User:Kesta/FO4PersonnalGuide

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The beginning

Installing Fallout 4

Head to steam, buy the game if you haven't already, and download. For easier modding support, make sure that Steam is installed OUTSIDE your program files.
Don't use the Beta, it make modding more tricky and very uncomfortable (Beth tried to disable it for the Beta, to avoid mod-related bug report. It make sense, but we don't want that for a modding guide... ^^)

Setting some things up

Make sure you have the latest drivers for your GPU. This is especially true if using an AMD video card, as some of the not-so-outdated-but-a-little-bit drivers will lead to a crash on the FO4 main menu.
AMD users : see here
nVidia users : see here

Once your computer is ready, the first thing to do is to initalize your game once to get all the ini files created.
The nicest way to do it is to download fINIp 4, and run it : fINIp 4

Choose and install a mod manager

Only NMM have been properly updated for Fallout 4. This is in my opinion the best choice until Mod Organizer 2 is more stable and reliable. An other alternative is Wrye Flash, which also have been updated for FO4 support.

Mod Organizer 2
Wrye Flash
Nexus Mod Manager

Installing FO4Edit

A good thing to do in those obscure time is also to grab a copy of FO4Edit so you can checks the mods you install yourself.
Some early mods have been released with a lot of errors, so checking them with FO4Edit to ensure they aren't to risky for your playthrough and savegame is a good habit.
Read more about this specific issue here : On Bethsoft Forum
And here if you have access to this section : Nexus Mod Authors Forum

FO4Edit

Download manually and extract the archive in a suitable location. Using a "Modding Tools" or similar folder is strongly advised to keep all your modding utilities together.

To get it working properly, create a shortcut to TESVEdit.exe, and under the "target" field of the shortcut, add the following argument :
-fo4 -edit

If you're using a non-english version of the game, you'll also need the following two arguments :
-l:XX -cp:utf-8

Instead of XX, put your country's shortcut (example : fr for french). This way FO4Edit will automatically load the proper string files.

Adjusting your settings

You can skip this if you can play on Ultra. If you can't, two things to test before down-grading to much is to

- Disable Godrays
- Set Shadow Distance to Medium

If you still can't have a nice FPS with it, use a lower setting that match your computer's performance. Some settings having a high quality/performance ratio, and thus should be maxed out :

- Anisotropy -> Set it to 8x. Performance hit is only noticeable at 16x, but 8x look 1000x time better than 0 or 2x.
- Anti-Aliasing -> TAA. There is a small performance hit, but TAA look infinitely better than FXAA (not even talking about no-AA at all).
- Texture Quality -> Maximal. Very few differences, but the perfomance hit is close to 0.

Further INI tweaking

Go to ...\My Documents\My Games\Fallout4

In Fallout4.ini

Put bInvalidateOlderFiles=1 in the [Archive] section, so loose files will load through the game.

[Archive]
bInvalidateOlderFiles=1

In Fallout4Prefs.ini

Make sure iShadowMapResolution is at least 2048. Even if it cost some FPS, 1024 is way too ugly to play.

iShadowMapResolution=2048

Put bEnableFileSelection=1 in the [Launcher] section, so you'll be able to use plugin-based mods.

[Launcher]
bEnableFileSelection=1

External sources :
A lot of decent advices can be found here : A data vault of tweaks and fixes
Just avoid bMouseAcceleration (Placebo) and uGridToLoad (dangerous BS) tweaks mentionned there.

Other interesting tweaks are available here : Useful INI Settings

Installing extenders and injectors

Fallout 4 Script Extender

F4SE have alreayd been released. For now, it only allow you to customize the controls for your game. No other interest for now, and some people have been noticing a few bugs, so If you don't have to remap your controls, better avoid it for now. Though it still allow to launch the game without having to see the Launcher.

Download F4SE

Download the 0.1.1 version (7z archive) Extract the archive in a temporary folder, and move f4se_loader.exe, f4se_1_1_30.dll and f4se_steam_loader.dll into your installation folder.

To customize keymapping (extract from F4SE readme) :
- customization of internal keymappings
Copy CustomControlMap.txt to Data\F4SE\CustomControlMap.txt.
Edit that file to set your bindings. The format is the same as Skyrim, it's a space-separated file.
The first column is the name of the internal keybind. The second column is the keyboard scan code that should activate the bind in hex, or 0xFF if unbound. Use google to find a table of scan codes. The third column is for mice, the fourth for controllers. The next three columns control whether or not a control should be written to the user's config file. The final column specifies which input layer the bind is associated with - you will probably not want to change that.

