 3
- or on Steam versions C:Program FilesSteamsteamappsCommonFallout 3 )
- Right-Click on the Data folder icon
- go to 'Send to'
- click on 'Desktop (create shortcut)'
Sometimes it is recommended to use the Fake Patch and the Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch as workaround if you don't want to use the official Patches. But keep in mind that this wont work in every case properly. The latest official patch (v1.7) should be your very first choice.
Sometimes Modders get their file structures not correct.
In this case you could try to correct this by your own.
Use a tool like FO3 Archive Utility (requires Java) or FOMMs built in BSA Browser to open the *.bsa archives (e.g. Fallout - Textures.bsa) to get an idea, how the folder structure has to look like.
But do not try to change the *.bsa Archives!
(click to enlarge)
Here you reached the end ;-) and hope it helped to clear some things up.
Enjoy Fallout3Nexus and don`t forget to rate and comment a tested mod. Keep in mind it is lots of hard and unpaid work.
.. happy modding folks
Missed something? More detailed Information here:
How to install Mods
'Fallout 3 Mods FAQ, A Beginners Guide' @Bethsoft.com
'How to install Mods for Fallout 3' by overload1977 @TheNexusForums (including DLC Help )
Installing A Mod With FOMM
Load Order Guides
'Getting DLC and mods working' by Wandik @TheNexusForums
How to handle load order
Load order and you
Load order recommendations
Simple FOMM load order tweaking
Troubleshooting
Crashes fix/reduce guide
Modification Troubleshooting @TheNexusForums.com
Technical Support @TheNexusForums.com
Official Technical Support Forums @Bethsoft.com
Possible solutions to crashing & other issues @Bethsoft.com
Radio Stutter Thread @TheNexusForums.com
Tweak Guide
Fallout 3 Tweak Guide @Tweakguides.com
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ @Thenexusforums.com
Wiki
Fallout Wiki @wikia.com
Fallout 3 modding FAQ @wikia.com
Where else to get Mods
Mods Reloaded.com
No Mutants Allowed.com
Planet Fallout.com
Fallout 3 / NV Modding Guide
This is an extensive guide to help alleviate the constant /r/fallout posts about modding. I suggest you enlighten yourself to all of it, but its your prerogative.
This will describe basics of modding and how to get started. It will also give a list of top mods to start off with. Check for some video tutorials at the bottom if you are more of a visual learner
A lot of mods conflict with each other. This post is not about support for mods and conflicts. Mod Authors should tell of conflicts, and should support them on their pages. This is not for mod support or load order help, Just the core mechanics of modding.
Part 2 is in the comments
Lets Begin
Mod Managers
A Mod Manager is an essential tool that will, simply put, manage your mods. It will help you with your load order and help with the installation of archived mods. It is 100% essential to use one if you do not wish to have errors and headaches installing and uninstalling mods.
The best current choice is the Nexus Mod Manager (henceforth refereed to as NMM) It works for Many games, Including Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, Skyrim, and many others. It is a convenient tool that will be essential for a lot of things in this guide.
You can download it here
http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/modmanager//?
Modding Basics
Lets get to basics. Everyone should get comfortable with their fallout directory. Although the Mod Manager will take care of most mods, it is good to understand what is going on and help you fix any problems later
Your fallout 3 directory will default as
C:Program Files(x86)SteamSteamappsCommmonFallout 3
or for New Vegas
C:Program Files(x86)SteamSteamappsCommmonFallout New Vegas
Note there will be no x86 on 32 bit versions of windows
Inside is a folder called 'data' this is where all your game data is, and where mods end up.
File types
There are a few types of files.
.bsa These files are Bethesda archive files. They contain the core of the game. In these are all the Graphics and Audio of the game.
.esm These are Master files. These are for the main game content. There will be one for Fallout 3, and its expansions, the same for New Vegas and its own. Large mods may also use an esm
.esp These are standard mod files. They may require certain .esm files. In computing, this is known as a slave file (and esm is a master file) Most content mods you get will be an .esp
Folders
Once you start modding, you will see folders inside 'data'. These may include 'Sound' or 'Textures'. These are used by a lot of things like graphical mods. Remember those .bsa files I mentioned? They are basically big archive/zip files. Let's say they want to make a rock look better. they put their new rock texture into /data/texture/architecture/landscape. Inside the original fallout textures.bsa that Bethesda or Obsidian made, is the exact same thing. By putting it in that folder though, it loads the one there instead of the one in the .bsa - Got it? Good, lets go.
