FalloutNV:1.0.0

FalloutNV v1.0.0

Changelog   |   Release Date: August 1, 2021

WARNING

This guide is out of date and is NOT supported! It may contain information that is incorrect or not in line with the current state of the game.
Go to the latest supported FalloutNV Guide.

This Release

This is our first release of the Step Fallout: New Vegas guide (see Step Versioning Documentation. This is also a special release, since it is the first official Step guide created and maintained by an adjunct staffer or "Guide Curator", Majorman. This guide is essentially an 'official' fork of ex-Step staffer, EssArrBee's, "Fear & Loathing In New Vegas". As such, this guide adheres to the Step Mandate and conforms to the quality and performance expectations of all official Step Guides.

Since this is the furst iteration of the guide, the Changelog will show only applicable post-release changes.

• Visit the FalloutNV forums, and provide feedback related to this guide.
• Also follow Step Modifications on Facebook.
• To support hosting and maintenance of this website, consider donating to the project.

About Step

A Foreword

Created by TheCompiler, 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 Skyrim. Thus, the Guide provides detailed, well-tested build instructions for a solid modded Skyrim that achieves an enhanced, vanilla experience. It's meant to be installed in its entirety and not piecemeal.

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.

New to Modding?

We recommend that you ...

• read through this Guide at least once before attempting installation.
• follow all linked guides and read through them, as well.

There is a lot of information to absorb and learn in order to successfully build a modded game. We and the community, have brought together a lot of this information into guides as a free and hopefully convenient 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 our users.

Nomenclature

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: An installation of a mod using the recommend file option listed within the Baseline column of the mod tables below.
• Step Patches: A "patch" is a plugin that allows two or more mods to work together without conflicting. The Step Patches are such plugins, but allow all of the mods in the Step Guide to work harmoniously together. Some users refer to this as a conflict resolution patch or "CR Patch".

Minimum System Requirements

We recommend the following hardware configuration for running a Step SkyrimSE installation at a resolution of 1920x1080. The minimum requirements will allow most users to install and run the Baseline options, which match SkyrimSE's recommended requirements. Our recommended requirements below will allow most users to install and run the Guide using higher quality options with all of the Guide's optional components (Lighting & Weather, ENB, etc.).

Users wishing to install high quality options at resolutions higher than 1920x1080, be advised a more powerful system will likely be required than what is listed below.

Hardware	Minimum	Recommended
Windows OS	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
CPU	Intel Core i5-3470 or equivalent	Intel Core i5-4670 or equivalent or better
System RAM	8 GB	8 GB or higher
GPU	Nvidia GTX 780 3GB / AMD R9 290 4GB	Nvidia GTX 970 or equivalent or better / 4GB VRAM or higher
Drive Space	~34 GBs (includes game+guide)	~36 GBs (includes game+guide)
Monitor Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080 or higher

Time Requirement

Users should be aware that it will usually take anywhere from several hours to a several days to complete this Guide from start to finish. Since this is a start to finish process, a recommend schedule for completing it is:

Day 1 : Steps 1 - 3

Day 2 : Step 4

• Step 4 is installing all the mods. Depending on download speeds and previous modding knowledge, this step could span 1-3 days.

Final Day : Finish the remainder of the Guide.

The overall message here is that Step encourages users to always follow proper computer ergonomics when modding! Remember to take breaks and happy modding!

STEP 1

Game & Tool Installation

Preliminary Step: Get your Direct X 9 Support

Before you start with the System Setup make sure you've downloaded and installed the Direct X Runtime Libraries:

1. Follow the link to Microsoft's page.
2. Download the archive to a location of your choice.
3. Double-click on the file to install.

Follow the System Setup Guide!

Those who have not completed the System Setup Guide should STOP and do so now BEFORE continuing this guide! This is a perquisite for completing any of the Step Bethesda mod-build guides.
NEW GUIDE FOLLOWERS: Deviate from these instructions at your own risk! Instructions in this guide presume that previous instructions have been followed.

