NOTE
This is the current version of the Step Fallout4 Guide. Don't forget to
endorse Step on the Nexus if you like the guide. Please report any problems or confusing instructions on the latest
Feedback & Bug Reports pinned forum topic.
WARNING
This guide was made prior to the current Next Gen Update. It was also designed for use with PRP 69. Currently mods are in a state of flux as they update to the new version, so instructions will quickly fall out of date. Please direct support questions to the forums during this time if you need help figuring out how to use this guide at present.
Current notes:
- The game will need to be downgraded. The F4SE mod comments has a pinned comment with instructions. There is also the Fallout 4 Downgrader mod. The guide doesn't currently support the updates to the plugins and archives, so a full downgrade is required.
- F4SE mods will need to be for version 1.10.163.0.
- Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch needs to be the previous version. Direct link in case it gets archived: LINK.
- Previsibines Repair Pack needs to be version 69, and all mods in the guide with PRP patches also need to be for version 69.
Initial Release
This is our initial release of the Step Fallout 4 (Fallout4, FO4) guide. This Guide requires Fallout 4 GOTY edition (or all DLC).
See the changelog for more details and to determine if upgrading from a previous version is advisable.
Step Fallout4 Guide
General Information
This is the official Step modding guide for Fallout 4 GOTY Edition. Its goal is to provide an "enhanced vanilla" look and feel with a focus on exploration gameplay. It is built for Fallout 4 on the PC without VR. This Guide requires Fallout 4 GOTY edition (or all DLC).
New to Modding?
We recommend that you review this entire guide before attempting installation, especially if this is your first exposure to a Step mod-build guide. We and the community, have consolidated a lot of information into our guides for use as a free resource for all. New and experienced modders alike will find many answers within these guides and linked resources. This guide is written in such a way that it expects users to know the basics of modding and related tools (e.g. mod managers, LOD optimizers, configuration utilities, etc.). However our support forums are always available for Q&A.
Nomenclature and Instructions
The following nomenclature is used throughout this guide and should be understood before proceeding.
- 'tick' means 'check': Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation.
- Baseline: The recommended install option is shown within the Baseline column of the mod tables below.
- Step Patches: Custom patches created for the respective Step Guides. Always use them!
Expand Instructions!
Click the heading below to expand detailed instructions that are collapsed by default for readability:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Click Me, I'm a Spoiler!
I have more instructions for those that need them.
Expand mod table detailed instructions:
System Requirements
Fallout4 should be run on a relatively modern Windows 10/11 64-bit desktop or laptop, gaming capable PC. While CPU specs and performance are important factors, they matter only to a point beyond which is diminishing return on investment. Smooth gameplay is most limited by the GPU performance coupled to the resolution at which the game is run.
- The minimum specs assume that the recommended 'baseline' mod options will be installed, which are biased towards 'performance' options when available.
- The recommended specs assume a bias toward 'quality' and assume higher quality mod options will be installed when available.
- CPU/GPU Marks should be within the ranges listed below. Refer to the links for examples.
| Hardware
|
Minimum
|
Recommended
|
| CPU CPU Mark Range
|
4,000 - 7,000
|
> 7,000
|
| System RAM
|
8GB
|
16GB
|
| GPU G3D Mark Range
|
8,000 - 10,000
|
> 10,000
|
| Video RAM
|
at least 4GBs
|
8GBs or higher
|
| Game Drive
|
HDD
|
SSD
|
| Resolution
|
1080p (HD)
|
1440p (QHD)
|
Time Commitment
Be aware it will take anywhere from several hours to a several days to complete this build from start to finish. This time will vary greatly depending on internet download speed and user experience. Following are cumulative time estimates on average:
- 3-6 hours : Steps 1 - 3 (modding-environment setup)
- 8-12 hours : Step 4 (mod download, installation)
- 1-2 hours : Steps 5 - 6 (LODGen, post-build configuration, and fine-tuning the build)
STEP 1
Game & Tool Installation
WARNING
It is not recommended to install or use the official
High Resolution Texture Pack DLC as it has significant issues that are not worth fixing for the few textures that would be used from it. If it is already installed, remove it by unchecking the DLC in the Steam library.
Those who have not completed the System Setup Guide (SSG) should STOP and do so now BEFORE beginning Step 2! This is a perquisite for completing this guide, as many of the following instructions reference concepts, tools, and even file paths established in the SSG.
STEP 2
Tool Configuration
Mod Organizer - Fallout4 Initialization
FIRST, follow the System Setup Guide. The below instructions describe how to initialize a Fallout4 instance in Mod Organizer (MO). If MO was installed as a Portable application, the instructions below will need to be interpreted accordingly. If a Fallout 4 instance was created in Step 1 or otherwise, simply select the instance and skip the following:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Fallout4 Initialization Steps
- Launch MO by running its executable (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe)
- Upon load, click the Instance Manager button
.
- Click on [Create new instance].
- Select Fallout 4 and click [Next].
- If the game wasn't found, manually browse to the game's location.
- Name the instance something like
Step Fallout 4 or keep the default. Click [Next].
- (optional) change the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click [Next].
- A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click [Finish].
- MO is now ready to use with this guide.
Profile Setup
MO's profile feature allows the creation of multiple mod builds that rely on the same mod list and mod-level configurations. In other words, if a mod was installed with option 'A', then that mod is only available in this configuration for all profiles under an instance. Profiles can have different mods enabled, separate save games, and game INIs, but the mod configuration is identical among each profile. Different MO-game instances must be used for different mod configurations. For the purpose of this guide, a single mod configuration is all that's needed, so profiles are sufficient. Begin by creating/editing two profiles:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Profile Creation Steps
- Launch MO, choosing the applicable Fallout4 Instance.
- Click the
button on the menu bar.
- Select the Default profile.
- Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked and click [Copy].
- Name the new profile
Step Fallout4, or similar.
- Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked.
- Close the window by clicking [Close].
- Select the Step Fallout4 profile from the profile selection down-drop.
- It is normal to get a notice saying some INI files were missing and will be copied.
- If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if that doesn't resolve).
- Click the
button and select [Create empty mod].
- Name it xEdit Output.
Tool Setup
All tools installed in the System Setup Guide should already be configured in MO. Some tools will have been auto-detected and added; nevertheless, ensure the settings below are set correctly for all tools. xEdit is used in this example:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Tool Setup
- For xEdit, it is useful to create a mod into which all xEdit ouput can be directed in order to keep it all together:
- Click at the top of the left pane in MO, and select "Create empty mod".
- Type
xEdit Output, and select [OK].
- Place this mod at the top of the mod list just below the vanilla game files.
- Click
at the top of the main Mod Organizer window.
- In the left pane of the executables config, click the [+] to add a new executable, and then [Add from file...].
- Browse to the SSEEdit.exe file (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xEdit/SSEEdit.exe).
- This should auto-fill most of the fields.
- Change the title to xEdit.
- Input the following in the Arguments field separated by a single space:
- e.g.
-IKnowWhatImDoing -FO4 -AllowMasterFilesEdit
- "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits.
- "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This enables that.
- Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box. Select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
- Tick the Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts box.
- Click [Apply].
- Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table following.
- Arrange the tools in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order that tools are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. Close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
NOTE
For tools previously installed, adjust the arguments below for use with
Fallout4.
| Application Title
|
Executable
|
Argument(s)
|
| xEdit
|
SSEdit.exe
|
-FO4 -IKnowWhatImDoing -AllowMasterFilesEdit
Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
|
| xEditQuickAutoClean
|
SSEditQuickAutoClean.exe
|
-FO4
Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
|
| LOOT
|
LOOT.exe
|
--game="Fallout4"
|
| xLODGen
|
xLODGenx64.exe
|
-lodgen -FO4 -o:"DriveLetter:\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output"
Replace DriveLetter: with the drive letter of the 'Modding' folder.
|
Tools can be arranged in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order they are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. When complete, close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
BethINI Setup
BethINI needs to be run for the current MO profile to establish the configuration files before beginning mod installation. This ensures that all users share a common configuration during the modding process. As such, please do not deviate from the instructions below. Once the guide is complete and things are confirmed to be working, BethINI can be revisited to improve performance/quality.