ENBoost

Not as critical as its Skyrim counter-part, ENBoost allow you to disable fake NPC-lighting without having to enter the command manually each time you load the game.
No performance hit. You also have a nice FPS counter available at will (* key on your numpad).
Download Binaries

Click on the latest binaries available, and on the next page on the "download" button.
Extract the archive in a temporary folder
Copy d3d11.dll, d3dcompiler_46e.dll and enblocal.ini in your installation folder.

Official Nexus Page
There is some informations and preset here regarding the ForceFakeMemorSize parameter. Leaving it at default (disabled) is recommanded for lower configuration. Only systems with a lot of RAM will take advantage of this.

ReShade

ReShade is a framework to enhance post-processing. There is already a bunch of preset available over Nexus.
Download is here : ReShade

Extract the archive in a temporary folder, rename ReShade64.dll to dxgi.dll, and put dxgi.dll, ReShade.fx, and the ReShade folder with all of its content to your Fallout 4 installation folder.

Shadow Boost

Remember the advice earlier about setting shadow distance to medium to drastically increase performance ? Well, here is a fix. This will allow you to set a desired FPS. If you still have the desired FPS, it will increase the Shadow Distance. If they start dropping, it'll reduce it until you go back to your actual FPS value.
Download Binaries

Extract the archive in a temporary folder, and move ShadowBoost.asi, ShadowBoost.ini and xinput1_3.dll in your installation folder.

You can open ShadowBoost.ini to adjust parameters (target framerate, min/max drawdistance, and the speed at which the draw distance change).

Official Nexus Page

Installing a ReShade Preset

Installing a ReShade is rather straightforward. Go to the nexus page, download manually, extract, and copy-paste the files so they overwrite the ones installed with the FrameWork. Note that this way of doing things will result in a need to completely uninstall and reinstall ReShade when switching between presets until a proper manager is out.

Recommanded presets

Shadow Of Boston - 1.0 - by MangaClub
A bleak/sinister preset, perfect for the wasteland. The best in this category. Close to 0 performance hit, and very nice interiors.

Cinematic Excellence - 5.6 - by Archalyus
The highest quality preset currently available. Carefull for the performance hit ! There is a performance version available if your PC can't handle the main file.

Time to mod !

User Interface

Time on loading screen - 1.0 - by Neanka

UXO - User Experience Overhaul - 0.14 - by necromunger

Improved Inventory - 0.0.2a - by Neanka
Override UXO

Full Dialogue Interface - 7.1b - by shadwar and Cirosan

Improved Map - 1.2 - by mm137 OR FTO-Pip-Boy (Map only, in optionnal files) - 2.1 - by Nebulla

BugFixes & Annoyances removal

Creature Blood Texture Fix - 1.0.1 - by SLXJ

Dead Body Collision - 1.0 - by MadAce

Faster terminal Display - 2.0 - by Old Nick
x5 is enough

Simple Bug Fixes - 2.06 - by MookityBonnie

Mo Betta Scrap - 0.28 - by Citre

Textures - environment

Optimized vanilla Textures - 1.07 - by Myst
A set of optimized textures, very little quality loss for a small performance improvement. Use the Full BSA download.

FAR - Faraway Area Reform - 1.1 - by PidgeyPrince
Grab both files.

WET - Water Enhancement Textures - 1.5 - by PidgeyPrince

FO4 RAIN - 3.0 - by Ramccoid

Radiant Clouds and Fogs - 1.01 - by MangaClub

Rock On - 09beta - by 3AMt

Better Quarry Sights - 2.2 - by LucidAPs

Vivid Fallouts - Landscapes - 1.1 - by Hein84
2K Textures. Normals Maps if you're PC is ok.

Jesters Better Destroyed Vehicles - 1.0 - by Jester

New Road Enhanced - 2.0 - by Rufus696

Improved Sanctuary Bridge - 01 - by jensen01

Langleys Workshop - 0.2 - by Langley

Fallout Textures Overhaul Stars - 1.0 - by Gorgulla

FO4 MOON - 3.0 - by ramccoid
Use size x2 Moon because the bigger, the better.