STEP 2

Tool Configuration

Mod Organizer - Fallout New Vegas Initialization

FIRST, follow the System Setup Guide. The below instructions describe how to initialize a Fallout New Vegas (FNV) instance in Mod Organizer (MO). If MO wass installed as a Portable application, the instructions below will need to be reinterpreted accordingly. Those who already have a MO instance for FNV can skip this initialization:

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Initialization Instructions

1. Launch MO by running its executable (e.g. ..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe)
2. Upon load, click the Instance Manager button on the tool (first button).
3. Click [Create new instance] button.
4. Select Fallout New Vegas and click [Next].

   If it didn't find the game, users can manually browse to the game's location.

5. Name the instance something like Step Fallout New Vegas or keep the default. Click [Next].
6. (optional) change the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click [Next].
7. A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click [Finish].
8. MO is now ready to use with this guide.

Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Profile Setup

Mod Organizer's profile feature allows the creation of multiple mod-builds. Begin by creating/editing two profiles for use with this guide:

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Profile Setup Instructions

1. Launch MO, choosing the Fallout New Vegas Instance.
2. On the Default profile, arrange the mods in the left pane in the following order:
   1. FalloutNV.esm
   2. DeadMoney.esm
   3. HonestHearts.esm
   4. OldWorldBlues.esm
   5. LonesomeRoad.esm
   6. GunRunnersArsenal.esm
   7. ClassicPack.esm
   8. MercenaryPack.esm
   9. TribalPack.esm
   10. CaravanPack.esm
3. Click the button on the menu bar.
4. Select the Default profile.
5. Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked and click [Copy].
6. Name the new profile Step Fallout New Vegas, or anything similar.
7. Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked.
8. Close the window by clicking [Close].
9. Select the Step Fallout New Vegas profile from the profile selection down-drop.
   • If users receive a notice saying some INI files were missing and will be copied. This is normal.
   • If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if one hasn't been done yet).
10. Now click the button and select [Create empty mod].
11. Name it xEdit Output.

Tool Setup

All tools installed in the System Setup Guide should be added to MO. Some tools will have been auto-detected and added; however, ensure the settings below are set correctly for all tools. xEdit is used in this example:

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Tool Setup Instructions

1. Click the button at the top of the main Mod Organizer window.
2. Over the left pane of the executables config, click the [+] to add a new executable, and then [Add from file...].
3. Navigate to the TES5Edit.exe file (e.g. ..Modding/Tools/xEdit/TES5Edit.exe).
   • This should auto-fill most of the fields.
4. Change the title to xEdit.
5. Input the following in the Arguments field separated by a single space:
   • e.g. -IKnowWhatImDoing -fnv -edit -AllowMasterFilesEdit
   • "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits.
   • "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This allows users to edit these files.
6. Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box. Select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
7. Tick the Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts box.
8. Click [Apply].
9. Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table below:

Tool Setup Reference for Fallout New Vegas

NOTE:

For tools previously installed, simply adjust the arguments below for use with Skyrim SE.

Executable	Title	Argument(s)
TES5Edit.exe	xEdit	-IKnowWhatImDoing -FNV Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
TES5EditQuickAutoClean.exe	xEditQuickAutoClean	-FNV Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
LOOT.exe	LOOT	--game="FalloutNV"
xLODGen.exe	xLODGen	-lodgen -FNV -o:"Drive:\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output" Replace Drive: with the path before the 'Modding' folder.

Users can 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.

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.

BethINI Initialization

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Initialize BethINI

1. Close MO2 and run BethINI (e.g. ..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe).

   If prompted by Windows protection, click More Info and then [Run anyway].