BethINI Initialization
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - BethINI Initialization
- Close MO, and run BethINI (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe).
- If prompted by Windows protection, click More Info and then [Run anyway].
- When BethINI launches, select "Fallout 4" from the game selection box.
- Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
- Go to the Setup tab and ensure the
- Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g.
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4).
- Ensure the Mod Organizer path is correct (e.g.
..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer).
- The INI Path name depends on the MO Profile Setup
- If BethINI does not automatically display the profile created previously in step 5 of the MO initialization instructions, browse to and set that profile (e.g.,
%LOCALAPPDATA%\ModOrganizer\{instanceName}\profiles\STEP Fallout4).
- Select the Step Fallout4 profile folder, and click [Open].
- Click [OK] at the prompts to restart BethINI with the desired profile configured. Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
- Return to the Setup tab.
- The “Auto-detect Invalid Settings”, “Always Select Game”, and “Modify Custom INIs” boxes should be ticked.
- Keep BethINI open.
BethINI Baseline Configuration
Configure BethINI as described in the steps below, which are reflected in the images where applicable. Please do no deviate from these instructions at this time:
| [ Basic ]Click to show/hide
|
- Click the [Default] button and wait until the "Your INI files have been successfully reset to default values." message is displayed.
- Click the [High] preset and wait until the "Video settings have been set for BethINI high quality." message is displayed.
- Please avoid the temptation to click 'Ultra' for now, even if the PC is high-end.
- Tick Recommended Tweaks and wait until the "Recommended tweaks have been automatically applied." message is displayed.
- Window Resolution should match the system resolution.
- Tick Borderless.
- Tick Always Active.
- Untick VSync.
|
| [ General ]Click to show/hide
|
Nothing should need to be changed.
|
| [ Gameplay ]Click to show/hide
|
Tick Remove Borders.
|
| [ Interface ]Click to show/hide
|
Most settings on the Interface tab are up to user preference, but the defaults are fine.
|
| [ Detail ]Click to show/hide
|
The settings on the detail tab can make large differences to performance. Keep the defaults for now.
|
| [ View Distance ]Click to show/hide
|
Change Distant Object Detail Preset to BethINI Medium.
|
| [ Visuals ]Click to show/hide
|
The grass settings on the Visuals tab should be left to the defaults.
|
| [ Custom ]Click to show/hide
|
- Additional shadow tweaks:
- In the Section drop-down, select Display.
- In the Setting drop-down, select fBlendSplitDirShadow.
- Change the value to 512 and click [Save].
- In the Section drop-down, select Display.
- In the Setting drop-down, select iDirShadowSplits.
- Change the value to 2 and click [Save].
- It is recommended to increase the distance that decals will show:
- In the Section drop-down, select Display.
- In the Setting drop-down, select fDecalLOD0.
- Change the value to 12288 and click [Save].
- (Optional) Prevents pop-in, but may cost some performance:
- In the Section drop-down, select LOD.
- In the Setting drop-down, select bMeshLODRenderAllLevels.
- Change the value to 1 and click [Save].
- Recent reverse-engineering research has shown that increasing iMaxAllocatedMemoryBytes improves script performance:
- In the Section drop-down, select Papyrus.
- In the Setting drop-down, select iMaxAllocatedMemoryBytes.
- Change the value to 500000 and click [Save].
- Users who want their flashlight to always be white instead of what their Pipboy is colored can do the following:
- In the Section drop-down, select Pipboy.
- In the Setting drop-down, select bPipboyEffectColorOnLight.
- Change the value to 0 and click [Save].
- It is recommended to increase the Pipboy resolution by doing the following:
- In the Section drop-down, select Display.
- In the Setting drop-down, select uPipboyTargetHeight.
- Change the value to 1400 and click [Save].
- In the Section drop-down, select Display.
- In the Setting drop-down, select uPipboyTargetWidth.
- Change the value to 1752 and click [Save].
- NVidia users should enable NVFlex by doing the following:
- In the Section drop-down, select NVFlex.
- In the Setting drop-down, select bNVFlexEnable.
- Change the value to 1 and click [Save].
- Return to Basic tab, and click [Save and Exit]
|
STEP 3
Plugins & Considerations
Sorting Plugins With LOOT
At any time during the mod installation process, LOOT should be used to sort plugins before running the game. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Sort Plugins
- Relaunch Mod Organizer, if it isn't already running.
- Launch LOOT via MO from the executables drop-down menu at the top of the right pane.
- If LOOT fails to start, try adding the following argument as described in Tools Setup:
--single-process. If LOOT cannot find the game directory, add the path to ../Fallout 4 folder to Install Path under LOOT settings.
- Click the [Sort Plugins] waffle icon at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name.
- Several plugins will show warnings in yellow. The next section describes how to clean them up.
- Click the [Apply Sorted Load Order] checkmark button at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name.
- Close LOOT.
Up to this point, only the following plugins should be listed in the MO right pane in the order listed. (If not, run LOOT again):
- Fallout4.esm
- DLCRobot.esm
- DLCworkshop01.esm
- DLCCoast.esm
- DLCworkshop02.esm
- DLCworkshop03.esm
- DLCNukaWorld.esm
If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now.
Standard Cleaning Procedures
NOTE
There is some debate as to whether or not the vanilla masters for Fallout 4 should be cleaned with xEdit. LOOT will offer warnings informing the users to clean these. These warnings may be ignored, or heeded. There is likely little difference. In testing this guide, uncleaned vanilla masters were used, and no issues were observed. This applies to the following:
- Fallout4.esm
- DLCRobot.esm
- DLCworkshop01.esm
- DLCCoast.esm
- DLCworkshop02.esm
- DLCworkshop03.esm
- DLCNukaWorld.esm
LOOT will often provide yellow 'warning' blocks for 'dirty' plugins that require cleaning with xEdit, which should be performed by following the instructions below, unless otherwise noted.
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Plugin Cleaning
- Run xEditQuickAutoClean from the drop-down executable list in MO.
- On the plugin selection window, double-click on the plugin being cleaned.
- Once xEdit is finished, click [X] at upper right to close. A backup of the original plugin will automatically be saved into (e.g.,
..\xEdit Output\FO4Edit Backups\PluginName.es*.DateTime) inside of xEdit Output mod (or in Overwrite at the bottom of the MO mod list (left) pane if previous instructions were NOT followed!).
- To verify the plugin has been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.
STEP 4
At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation.
IMPORTANT: Please read ALL of the following carefully BEFORE requesting support on the forums!
- This guide can be installed in one of two (2) ways:
- All mods from all ModGroups (mod tables) installed. This installs our recommended lighting and weather setup.
- All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroup, 18-Lighting and Weather. Use this option if you want to configure a different lighting and/or weather setup.
Understanding the Step Patches
A “conflict resolution” patch is a plugin that resolves conflicts between various active plugins. They allow using various mods together that would otherwise be incompatible. The Step Patches are built exclusively for the Step mod build. They are required and are dependent on specific mods as noted by indicators in the mod tables in Step 4. They will not resolve conflicts with any conflicting mod pluginss that are not in this guide.
Step Patches
- Step Patch - Conflict Resolution - required
- Patches all conflicting plugins except for mods in the optional 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup.
- Step Patch - Lighting and Weather - optional
- Patches the 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup
Mod Table Reference
Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this guide.
Mod Table Legend
|
|
|
|
|
Table Flags
|
A red vertical bar indicates that the mod is required by Step Patch - Conflict Resolution.
A yellow bar indicates that the mod is required by Step Patch - Lighting and Weather.