Enough with the boring stuff, lets get to modding
The best resource for mods on the internet is the Nexus. A large community with massive amounts of content. You will need an account to download,it is free (during signup go past the part asking if you want to be premium) You can sign up here
http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/users/register//?
Once signed up you are free to start downloading mods.
Important, Read this the NMM came out after the release of fallout 3. They added a button on their website you press 'download now' and instantly the mod manager pops up, and works as a download manager. This is VERY useful, BUT some mods do not support it. If a mod is old, it may need to be downloaded manually, explained later.
Lets download a mod!
Chrome duplicate window. So, you have downloaded the Mod Manager, you have signed up and logged in. Lets download our first mod!
Lets start with a small mod for each game, just to see how it works.
For New Vegas, we will add a gun This will add an AKS74U to Doc Mitchels house. It is made by an amazingly talented modder named Millenia. I highly recommend his work. It can be found here
http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/47648/?
For fallout 3, we will..okay we will do the same thing as NV This will add an AKS74U to fallout 3 (must be added by a console command, it is explained on the mod page, and explained lower here in this article)
http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/18137/?
So, load up the page and press 'downloads' and click 'download with manager' Once you have it opening with the NMM, wait for it to complete. Once it has, click the tab that says 'mods' You will find your new mod in the list. Double click it to enable it. Done. Your new weapon is in the game.
Load Order - Possibly the most important thing in modding
Load order is the order in which mods load in the game. Some need to load higher or lower than others to ensure they do not cause crashes. Some mods also rely on other mods to function. If a mod called 'giant frog Companion' was made (you wish), and someone wanted to make It wear a Monocle, load order would become important. You would have one mod called GiantFrogs.esp and one called FrogMonocole.esp. To make these work, GiantFrogs would need to load first, otherwise if the monocle mod tried to load, it would have NO idea how to put a monocle on a frog, as it would have no idea what a frog is. Mods that effect other mods must load below the one it is affecting.
When you download a mod, you REALLY need to read the descriptions and read me files from the mod they will often tell you if there are conflicts or issues with other mods, and many have patches to work with other big mods.
Some Load Order Rules
ESM files MUST load before ESP files
Some mods are 'parents' and require others to load. Ensure you read descriptions. A mod may contain 5 files that need to be loaded in different order.
Not all files are for you! You may download a mod that has a 2nd file for all the expansions. You may not have all the expansions. You must deselect any files that are not fitting for you, or you WILL crash
Larger mods usually load first. Smaller mods usually go later in the order. If you have crashes, disable your mods one by one to find which is causing it. After this, enable it again and move it around in the load order to try to fix your issue.
Some mods may overwrite content of previously installed mods. It is important on large mods to READ their pages to see if they suggest installing certain mods before or after. Your load order will not affect this, if you install a mod that overwrites files, your load order becomes irrelevant and those files are now gone.
Another thing to note is that everything a mod adds has an ID number given to it this is important when using the console to add items, or in some mods that require user input. These ID's contain letters and numbers, and are always 8 characters long. Fallout.esm for example is 00. So an item could be 0000000f (this is caps) If you have a mod, the first two digits change to where that mod is in your load order. In the NMM on the 'Plugins' section you can find those two digits by finding the mod you need and looking at its 'load order' It will consist of a combination of two letters or numbers. This is needed for the fallout 3 example mod above it would be xx000EA7 with the xx being where the mod is in your load order
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Script Extender - A MUST HAVE FOR A LOT OF MODS
The Script extender runs with Fallout 3 or Fallout New Vegas that allows modders to add a ton of new features to mods. Examples are mods that add sprinting, mods that add Grenade hotkeys and other mechanics A lot of the best mods out there need the Script Extender, it is 100% Recommended you get it
This is very Important The Script extender is the one mod you MUST manually install, and install in a different folder then the rest of your mods
Go to this website for fallout 3 http://fose.silverlock.org/ or for Fallout New Vegas http://nvse.silverlock.org/
Click to download the latest build. You need a program like winrar to open the file. Beside it is a link for the .zip version if you do not have a program that can open a .7z file.
Once downloaded, Open the folder. You will see a single folder inside. Open it. You will now see a folder called 'src' several .dll files, text files and an .exe
Place these folders in your MAIN fallout directory NOT your data folder, your fallout folder. So either C:Program Files(x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/Fallout 3 or for new vegas C:Program Files(x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/Fallout New Vegas.