Textures - Equipment

You can pick a customized Vaultsuit color here : Vault Suits Recolor - 0.9 - by akalor
Or a high-quality custom-made with Proto Vault Suit - 1.2 - by nitronizer

Immersive Wastelanders Ammunitions - 1.0 - by Atrioch

No Combat Armor Skin Decal - 0.1 - Milacetious
In case you don't want to be Cap'tain america.

New Double Barrel Shotgun Textures - 1.0 - by Millenia

4K Black Suit and Tuxedo - 1.1 - by TwistedMethod

Fallout Textures Overhaul Power Armors -1.1 - by Gorgulla

Fallout textures Overhaul PipBoy - 2.3 - by Gorgulla
Choose 2K or 4K, and vanilla-color or darker color.

Textures - Other

Weathered First Aid Kit - 1.0 - by Kazeite
Use the "Weathered First Aid Kit". The Heavily version can look out of place in some locations.

Improved Pre-War Money - 1.0 - by Zaldiir

Pre-War Retextures - 0.2 - by TheMatthewBe

Comics Got Back - 2.0 - by tonicmole

Mentats Redux - 1.2 - by herpderp2332

High Resolution Pack - Valius - 1.1 - by Valius

Enhanced Blood Textures - 0.08 - by dDefinder
Normal color match the vanilla atmosphere better.

Alternate Rugs - 0.3a - by Stuyk
Pick three that fit your fancy, no matter the order as long as you choose 3 differents ones.

FTO Pip-Boy - Holotape - 2.3 - by Gorgulla
(Holotape file only in optionnal download)

Better Computer Terminals - 1.0 - by Jomla97
"Dirtier" option

Chem Redux - 2.3 - by Derp No Glow Version

Textures - NPCs

Immersive Mouth and Teeth - 2.2 - by ClearanceClarence

Med-Tek Facial Reconstruction - Eyes - 1.0 - by Xenius

Lore-Friendly Ghoul Eyes - 1.0 - by Pommymax
Nuclear Edition

Sounds Improvements

No More Cash Register Sound - 1.0 - by LiquidBronze
Remove the gling-gling sound everytime you gain xp.

P.A.M.S. - Power Armor Movement Sounds - 1.1 - by ONIXer
Pick Heavy + Hydraulic

Towbie's Realistic Weapon Sounds -0.56 - by towbiekun

Visuals

Lowered Weapons - 1.1 - by lesma666

PipBoy Shadows - 0.4 - by McGuffin
Headlamps only version, the shadow pipboy by themsleves look weird and glitchy, and can cost a lot of FPS.

Shell Rain - 1.0 - by pauderek

Darker Nights - 1.10.1 - by unforbidable
FOMOD settings :

- Darkness Level : Medium (level 3)
- Sky :Vanilla
- Detection : Automatic
- Night Vision : Alternative (no matter the tint)

- Night Vision Strength : Moderate

Fog Out - 5 - by g10stpd
Interiors only

Realistic Lights - 1.2 - by Fr4nsson
Indoor only

Brighter Settlement Lights - 1.2 - by Elvani FOMOD settings :

- Pick a version : Brighter

Settlements

Expanded Settlements Buildings - 1.0 - by FloorBelow

Homemaker - 1.13 - by NovaCuru

Longer Powerlines - 1.1 - by Puma361

Increased Settler Population with Infinite Settlement Budget - 1.2 - by Puma361
Grab main file and NoObjectLimit under update.

Simple Intersection - 0.51 - by Draco856
+ Homemaker Patch

Crafting

Armorsmith Extended - 1.71 - by Gambit77
+ Update : Armorsmith Extended (No Torso Mods On Headgear) v1.71

Craftable Alcohol - 1.4.4 - by ShinraStrife FOMOD settings :

- Main Options : Realism

- Fermentable Foodstuffs 
- Reworked Bottle Loot
- Crafttable Bottles

Craftable Melee Weaponry - 1.02 - by Xylozi FOMOD settings :

- With Perks

Craftable Ammunition - 1.13 - by Xylozi FOMOD settings :

- Core

- Core Recipes - With Perk Restrictions

- Component Recipes - Normal

- Fusion Core with Perks

- Nuka Grenade with Perks

New items

Gloves of the commonwealth - 1.1 - by fadingsignal

Wearable Travel Backpack - 1.1 - by Aldebaran90

Looting

Pre War Safes - 1.1 - by Armstrad

Credits and Thanks

Kelmych - I stole his background picture. He don't know it yet, so, sshhhh
DoubleYou and InsanePlumber - Some great INI tweaks mentionned here, and more to come ;)