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Mod Name
|
Nexus mod name presented as a link to Nexus for download.
|
|
|
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|
Link to the mod's wiki page, which includes various information about the mod.
|
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Baseline
|
This notes the Step Baseline version or option of the corresponding mod that should be installed, and usually refers to options affecting performance/quality. General suggestions are located in the "Notes" column; see below.
|
|
|
|
|
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Instructions
|
Brief note specifying a recommended install option.
In some cases, mods will have several options. In such cases, click [Expand] to expand the mod row to reveal detailed instructions.
|
Quick Reference
Mod Installation Considerations
- Do not extract BA2 files unless specifically instructed to do so.
- Consider installing additional mod files separately to keep better track of installed options rather than merging all files from the mod together. This is not required, but a recommendation, as it generally helps with maintenance of the mod list in regards to mod updates, and provides a more visible reminder of the installed options. See the discussion here and more instructional information about this here for more details.
- If no Notes or Step recommendations are provided for a particular mod, all options are valid.
- After installing a mod, ALWAYS enable the mod and any related plugins in MO unless otherwise instructed.
- Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each ModGroup and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.
- Mods should be arranged in MO in the order that they are listed to ensure other mods further down the list overwrite/override those occurring before them.
- Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice to use an ESL, always choose that UNLESS continuing a playthrough using a previously-existing savegame (ESL-flagged plugins can 'break' a save that relies on a ESP or ESM version of the same plugin!).
- Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted.
ModGroup Separators
Mod Organizer features the ability to create separators within the mod list to group mods for easier visual reference. Step recommends using these separators for each ModGroup below:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Create MO Separators
- Click at the top of the mod list pane.
- Select [Create Separator], and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting and Weather, etc.).
- Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide.
- Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting Select Color.
01-Tools
- Standalone applications that aid in the management of the modding process
|
|
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|
Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cathedral Assets Optimizer
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Tool Installation
- Make a new folder called
Cathedral Assets Optimizer in your ..\Modding\Tools\ directory you made while following the System Setup Guide.
- Extract the latest MAIN file to the newly created
..\Modding\Tools\Cathedral Assets Optimizer directory.
- Run Cathedral Assets Optimizer.exe
- Click [OK] at the prompt.
- Beside the [Profile] dropdown, click the [New] button.
- Click [OK] at the prompt.
- Name the profile
Step Fallout 4 Profile or similar and click [OK].
- Set the Base Profile to FO4 and click [OK].
- In the BSA tab, ensure that the following are ticked:
- Extract BSA
- Create BSA
- Delete backups [This deletes the backups of the original BA2 archives upon completion and is recommended to save storage space.]
- Delete source files [Be aware that this deletes the source files that are packed.]
- Create dummy plugins
- Allow compression
- Separate textures BSA
- In the Textures tab, ensure that the following are set:
- Necessary optimization
- Generate mipmaps
- Close Cathedral Assets Optimizer.
It is recommended to create a shortcut on the desktop for ease of access.
Usage
This tool is used to modify various mods as noted throughout the guide by following the General usage instructions.
|
02-Extenders
- Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content
|
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
|
|
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F4SE
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Root Files Installation
- Download the main file.
- Open the archive and extract the following files to the Fallout 4 root folder
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4:
- CustomControlMap.txt
- f4se_1_10_163.dll
- f4se_loader.exe
- f4se_steam_loader.dll
Data Files Installation
- In Mod Organizer, install the same archive. At the Install Mods window, type
F4SE Scripts
- Expand the top level to reveal the Data folder. Right-click the Data folder and select [Set ‹data› directory].
- Click [OK] to finish installing the mod.
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|
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Buffout 4
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
| Once installed, double-click on the mod to open up the information window, and ensure the following settings in config.toml ("Text Files" tab):
[Compatibility]
F4EE = true
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Shadow Boost FO4
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
General Installation and Setup
- Install the main file and the ShadowBoostFO4 ini optional file.
- Double-click on the mod in the MO left pane and set the following in
ShadowBoostFO4.ini
[Main]
fMinDistance = 2048.0
fMaxDistance = 6144.0
fDynamicValueFactor = 12.8
[Lod]
fLODFadeOutMultObjectsMin = 5
fLODFadeOutMultObjectsMax = 15
fLODFadeOutMultItemsMin = 3
fLODFadeOutMultItemsMax = 6
fLODFadeOutMultActorsMin = 6.0
fLODFadeOutMultActorsMax = 12.0
fDynamicValueFactor = 0.2
[Grass]
fGrassStartFadeDistanceMin = 1024.0
fGrassStartFadeDistanceMax = 6144.0
fDynamicValueFactor = 25.6
[TerrainManager]
bEnable = 0
NOTES:
- The default key to change setting in-game is the Home key.
- Consider changing the
fFpsTarget setting to a lower or higher value as desired.
- If any of these dynamic changes are too noticeable, tweak or disable them in the in-game menu.
- Do not enable the TerrainManager tweaks, as they will introduce stutter.
- This mod includes the godrays fix to make ultra godrays performance friendly.
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XSE PluginPreloader F4
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Detailed Instructions available
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Visual C++ Redistributable Package
This mod requires the latest Microsoft Visual C++ 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 Redistributable Package to be installed in order to function. Download and install the X86 and X64 installers.
Root Files Installation
- Extract the archive into the root Fallout 4 directory (e.g.
..\SteamApps\common\Fallout 4).
- Open the xSE PluginPreloader.xml file with a text editor.
- Change
<LoadMethod Name="ImportAddressHook"> to <LoadMethod Name="OnThreadAttach"> and save.
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Game Launch Test
At this stage, the preliminary build should be tested to confirm that there are no issues with the modding environment or engine-level mod configurations:
- Start the game by running the F4SE launcher from Mod Organizer. The game should load to the main menu without issue.
- Open the console (~), type in coc RedRocketExt, and press Enter/Return. The game should load at the Red Rocket Truck Stop without issue.
- Exit the game using the
qqq console command or the standard menu options.
If the game launched and loaded as expected, continue forward. Otherwise, all instructions were not followed, and something was missed. Revisit the installation steps above starting with the System Setup Guide in Step 1. If a careful review of the previous instructions does not resolve the issue, post on the guide support forums for help.
WARNING
Beyond this point, DO NOT launch the game again until instructed to do so.Many of the following mods are interdependent, and launching the game prematurely will most likely result in issues or failures. Please DO NOT post on the forums for support of non-issues relating to a failure to RTFM.
03-Resources
- Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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04-Foundation
- Baseline mods that should be overridden by other mods AND/OR that make widely-accepted programmatic changes expected by other mods
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Fallout 4 HD Overhaul 2k
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Install all of the main files via Mod Organizer.
- Alternately (not recommended), install all of the main files directly into the game data directory, overwriting the vanilla texture BA2 files, if you want to save disk space. Performance-wise, there will be no difference. If you do this, you may want to backup the vanilla texture BA2 files to another location. If you do this, understand that if you Verify integrity of game files in Steam, it will erase this mod with the vanilla textures.
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FO4LODGen Resources
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
FO4LODGen Resources
|
-
- Options
- ☑ FO4LODGen.esp
- ☑ FO4LODGen-DLCCoast-WindTurbines.esp
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Langleys HD Textures Workshop
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Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install the main file only.
- Right-click the mod in the left pane and select Open in Explorer.
- Delete the following folders:
- materials
- textures\architecture\buildings
- Copy the folder path to your clipboard.
- Follow the Cathedral Assets Optimizer Usage Instructions.
- Referring to the LOOT Meta Rule Instructions:
- Create a Group rule for Langleys HD Textures Workshop.esp to sort in the Texture Overhauls (the plugin name may vary if you named the mod differently at installation).
- Create a Load After rule for Langleys HD Textures Workshop.esp to load after High Resolution Texture Pack 2K and 4K - Valius.esp (names may vary if you named the mod differently at installation).