The Script Extender is now installed. Now tell the NMM that. Go to NMM and look where it says 'Launch fallout 3' or 'Launch fallout New Vegas' beside it is a little drop down. Click the drop down and select 'Launch NVSE' or 'Launch FOSE'. Now when you press this, Fallout with load with the script extender, allowing mods to run fully.
Manually Installing mods
On a few occasions you will have mods that you cannot install with the manager, usually due to their age. It is easier then it seems.
Download the file from the nexus, most likely a .zip .rar or .7z archive file
Use an appropriate program such as Winrar to open this file. If there is a folder inside with the name of your mod, open it, otherwise we need to take all the files and folders in the archive
If you read earlier, you know that all esm, bsa, esp files, and all folders for mods go into your Fallout/Data directory Look above to see the default location, and place all these files in
Load up NMM and on the plugins screen, ensure your new mods are selected. All done! Start your game.
Optimizing Load order
Load order can be difficult, so there are a few programs out there to assist you. I won't go into detail on how to use their applications, but you can check their pages to see full descriptions on their usage.
[BOSS for Fallout 3] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/10193/?)
[BOSS for Fallout New Vegas] (http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/35999/?)
Merged Patches
Some mods that contain the same content can override others. A merged patch helps these mods work together. Merged patches are a advanced aspect of modding and should not be taken lightly, read the pages, look for tutorial, and backup saves and data The mod maker describes it as 'If you don't know what this program is you should not be using it'
A merged patch will take some education to learn how to create, You will need
[FO3 Edit] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/637/?) For Fallout 3, Read the page in detail, and look up how to make merged patches, I wont go into detail about it here.
[FNV Edit] (http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/34703/?) For New Vegas, and again I will not be going into detail on merged patches here.
Lets get to the mods - Note, not all mods are for you. Some may fit your style, some may not. These are mostly generic and mostly Lore friendly mods. These are mostly not content driven, but visual and game mechanic driven. Some mods require a high powered computer, so make sure you read their descriptions. Note that some major mods have smaller mods built in already. I cannot say it enough, Read all the descriptions and instructions.
Suggested Mods for Fallout 3
[NMCs Texture Pack for Fallout 3] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/12056) This mod replaces a ton of textures in the game bringing the graphics quite up to par.
[Fallout Wanderers Edition] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/2761) One of the most popular mods for Fallout 3. It is a complete overhaul of the game that changes a ton of features and mechanics and adds a lot of new features
[Marts Mutant Mod] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/3211/?) Not Lore Friendly This mod adds a lot of new creatures to the game. I do not use it but a large number of fallout players do.
[Fellout] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/2672) Is a lighting mod that changes the look of the wasteland. It gets rid of the terrible green tint and has the option of dark nights.
[Weapon Mod Kits] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/3388) This allows you to modify weapons with things such as silencers, extended magazines, etc
[Fallout 3 Redesigned] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/6341) Is a mod that aims at making people look more realistic and natural
[Underground Hideout Mod] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/9592) Somewhat not lore friendly One of my favorite mods for both Fo3 and New Vegas. Adds a player home with tons of cool features from weapons walls, companion housing, medical storage, etc.
[DC Interiors Project] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/5573/?) this mod adds interiors to several of the buildings in DC
[Real Time Settler] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/7070) THis mod allows you to build your own town, with lots of features. It is a fairly complicated mod for a beginner.
[Fook 2] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/4448) Not Lore Friendly Fook 2 is a massive mod that adds a ton of features. It is not friendly with other big mods like FWE, so I would suggest one or the other regardless of patches. It adds new features, over 150 weapons (the non lore friendly part) It adds armors, new Ammo types, much more, Just read their page.
[Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/3808) This mod fixes a lot of bugs in fallout 3
[MTUI] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/43) A great mod that changes the User Interface making it a lot cleaner, with smaller fonts, larger item selection screens, better menus, etc
[iHud] (http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/15790/?) Is an Immersion mod that gets rid of the hud when it is not needed. It will be there with a click of a button and in battle. It makes the world feel more real when wandering.
there are a ton of content driven mods not listed, I suggest you check the top 100 of all time list at the Nexus to start your journey, and then check through all the categories one by one as you get more addicted to modding!
SEE THE COMMENTS FOR PART 2 WITH NEW VEGAS MODS