How to mod fallout 4
Fallout 4’s desolate beauty and deep lore offer an incredible foundation for modding. Mods can enhance the game in countless ways, from adding new weapons and companions to revamping entire quests and locations. But for newcomers, venturing into the modding scene can seem daunting. Fear not, Wastelanders! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to become a master modder.
Before We Begin: Essential Info
- Platform Matters: Modding is primarily for the PC version of Fallout 4. While consoles offer some curated mods, PC has the widest selection and the most flexibility.
- Back it Up!: Always back up your save files before modding. Mods can sometimes cause conflicts, and a backup ensures you can revert if needed.
- Embrace the Community: The modding community is a fantastic resource. Don’t hesitate to seek help on forums like https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4 or subreddits like r/FalloutMods.
Step 1: The Modding Trinity
There are three essential tools to get you started:
- Mod Manager: A mod manager keeps your mods organized, resolves conflicts, and simplifies installation and uninstallation. Popular options include Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) and Vortex. We’ll be using Vortex in this guide.
- F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender): This program allows many mods to function by extending the game’s scripting capabilities. Download it from the official website https://f4se.silverlock.org/.
- The Right Mods: With countless mods available, choosing can be overwhelming. We’ll explore how to find great mods later.
Step 2: Installing F4SE
- Download the F4SE archive corresponding to your game version.
- Extract the archive’s contents into your Fallout 4 game directory (usually found in Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4).
- Right-click on “f4se_loader.exe” and create a shortcut on your desktop. You’ll launch the game through this shortcut from now on.
- To verify successful installation, launch the game using the shortcut. Open the console with the tilde key (
~) and typegetfseversion. If a version number appears, F4SE is working!
Step 3: Installing Vortex
- Download Vortex from https://www.nexusmods.com/about/vortex/
- Install and run Vortex.
- Click “Settings” and navigate to “Game”
- Click “Add Game” and select “Fallout 4” from the list.
- Browse to your Fallout 4 game directory and confirm the path.
Step 4: Downloading and Installing Mods
- Head over to https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4.
- Browse the extensive selection of mods, or use the search bar to find something specific.
- When you find a mod you like, click on it to view its description page.
- Read the description carefully, paying attention to requirements (some mods may need other mods to function) and any specific installation instructions.
- Click the “Download (Manual)” button. Vortex will offer to handle the download for you, or you can download it manually.
- Back in Vortex, click “Mods” and then “Install from File.”
- Select the downloaded mod archive and click “Open.” Vortex will guide you through the installation process.
Step 5: Activating and Managing Mods
Once a mod is installed, you can activate or deactivate it in Vortex with a simple click of the checkbox next to its name. The load order is crucial for some mods to function correctly. Vortex provides a basic load order functionality, but more complex setups might benefit from a dedicated load order organizer tool.
Step 6: Finding Great Mods
With a vast library of mods, where do you even begin? Here are some tips:
- Start Simple: For beginners, it’s wise to start with smaller, visual mods that enhance the game’s aesthetics without drastically altering gameplay.
- Explore Categories: Nexus Mods categorizes mods, making browsing easier. Popular categories include “Graphics,” “Weapons & Armor,” “Companions,” and “Gameplay.”
- Read Reviews and Ratings: See what other players say about a mod before installing it. User reviews and ratings are a valuable indicator of a mod’s quality and functionality.
- Look for Endorsements: Endorsements are essentially “likes” from other users. Mods with high endorsements are generally well-regarded.
- Stick to Reputable Modders: Pay attention to the mod author.