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FlaconOils Complete Retexture Project
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install FlaconOil - BA2 Parts 1, 2, and 3 files with the resolution of your choice, merging together into a single mod for easy re-archiving.
- Right-click the mod in the left pane and select Open in Explorer.
- Delete the 3 esp plugin files.
- Copy the folder path to your clipboard.
- Follow the Cathedral Assets Optimizer Usage Instructions.
- Referring to the LOOT Meta Rule Instructions:
- Create a Group rule for FlaconOil's Complete Retexture Project.esp to sort in the Texture Overhauls (the plugin name may vary if you named the mod differently at installation).
- Create a Load After rule for FlaconOil's Complete Retexture Project.esp to load after Langleys HD Textures Workshop.esp (names may vary if you named the mod differently at installation).
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05-Animation and Physics
- Mods that affect animations or physics
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Sprint Reload
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
Sprint Reload
- Introduction
- Installation
|
| {{{1}}}
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06-Models and Textures
- Mods that replace existing models or textures
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
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Better Ammo Boxes
|
medium
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- 1. Install the Better Ammo Boxes Overhaul main file using whatever options you prefer. Here are some suggestions.
FOMOD Instructions
Better Ammo Boxes Overhaul
|
- .308 Ammo Box
- .308 Ammo Box
- ☑ .308 Retexture (Medium)
- .38 Special Ammo Box
- .38 Special Ammo Box
- ☑ .38 Yellow/Black (Medium)
- .44 Magnum Ammo Box
- .45 Auto Ammo Box
- .45 Auto Ammo Box
- ☑ .45 Camo/Green (Medium)
- .50 Cal Ammo Box
- .50 Cal Ammo Box
- ☑ .50 With Writing (Medium)
- 10mm Ammo Box
- 10mm Ammo Box
- ☑ 10mm Retexture (Medium)
- 5.56 Ammo Box
- 5.56 Ammo Box
- ☑ 5.56 Orange/Green (Medium)
- 5mm Ammo Box
- Shotgun Shells Ammo Box
- Shotgun Shells Ammo Box
- ☑ Shotgun Shells Green (Medium)
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- 2. Also install the Far Harbor 45-70 Box Retexture and Nuka World 7.62 Ammo Box files.
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Enhanced Blood Textures
|
Medium
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the EBT_Basic v101 main file only.
FOMOD Instructions
EBT_Basic v101
|
- Custom
- Main
- ☑ Enhanced Blood Textures Main
- Screen Blood
- Blood Mist -Optional-
- Eye Cubemap -Optional-
- Dark Outdoor Cubemap -Optional-
- Screen Duration -Optional-
- Blood Amount and Size -Optional-
- ☐ Small Blood Splatter
- ☐ Limited Blood Decals
- Decals
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Fallout Texture Overhaul PipBoy
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions
FTO Pip-Boy All in one
|
- Pip-Boy Color
- Vanilla
- Holotape
- ScreenBlack
- Optionals
- Optionals
- ☐ Clean Screen
- ☐ Cracked Glass
- ☐ Glass with no cracks
- ☐ Map
- ☐ No Shine
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Far Harbor 3D Tree LODs
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
Far Harbor 3D Tree LODs
|
- Options
- Core Files
- Textures
- Materials
- Billboards
- HD Billboards
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Optimized Vanilla Tree LODs
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
Optimized Vanilla Tree LODs
|
- Options
- Core Files
- Textures
- Materials
- Billboards
- Blasted Tree HD Billboards
- Blasted Burnt Trees
- Blasted Destroyed Trees
- Blasted Forest Fungal Trees
- Maple Tree HD Billboards
- Branchless Maples
- Maples Few Branches
- Maples Many Branches
- Hero Maple Tree
- HD Billboards
- Elm Trees
- Glowing Sea Trees
- Marsh Trees
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Ultimate Window Overhaul Redone
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install only the Ultimate Window Overhaul (.BA2 Version) optional file.
FOMOD Instructions
Ultimate Window Overhaul (.BA2 Version)
|
- Texture Quality and Archive Type
- Version Selection
- ☑ Archived Version (UP TO 4K - .BA2)
- Installation Options
- Reflections; SSR and Cubemaps
- Material Pack Selection
- Cubemap Pack Selection
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07-Sounds and Music
- Mods that affect sounds or music
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Fallout 4 High Quality Audio
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install the 4 main files.
- High Quality Voices Automatron
- High Quality Voices Far Harbor
- High Quality Voices Nuka World
- High Quality Voices Vault-Tec Workshop
- Delete all the esp plugin files.
- Rename the ba2 archives as follows:
| Original archive name |
New archive name
|
| HQAudio1 - Voices.ba2 |
DLCRobot - Voices_en.ba2
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| HQAudio2 - Voices.ba2 |
DLCCoast - Voices_en.ba2
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| HQAudio3 - voices_en.ba2 |
DLCworkshop03 - Voices_en.ba2
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| HQAudio4 - Voices.ba2 |
DLCNukaWorld - Voices_en.ba2
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NOTES: Installing in this manner ensures that this mod does not contribute to increased ba2 usage, as the game has a limit of how many ba2 archives it can load. The archives serve as direct replacements for the DLC sound ba2 archives. Do NOT install the PS4 Voices Fallout 4 Base Game optional file.
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08-Character Appearance
- Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
|
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The Eyes Of Beauty Fallout Edition
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|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the main file according to user preference. Below are suggestions.
FOMOD Instructions
The Eyes of Beauty Fallout Kaleidoscope Edition - All-in-One
|
- Introduction
- Table of Contents
- ☑ Part 1. New Standalone Plugins
- ☑ Part 2. Eyelash Options
- ☑ Part 3. Vanilla Eye Replacement
- ☑ Part 4. Looking Stranger Combo Sets
- ReadMe
- ☑ ReadMe
- ☑ Eye Normal Map Fix
- 1.0 Standalone Options
- Main Plugin
- Optional Plugins
- ☐ All-In-One Compatibility Plugin
- ☑ Looking Stranger Standalone
- 1.1 Plugin Type
- 2.1 Female Lashes
- Female - Thick Lashes
- Female - Full Lashes
- Female - Thin Lashes
- 2.0 Male Lashes
- Male - Thick Lashes
- Male - Full Lashes
- Male - Thin Lashes
- 3.0 Vanilla Eyes
- 4.01 Combo01 (Thin Lash) Left Eye
- Combo01 (Thin Lash) Left Eye Replacers
- ◉ Blue: Volcano Reflection (Default)
- 4.02 Combo01 (Thin Lash) Right Eye
- Combo01 (Thin Lash) Right Eye Replacers
- ◉ Cyborg Surreal: Cyber Punk (Default)
- 4.03 Combo02 (Full Lash) Left Eye
- Combo02 (Full Lash) Left Eye Replacers
- ◉ Hazel-Green: Earth Reflection (Default)
- 4.04 Combo02 (Full Lash) Right Eye
- Combo02 (Full Lash) Right Eye Replacers
- ◉ Hazel-Green: Mystery Light Reflection (Default)
- 4.05 Combo03 (Thick Lash) Left Eye
- Combo03 (Thick Lash) Left Eye Replacers
- ◉ Brown: Dark Brown Reflection (Default)
- 4.06 Combo03 (Thick Lash) Right Eye
- Combo03 (Thick Lash) Right Eye Replacers
- ◉ Hazel: Complex Brown Reflection (Default)
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WX Hair Colors
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
| Install the WX Edited Hair Textures miscellaneous file and the WX All Naturals optional file.
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09-Fixes
- Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
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Instructions
|
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High FPS Physics Fix
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|
Detailed Instructions available
|
General Installation and Setup
- Install the High FPS Physics Fix main file.
