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
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:
- Aug 19, 2010 -This mod will conflict with every mod that modify Body Parts Data.-This mod will conflict with every mod that modify Explosions Effects.-This fix should only works with armors that use armor effects from Fallout3 and DLCs. (I use MMM with my mod and it works fine with it.) History Power Armor Fix added.
- Padded and dense armor mods reduce the damage taken by 25% for padded and 50% for dense from explosion base damage. A dense armor mod reduces the damage taken from a frag grenade by 62.5% (50% and 25% in succession) in addition to normal physical resistance. Combined damage types Edit.
- 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.Jan 15, 2014 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. One of the most important parts of Fallout 3 is managing your health, making sure you have enough Stimpaks to survive the next group of Raiders you stumble a. Oct 13, 2010 Fallout 3 Mod Manager. Step away from the mods! If you install them now you'll have to spend hours rummaging through the guts of Fallout 3's file structure, changing.ini files and hitting.
-> 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
(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: Games Fallout 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 Settings Application 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 Files Bethesda Softworks Fallout 3
- or on Steam versions C: Program Files Steam steamapps Common Fallout 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 - Weapon Damage and Accuracy Mod v0.2
This mod focuses on changing the projectile damage and accuracy with real world numbers. Similar projectile have similar weapon damage and accuracy values and progressive changes in these values based on the weapon used.
Weapon Damage and Accuracy Mod v.020
Utilizing Projectile Energy data based upon real world counter parts I have increased the damage of all Projectile Weapons. Weapons with similar Ammo types have similar Damage figures, however Accuracy has been increased depending on value and uniqueness. An example Weapon set are the weapons using 5.56mm (Assault > Chinese Assault > Wanda > Xuan Long). Each weapon gains progressively in damage and accuracy. This same philosophy was utilized for the Hunting Rifle through to the Victory Rifle. Please note the Hunting Rifle now utilizes 5.56mm Caliber Rounds as such Damage and Accuracy has been improved.
There are two .esp files. One with VATS alterations a second without. The only difference between the two files is the inclusion of VATS. Weapons Accuracy and Damage remain identical. The VATS file is likely incompatible with VATS_MCE or other VATS altering mods.
I hope you all enjoy my first ever MOD. In ver.030 I plan to extend damage and accuracy changes to Grenades and Mines. As well as look into various tweaks and additions to better fulfill the goals of this mod.
Good Luck and Please Enjoy my Mod!
Please be sure read the .txt file included for installation instructions.
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Changes v.01.1 to v.020
Melee Weapon damage has been increased drastically. It is not longer fun to get hit with a Bat.
Energy Weapon damage has been improved slightly. Accuracy has not changed except with the Gatling Laser.
Projectile Weapons have had damage and accuracy tweaks. Some weapons are very similar to default values, however with the highly increased accuracy effective damage has been increased.
The Hunting Rifle now utilizes 5.55mm Ammo. All NPC's that carry the Hunting Rifle will carry additional 5.56mm ammo.
*Notes*
Current Saved Games the NPC's that use the Hunting Rifle will still carry .32 Caliber ammo. This is a function of game creation, their inventory build was set the moment you left the Vault. Typically the amount carried is 6 Rounds.
New game Hunting Rifle carrying NPC's will not have the .32 Caliber ammo.
Please offer feedback regarding the amount of 5.56 Ammo dropped on Hunting Rifle carrying NPC's.
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Changes v.01 to v.01.1
Replaced Hunting Rifle ammo with original game specific due to issues with NPC's running out mid fight. Hunting Rifle now utilizes .32 Cal ammo.
Fallout 3 Damage Threshold Mod
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