- Double-click on the mod in the MO left pane and set the following in
HighFPSPhysicsFix.ini
[Main]
DisableBlackLoadingScreens=true
DisableAnimationOnLoadingScreens=true
[Limiter]
PipBoyFPS=60.0
LoadingScreenFPS=350
FPS Limiter Recommendations
It is recommended to set the InGameFPS FPS Limiter settings in accordance with your hardware to improve latency.
- PC has NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD Freesync video card AND monitor support, set each frame limit (FPS cap) to:
- [monitor refresh rate] - 3 (e.g., 144 Hz monitor should have 141 limit: 144 - 3 = 141)
- PC does NOT have NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD Freesync video card OR monitor support, set each frame limit (FPS cap) to:
- [monitor refresh rate] - 1 (e.g., 60 Hz monitor should have 59 limit: 60 - 1 = 59)
[Limiter]
InGameFPS=??
VSync
The EnableVSync setting should be enabled or disabled depending on your hardware setup. If you are unsure, leave it enabled. Users who have NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD Freesync video card AND monitor support should disable all forms of game VSync and instead enable them in their graphics drivers according to accepted best settings. Reference the guidance here for NVIDIA G-SYNC users and here for AMD Freesync users.
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Pip-Boy Flashlight
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the Pip-Boy Flashlight v6 BETA 3.02 main file using the instructions below. The file has some textures packaged incorrectly, requiring manual installation.
- Select the [Manual] button at the prompt.
- Expand the textures folder.
- Drag and drop the nested Textures folder onto ‹data›.
- Click [OK] to finish installation.
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Previsibines Repair Pack
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install the PRP Resources main file.
- Install the PRP Plugins main file as a separate mod (click [Rename] instead of [Merge] and name it
PRP Plugins).
NOTE: Only install the PRP - Clarity 4.3 Patch if installing Clarity, which is a part of the optional 18-Lighting and Weather mod group.
FOMOD Instructions
PRP Updates
|
- Choose Your Language
- Main Files + Compat Grabbag
- Main Files
- Compat Grabbag
- ☐ PRP - Clarity 4.2 Patch
- ☑ PRP - Clarity 4.3 Patch
- ☐ PRP - Diamond City Ambience Patch
- ☐ PRP - Fogout Patch
- ☐ PRP - Interiors Enhanced Patch
- ☑ PRP - Region Names Patch
- ☐ PRP - Ultra Exterior Lighting Patch
- ☐ PRP - Ultra Interior Lighting Patch
- ☐ PRP - Ultra Interior Lighting Patch (Darker)
- ☐ PRP - JSRS Regions Patch
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10-Gameplay-General
- Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics
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Mod Name
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Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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Equipment and Crafting Overhaul Redux
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
Equipment and Crafting Overhaul (ECO) - Redux
|
- Main Files
- Primary Files
- Texture Size
- DLC Expansions
- ☑ Automatron
- ☑ Far Harbor
- ☑ Nuka World
- Optional
- ☑ ECO Extended INNR
- ☑ RobCo Patcher Support
- ☑ Disable Placed Objects
- Extensions
- Universal Workbench Extensions
- ☐ Auto OMOD Stripper
- ☐ Immersive Hunting Overhaul
- ☐ Universal Disaasembler
- Quick Mod Extensions
- Miscellaneous Extensions
- ☐ Gunsmith Overhaul
- ☐ Standalone Workbenches
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New Equipment Overhaul
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
NEO
|
- Step1
- Modules
- ☑ Base Game
- ☑ DLC - Automatron
- ☑ DLC - Far Harbor
- ☑ DLC - Nuka World
- Optional
- ☑ Complex Sorter Tagging Rules
- ☐ Improved and Extended INNR
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11-Gameplay-AI and Combat
- Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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Settler Sleep AI Fixes
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
| Install the Settler Sleep AI Fixes - ESL main file and the Sleep AI Fixes - Base Game Beds - Replacer - ESL optional file.
|
12-Gameplay-Economy
- Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics
|
|
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
13-Gameplay-Immersion
- Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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Armor Paint Extended
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
Armor Paint Extended
|
- Step1
- Required
- Optional
- ☐ Default Black Synth Armor
- ☑ INNR for Complex Item Sorter users
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CVc Dead Wasteland
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install the main file, and the DLC1 and DLC2 optional files, merging together into a single mod for easy re-archiving.
- Right-click the mod in the left pane and select Open in Explorer.
- Copy the folder path to your clipboard.
- Follow the Cathedral Assets Optimizer Usage Instructions.
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|
See Through Scopes
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
See Through Scopes
|
- Main Mod Settings
- ADD or REPLACE
- DLC
- ☑ Far Harbor
- ☑ Nuka World
- ☑ Install and Merge both DLC's
- Add-ons
- ☐ Install addon patches for other weapon mods
- ☐ Auto-detect and select add-ons
- Tweaks
- ☐ Remove lens reflection when aiming
- ☑ Power Armor Fix
- ☐ Remove Ripple Effect for Recon Scopes
- Patches
- Patches (Optional)
- ☐ Weaponsmith Extended 2
- ☐ Smaller Institute Weapons
- ☐ Take Cover
- ☐ G67 Combat Rifle Replacer
- ☐ Robco Recon Scopes
- ☐ Tactical Reload
- ☐ LString / Weapon Jiggle Remover Patch
- ☐ Improved Prototype Gauss Rifle (CC) Patch
- Animation patches
- ☐ Right Handed Hunting Rifle by Wardaddy
- ☐ Right Handed Handmade Assault Rifle
- ☐ Right Handed Creation Club Anti-Material Rifle
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14-Gameplay-Quests
- Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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Who's The General - Minutemen Quest Cleanup
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
| Install the Who's The General - Minutemen Quest Cleanup (Loose Files Version) main file and the 1 - Keep Radiants in the Commonwealth Patch optional file.
|
15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks
- Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling
|
|
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|
Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
16-Interface
- Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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FallUI - Confirm Boxes
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Confirm Boxes
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - Confirm Boxes
- ☑ Default settings
- Compatibility
- ☐ DavesMod - ESP Explorer
- Default Settings
- Choose your preferred design type
- ☑ Modern (Default)
- ☐ Fancy
- ☐ Classic
- Installation
|
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FallUI - HUD
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: Tick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button only if you have trouble saving the FallUI - HUD layout in MCM. You may need to customize the layout manually to resolve overlapping issues if you tick this the Default settings option.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - HUD
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - HUD
- ☑ Addon: Workshop
- ☑ Addon: PromptMenu
- Settings
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FallUI - Icon Library
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Icon Library
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - Icon Library
- ☑ Default settings
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FallUI - Inventory
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Inventory
|
- Select installation options
- FallUI - Inventory
- ☑ FallUI - Inventory
- ☑ Default settings
- Optional
- FallUI - Inventory Settings
- Do you use bPipboyDisableFX?
- ◉ Yes (Read description!)
- Readme and information
- Please read the following notes
- ☐ Enable 'ArchiveInvalidation'
- ☐ Item Sorter
- ☐ Icons: Icon Library
- ☐ Pipboy: High-Resolution INI-Settings
- ☐ FAQ: Colored Pipboy (Disable Pipboy FX)
|
NOTE: The bPipboyDisableFX=1 setting is included in the plugin INI for There It Is - Satellite Maps For Collectors.
|
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|
FallUI - Map
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Map
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - Map
- ☑ Default settings
- Default Settings
- Choose your preferred design type
- ☐ Uncolored (Default)
- ☐ Colored
- ☑ Colored 4k
- ☐ Colored 8k
- Installation
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FallUI - Sleep and Wait
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Sleep And Wait
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - Sleep and Wait
- ☑ Default settings
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FallUI - Workbench
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FallUI - Workbench
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FallUI - Workbench
- ☑ Default settings
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FIS - The NEW FallUI Item Sorter
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: If updating from an older version, untick the Default settings option and use the [Merge] button.
FOMOD Instructions
FIS - The NEW FallUI Item Sorter
|
- Select installation options
- Main files
- ☑ FIS - FallUI Item Sorter
- ☑ Default settings
- Sorting
- ☐ Light (No sorting plugins)
- ☐ Basic (name reordering for weapon/apparel)
- ☑ Pro (Complex Sorter plugin)
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FO4 Photo Mode
|
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At the manual installation prompt, right-click Data and select Set as directory.
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LooksMenu
|
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Install the main file for your display's aspect ratio.
|
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|
Organized Workbench Menu
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
NOTE: Do not install the DLC addons. That is covered by the Synthesis patcher.
FOMOD Instructions
OrganizedWorkbenchMenu
|
- Game Type
- DLCs/Other Addons
- DLCs
- ☐ Automatron
- ☐ Nuka World
- Mods
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|
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|
|
|
See region names on your save files
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions
See region names on your save files
|
- Step1
- Select a language
- Patches
- Patches for weather mods
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Visible Companion Affinity
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the main file using the following options:
FOMOD Instructions
Visible Companion Affinity EN
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|
17-Locations
- Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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|
Boston Public Library Settlement
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the main file, the Base Object Swapper Light Replacer Config optional file, and the LibraryExtras optional file.
FOMOD Instructions
BPLSettlement
|
- Installation
- Main File
- Compatibility Patches
- ☑ Automatron
- ☐ Previsibines Repair Pack
- ☐ Sim Settlements 2 Chapter 2
|
NOTE: The included Previsbines Repair Pack patch is unnecessary as it will be patched in the Step Patch - Conflict Resolution.
|
18-Lighting and Weather
- Mods that affect lighting and/or weather systems **installation is optional**
|
|
|
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|
Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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True Storms - Wasteland Edition
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
1. Install the main file with the following options.
FOMOD Instructions
True Storms - Wasteland Edition
|
- Page 1 - Main and DLC
- Main Files
- ☑ True Storms (required)
- ☑ Far Harbor DLC (optional)
- Page 2 - Dangerous Glowing Sea
- Page 3 - Dangerous Far Harbor
- Page 4 - Sunset Time
- Sunset Time
- ◉ Earlier Sunset (default)
- Page 5 - Heavy Fogs
|
2. Install the Nuka World Plus Far Harbor Add-On optional file.
3. Disable the following plugin (instructions for disabling plugins):
TrueStormsFO4-EarlierSunsetsFH.esp
|
19-Utilities
- Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets
|
|
|
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|
Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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M8r98a4f2's Complex Item Sorter
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Install the main file as a normal mod in Mod Organizer.
- Create a new empty mod and name it Step Fallout4 - Complex Sorter Output.
- In the right pane, go to the Data tab, and scroll down to locate the Complex Sorter.bat file.
- Right-click Complex Sorter.bat, select Add as Executable, and click [OK] at the name prompt (should default to Complex Sorter).
- Click at the top of the main Mod Organizer window to open the Executables menu.
- Select the new Complex Sorter entry, and click the [...] button to the right of the Start in field.
- Navigate to and select the xEdit installation folder
..Modding/Tools/xEdit.
- Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box. Select the Step Fallout4 - Complex Sorter Output mod from the drop-down.
- Click [Apply] and [OK].
The finished executable will have been configured as follows (items in [brackets] will be specific to your setup).
| Title
|
Complex Sorter
|
| Binary
|
[Driveletter]:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe
|
| Start in
|
[...]\Modding\Tools\xEdit
|
| Arguments
|
/C "[...]\mods\M8r98a4f2's Complex Item Sorter\Complex Sorter.bat"
|
| Create files in...
|
Step Fallout4 - Complex Sorter Output
|
Complex Sorter will be run later in STEP 5 of the guide.
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|
Synthesis
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
| Official and in-depth instructions can be found on the Synthesis wiki page. The following instructions should be sufficient in most cases.
.NET SDK
This mod requires the installation of the .NET 7.0 SDK in order to function. A restart is recommended following installation.
Installation
- Download the Synthesis.zip file and extract it to the Tools folder (e.g.
..\Modding\Tools\Synthesis).
- Create a new empty mod and name it Step Fallout4 - Synthesis Output.
Configure MO Executable
Configure as follows (If necessary, revisit the Tool Setup in the guide.):
| Title
|
Synthesis
|
| Binary
|
Synthesis.exe
|
| Create files in...
|
Step Fallout4 - Synthesis Output
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Synthesis will be run later in STEP 5 of the guide.
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TexGen
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Detailed Instructions available
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NOTE: TexGen for Fallout 4 is included within DynDOLOD 3 Alpha for Skyrim Special Edition.
- Ensure that both x86 and x64 versions of Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019 are installed.
- Download the Main File.
- Extract the archive to the Tools folder (e.g.
..\Modding\Tools\DynDOLOD).
Configure MO Executable
Configure as follows (If necessary, revisit the Tool Setup in the guide.):
| Title
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TexGen
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| Binary
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TexGen64.exe
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| Argument(s)
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-FO4
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NOTE: The output path is defined in the TexGen GUI and NOT in the MO executable configuration.
TexGen will be run later in STEP 5 of the guide.
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20-Patches
- Mods that programmatically resolve load-order conflicts
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Mod List Cleanup
Reiteration of LOOT rules
Various mods throughout the guide include custom LOOT rules that cannot be added to the masterlist, typically because the created plugins would not otherwise exist, and are being used to sort assets as intended. Throughout this guide, you should have already added these rules using the LOOT Meta Rule Instructions. The applicable mods are listed below for easy verification purposes:
Final Sorting and Cleaning
If plugins have not been sorted this session, run LOOT again. Examine the plugins in LOOT for errors or warnings (ignoring the game's default masters at the top of the list). Ignore any reported missing compatibility patches or other warnings. These are either handled by the Step Patches or not of any concern. Perform the standard cleaning procedures on any mods requiring cleaning (except for the game's default masters).
Be aware that the Step Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted plugin order. From this point on:
- Ensure all applicable mods are ticked in the left pane of MO.
- Ensure all plugins are ticked in the right pane of MO.
- Sort the load order using LOOT whenever plugins are added/removed.
- Update LOOT (the program and masterlist) whenever updates are available.
STEP 5
Dynamic Modding
Now that the mod list has been installed, sorted, and finalized, the next step is to run the various utilities that will dynamically apply the finishing touches that wrap it all together.
Setup
It is recommended to make a new separator and call it STEP 5 - Dynamic Mods or similar and move the following empty mods we created into it:
- Step Fallout4 - Complex Sorter Output
- Step Fallout4 - Synthesis Output
Now create three more empty mods below them, naming them as follows:
- Step Fallout4 - TexGen Output
- Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Object Output
- Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Terrain Output
NOTE
Complete the following in order, and ensure that all mods and plugins are enabled and sorted before doing so.
Complex Sorter
M8r98a4f2's Complex Item Sorter will add tags, patch food and drink for use with Immersive Animation Framework, and (if desired) modify item weight for miscellaneous items.
NOTE:
If using a dark theme for xEdit, click [Advanced Options] and tick Dark theme active to correct the foreground/background color on the progress bars.
- Run Complex Sorter from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Click [OK] at the Module Selection prompt to load all plugins.
- Wait for the M8r Complex Item Sorter window to pop up.
- Ensure that it says Purge / New under Mode.
- Under CS plugins, configure as follows:
- ☑ Item Sorter Tags (FIS)
- ☑ FIS (NEW FallUI Item Sorter)
- ☐ INNR Reorderer R88-Style
- ☑ 4estGimp CIS Enhancements II
- ☐ 4estGimp NPC Scaling (Standalone)
- ☑ Add Scrap Component Tags
- ☑ Add Tags To Basic Components
- ☑ Fix Missing Object Template
- ☑ ECO Patcher
- [Configure]
- Step Recommends:
- -= ARMOUR =-
- ☑ Add Entry Point Keyword
- ☑ Add missing INNR
- ☑ Nick can wear Armour
- -= Weapons =-
- ☑ Add Entry Point Keyword
- ☑ Add missing INNR
- -= CRAFTING RECIPES =-
- ☑ Enable Crafting Recipe Processing
- ☑ Ignore Vanilla Items
- ☑ Only move recipes from Chem Station
- ☑ Move Ammo recipes to Ammo Station
- ☑ Move Armour recipes to Armor Station
- ☑ Move Weapon recipes to Weapon Station
- ☐ Move ALCH (aid,food,...) recipes to Utility Station
- ☑ Move MISC (mods,junk,...) recipes to Junk and Utility Station respectively
- ☑ Move NOTE (notes, holotapes,...) recipes to Utility Station
- [✓ OK]
- ☑ Immersive Animation Fr. Patcher
- ☑ Perk Magazine Numbers
- ☑ Quest Tags
- ☑ Radio Tags
- ☑ Valueable Tag
- ☑ Weightless Items
- [Configure]
- Step Recommends:
- ☐ Ingestibles
- ☑ Ammunition
- ☑ Books/Magazines
- ☑ Keys/Passcards
- ☑ Notes/Holotapes
- ☑ Misc (Mods only)
- ☐ Misc (All)
- [✓ OK]
- Ensure that under Record types, all record types are selected.
- Click [✓ Generate Patch]
- Click [OK] at the No R88_SimpleSorter.esp prompt.
- Once the Processing window closes, and the log says "You can close this application now," close the application. There should be no warnings or errors.
The patch has been completed and save to the Step Fallout4 - Complex Sorter Output mod.
Synthesis FOLIP Patcher
We will use the Synthesis FOLIP patcher to add additional LOD information.
- Run Synthesis from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Choose Fallout4 if prompted to choose the game to target.
- Click the Git Repository button, third from top left.
NOTE:
The Blocking Error messages are there because no patchers have been added yet.
- Find FOLIP in the list, and click the [+] button that says Add patcher.
- Wait until it says Ready, then go to FOLIP's Settings and tick the Moveable Statics checkbox.
- Click the triangular [Run] button at bottom left.
- Once the patcher says it has Completed, close Synthesis.
The patch has been completed and saved to the Step Fallout4 - Synthesis Output mod that was set up during installation in Step 4.
TexGen
TexGen will generate custom object LOD textures based on enabled mods.
WARNING
Using higher resolutions than recommended will result in a waste of PC resources with NO BENEFIT. It makes ZERO sense to impulsively increase the resolutions beyond the specifications indicated.
- Run TexGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Set Base size to 256 if it isn't automatically.
- Click [Start].
- Once the completed message has appeared (1-5 minutes, depending on the PC), click [Exit].
- NOTE: If the TexGen window closes itself, post in the DynDOLOD 3 Alpha topic and include
../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/bugreport.txt and any logs created.
- Navigate to the DynDOLOD TexGen_Output folder location (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/TexGen_Output).
- Move the files from the TexGen_Output folder into the Step Fallout4 - TexGen Output mod:
- In MO, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click the Step Fallout4 - TexGen Output mod. Alternatively, right click the mod to open it in an Explorer window.
- Enable the Step Fallout4 - TexGen Output mod in MO.
xLODGen
We will use xLODGen to generate terrain and object LOD. For this guide, we separate generation of terrain LOD from generation of object LOD, even though they can be generated at the same time. We have chosen to do this because:
- Terrain LOD rarely ever needs to be updated.
- Terrain LOD takes the most time to generate.
- Terrain LOD is less difficult to get right the first time.
- Object LOD is more likely to need updating.
- Object LOD is more difficult to get right the first time.
Object LOD
xLODGen is run to generate updated LOD Object textures and meshes so that object LOD is updated with mod changes:
- Ensure that any previous xLODGen generations have been removed, including any generated terrain LOD.
- Ensure the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output) is completely empty.
- Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Tick the following worldspaces in the left pane:
- Commonwealth
- DLC03FarHarbor
- NukaWorld
- Ensure that ONLY the Object LOD box is ticked in the right pane.
- Use the following settings:
- NOTE: Resist the urge to blindly alter the texture resolutions shown, which will only reduce FPS and degrade texture fidelity. The resolution settings do NOT scale object LOD textures in any way, shape, or form, and are instead used to determine the maximum size of textures placed on the atlas for draw call optimization purposes.
xLODGen Object LOD settings
- Click [Generate] to run the process, which will require upwards of 10 minutes, depending on the PC.
- Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.
- NOTE: If the xLODGen window closes itself, post in the xLODGen topic and include
../Modding/Tools/xLODGen/bugreport.txt and any logs created.
Object LOD Wrap-Up
- Browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output).
- In MO, open the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Object Output mod in Windows Explorer (Ctrl + double-click).
- Cut and paste the files from
../xLODGen_Output into the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Object Output folder.
- Copy the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Object Output mod folder path to your clipboard.
- Follow the Cathedral Assets Optimizer Usage Instructions.
Terrain LOD
xLODGen is run again to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes:
- Ensure the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output) is completely empty.
- Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Tick the following worldspaces in the left pane:
- Commonwealth
- DLC03FarHarbor
- NukaWorld
- Ensure that ONLY the Terrain LOD box is ticked in the right pane.
- Use the following settings:
- NOTE: Unless you are running FO4 at ≥ 4k resolution, resist the urge to wastefully increase the texture resolutions shown, which will only reduce FPS with NO BENEFIT. Those running ≥ 4k resolution WILL benefit by doubling the resolution for LOD4, LOD8, and LOD16 from 256 to 512.
- Click [Generate] to run the process, which will require upwards of 20 minutes, depending on the PC.
- Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.
- NOTE: If the xLODGen window closes itself, post in the xLODGen topic and include
../Modding/Tools/xLODGen/bugreport.txt and any logs created.
Terrain LOD Wrap-Up
- Browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output).
- In MO, open the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Terrain Output mod in Windows Explorer (Ctrl + double-click).
- Cut and paste the files from
../xLODGen_Output into the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Terrain Output folder.
- Copy the Step Fallout4 - xLODGen Terrain Output mod folder path to your clipboard.
- Follow the Cathedral Assets Optimizer Usage Instructions.
Synthesis Final
We will run Synthesis again for final setup.
- Run Synthesis from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Un-tick FOLIP.
- Click the Git Repository button, third from top left.
- Find HasDistantLOD in the list, and click the [+] button that says Add patcher.
- Repeat the last two steps, adding POVMessages and WorkbenchOrganizer patchers.
- Wait until it says Ready, then click the triangular [Run] button at bottom left.
- Once the patcher says it has Completed, close Synthesis.
The patch has been completed and saved to the Step Fallout4 - Synthesis Output mod.
When to Regenerate
Dynamic mods will need to be regenerated following certain changes/updates to the mod list.
Complex Sorter
- Whenever there are changes/updates to plugins.
Synthesis
- FOLIP
- Only directly before generating Object LOD.
- Final
- Whenever there are changes/updates to plugins.
TexGen
- Whenever there are changes/updates that modify textures or LODs.
xLODGen
- Terrain LOD
- Whenever there are changes/updates that modify exterior landscapes or landscape textures.
- Object LOD
- Whenever there are changes/updates that modify textures, exterior objects, or LODs.
STEP 6
Mod Configuration Menu (MCM)
The game is now ready to be loaded to configure mods in the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). The MCM allows mod authors to provide custom, game-accessible settings for their mods. Recommendations are provided below for select mods. The remainder are user preference.
First Launch
To run the game, select the F4SE executable from the drop-down list and click the Run button. Keep the following in mind when first launching from a fresh Guide installation:
- A new game is required!
- In other words, don't load from a save after a fresh Guide install to avoid issues. Review the changelog before upgrading from a previous version of this Guide to determine whether or not a new game is advisable.
- Finally, INI files may appear in the Overwrite folder after closing the game. It is recommended to move these files to their respective mod folders, respecting their folder structure during the move.
Mod configuration settings can be set according to user preference. The following are some recommendations.
| ⟡ CCCLeaner ⟡Click to show/hide
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All three settings should be off.
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| ⟡ Configurable Hotkeys ⟡Click to show/hide
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Setting the hotkey for the Wait Menu allows waiting anywhere. It is also useful to set separate hotkeys for the grenade and melee attacks.
 
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| ⟡ Crafting Highlight Fix ⟡Click to show/hide
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| ⟡ DLC Timing ⟡Click to show/hide
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Increasing minimum levels for DLCs effectively disables them until you reach that level.
   
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| ⟡ FallUI - Inventory ⟡Click to show/hide
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Optionally add the local time to the Pipboy. Colors can be changed as desired.
 
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| ⟡ FIS - FallUI Item Sorter ⟡Click to show/hide
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- Turn on Enable auto tagging feature
- Set variations to use 4estGimp's armor icons.
  
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| ⟡ Fixes and Tweaks ⟡Click to show/hide
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- Set Hacking Mini-Game Maximum Words to 20.
- Click Reset Lockpicking and exit the MCM menu.
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| ⟡ Immersive Animation Framework ⟡Click to show/hide
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Enable/disable animations for eating food and drink depending on combat.
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| ⟡ Immersive HUD ⟡Click to show/hide
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Turn on Immersive HUD Enabled.
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| ⟡ LIF ⟡Click to show/hide
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Inject All Forms can be used to inject DLC items into the leveled lists.
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| ⟡ MCM Booster ⟡Click to show/hide
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Turn on Booster enabled.
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| ⟡ MCM Categorizer ⟡Click to show/hide
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MCM menus can be categorized with this MCM menu. Here is an example:
- Fixes
- CCleaner
- Crafting Highlight Fix
- MCM Booster
- Terrain Undersides
- HUD
- Immersive HUD
- MCM Categorizer
- MCM Settings
- Photo Mode
- QuickTrade
- XDI
- FallUI
- FallUI - Inventory
- FallUI - Confirm Boxes
- FallUI - HUD
- FallUI - Icon Library
- FallUI - Map
- FallUI - Sleep And Wait
- FallUI - Workbench
- FIS - FallUI Item Sorter
- QOL
- Configurable Hotkeys
- Hotkey Manager
- Persistent Volume Sliders
- Visible Companion Affinity
- Gameplay
- BS Defence
- DLC Timing
- ECO
- Fixes and Tweaks
- Immersive Animation Framework
- LIF
- See Through Scopes
- Toggleable Night Vision
- Workshop
- Workshop Framework
- Workshop Rearranged
- Visuals
- Sun Alignment Tweaks
- True Storms
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| ⟡ Photo Mode ⟡Click to show/hide
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Setting a hotkey to open Photo Mode is recommended.
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| ⟡ QuickTrade ⟡Click to show/hide
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Step Recommends: Set the NPC Greeting Distance to 85.
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| ⟡ Toggleable Night Vistion ⟡Click to show/hide
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- Set a hotkey to toggle night vision effect.
- Step Recommends: Turn on Use mod provided night vision effect.
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| ⟡ Terrain Undersides ⟡Click to show/hide
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Leave default unless the underside peeks through and becomes visible (it has not been noticed to do so in testing).
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| ⟡ Visible Companion Affinity ⟡Click to show/hide
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- Setting the Companion Image Color to Colored is recommended.
- There is no need to enable the Item Sorting Compatibility since we use Complex Item Sorter.
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| ⟡ Workshop Framework ⟡Click to show/hide
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- Enable Power Grid Auto-Repair
- Enable Power Grid Auto-Destroy
- Enable Autoplay Messages
 
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Become a part of the Step Team
About Step
Created by TheCompiler (Daniele Ferraro), Step is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced, modded game. Thus, the Step Guides provide detailed, well-tested build instructions for a solid, modded game that achieves an enhanced, vanilla experience.
The Step team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the Step Community Forums. Posting rules apply, so be sure to read and follow them. Engage and enjoy a warm welcome and plenty of high-quality support from a large community of experienced members.
Step Modifications can only get better with contributions and help from the community. It is very time consuming for the Step team to ensure that Step's Game Guides are consistently maintained at the highest quality possible. As such, we rely on the community. Whether a regular user or a knowledgeable modder, below are some ways to contribute in maintaining Step as a reliable, high-quality resource:
All members of the community can help build the Guides they love and utilize for their own games. Step relies on the community (e.g., you) to help identify mods that improve the vanilla game while adhering to our Mandate through mod suggestions. We also need ongoing bug reports, feedback, reviews, and updates on included mods that may cause problems or that stray from the Mandate. This help can be as simple as reporting an encountered bug or as extensive as providing a one-off review of a mod based from personal experience with it.
In order to suggest a mod for inclusion in this Guide, visit the Mods section of the forums and use the Create Mod Topic button on the editor toolbar.
Staff Roles
There are official staff roles that are almost always open for new candidates.
Community members interested in becoming a member of the Step staff, please contact any Administrator or Step Staff member on the forums. Please include some idea of the role desired and include strengths and weaknesses within that role! For example, if applying for a Curator include the game desired to curate, strengths (xEdit, conflict resolution, texture editing), and weaknesses (mesh work, CK, scripting). This gives Step some initial idea of the candidate's skill sets.
Forum Moderators
Most of the moderation work for our Moderators is simply to keep topics on track and do general forum maintenance; such as moving topics to the correct forum and handling spammers. Very rarely does moderation on the Step forums end up in warnings and bannings (and we all like it that way). To be effective Moderators, community members who desire this role are expected to be familiar with the Step community and actively involved. As such, Moderator criteria is be based upon level and quality of activity within our community. Moderators will be expected to be more familiar with the Community Guidelines than the average member and be able to remain unbiased in their moderating.
Guide Curators
Guide Curators are the super-stars of the staff at Step Modifications. They are those who curate the Guides for members. Guide creation, growth, and maintenance takes a lot of time, effort, and skill. As such, Curators are generally required to be of a higher skill-level than the average modder. In an ideal world there would be 2-4 Curators per Guide. However, Curators are often working alone on Guides; thus, they require the knowledge and skills to be able to follow Mandate while building mod lists, patches, and writing all Guide and ancillary content in a way members can easily follow. This is no small feat for a single staff member to do! For more information about Guide Curation, see Game Guide Curation.
Testers
Generally, Testers are required to maintain a non-deviated Guide installation from which to install and test mods that are tagged for testing on the forums, as well as, general testing of Guides as a whole with the goal of finding bugs, issues, possible improvements, etc. Testers will be given access to Staff forums that house useful information on the Guides they test for. For more information about our testing process, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense of what's involved.
Thank you for reading and enjoy the game!
Credits
The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):
- The authors of mods recommended within our guides
- The authors of mods who granted permission for their mods to be incorporated into the Step Patches
- The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input
- The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses
- sheson for DynDOLOD and all things LODGen
- The Nexus community
- Bethesda Softworks for their games
- Tannin for the gift that is Mod Organizer
- All the developers that kept MO going
Personnel
Testers
- D1Z4STR
- Mercury71
- Mousetick
Step Administrators
- DoubleYou
- Greg
- TechAngel85
- z929669
Retired Staff
- Aiyen
- Bealdwine
- deathneko11
- EisDrache
- EssArrBee
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- Farlo
- frihyland
- GrantSP
- hishutup
- Kelmych
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- MontyMM
- Nebulous112
- oqhansoloqo
- phazer11
- rootsrat
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- stoppingby4now
- TheCompiler
- torminater
- Uhuru
- WilliamImm
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NOTE:The Blocking Error messages are there because no patchers have been added yet.