2. When BethINI launches, select "Fallout New Vegas" from the game selection box.
3. Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
4. Go to the Setup tab and ensure the
   • Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g. ..\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas).
   • 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, browse to the applicable MO2's /Profile folder.
     • Select the Step Fallout New Vegas 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.
     • BethINI should restart whenever the INI path changes in order to associate the MO2 profile information.
5. Return to the Setup tab.
   • The “Automatically Check for Updates”, “Auto-detect Invalid Settings”, “Always Select Game”, and “Modify Custom INIs” boxes should be ticked.
   • If BethINI will be used for multiple games from a single installation, the “Always Select Game” box should be ticked.
6. Keep BethINI open.

BethINI Setup

BethINI Basline Configuration

Users should now continue through each of the tabs within BethINI, matching the screens below. Again, please do no deviate from these instructions at this time. Click the header to see important notes:

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Basic

 

• Window Resolution should match the system resolution.
• Click the [High] preset for the initial setup.
• The recommended Antialiasing is "8x" for the initial setup.
• The recommended Anisotropic Filtering is "16x".
• Tick the boxes next to:
  • "Transperancy AA"
  • VSync
  • Enable File Selection

Please avoid the temptation to click 'Ultra' for now, even if the PC is high-end.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] General

 

• The Screenshots directory, Filename, and Index can be set to whatever the user desires. Screenshots are taken by pressing the Print Screen button on the keyboard (PrtSc).
• Untick the box next to "Intro Logos".

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Gameplay

 

NPC Use Ammo is optional. The developers haven't provided NPCs with a substantial amount of ammo, so they will run through it pretty fast and then be forced to engage in melee, making the game easier in the process.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Interface

 

• Users that require subtitles may enable them here.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Detail

 

• Water and Shadow quality can be increased or decreased based on performance. For baseline setup, leave them as-is.
• Optionally, "Decal Quantity" can be increased to Medium or High.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] View Distance

 

• The Object, Actor, and Item fade values are user preference.
• Set "Light Fade" to 10240
• Set Grass Fade to 17000
• uGridsToLoad should never been changed from vanilla's default of 5.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Visuals

 

Do not change anything.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Custom

 

• Section drop-down select Display.
  • Set fLightLODStartFad to 10240
  • Set fLightLODRange to 10240
• Return to Basic tab, and click [Save and Exit].

STEP 3

Cleanup and Considerations

LOOT

At any time during the mod installation process, LOOT should be used to sort plugin load order before running the game. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game. Users not running the game during the mod installation step of the Guide can wait to sort after this step is complete. To sort with LOOT:

1. Launch LOOT via Mod Organizer 2 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 ../Skyrim Special Edition folder to Installed Path under LOOT settings.
2. Click the [Sort Plugins] icon at the top of the LOOT window.
3. Several plugins will show warnings. The next section describes how to clean them up.
4. Click [Apply] button, which has replaced the Sort button at the top.
5. Close LOOT.

NOTE

When running LOOT before completing the Step Guide, additional warnings may be indicated. These will all be addressed by the end of this Guide.

Up to this point, users should only have the following plugins, in the order listed:

1. FalloutNV.esm
2. DeadMoney.esm
3. HonestHearts.esm
4. OldWorldBlues.esm
5. LonesomeRoad.esm
6. GunRunnersArsenal.esm
7. ClassicPack.esm
8. MercenaryPack.esm
9. TribalPack.esm
10. CaravanPack.esm

If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now.

Cleaning Vanilla Master Files

Step no longer recommends cleaning the vanilla masters, since this has always been unnecessary. See the relevant posts for details and further reading. We continue to provide general plugin cleaning instructions for those mods that may require it.

NOTE

For those that have previously-cleaned vanilla masters, please feel free to continue using them. It is also fine to revert to the uncleaned vanilla masters. Effectively, there is no difference.

Standard Cleaning Procedures

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Toggle cleaning procedures...

1. Run xEditQuickAutoClean from the drop-down executable list in MO2.
2. On the plugin selection window, double-click on the mod being cleaned (e.g. Update.esm).
3. 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/FNVEdit Backups) inside of xEdit Oputput mod (or in Overwrite at the bottom of the MO mod list (left) pane id previous instructions were NOT followed!).
4. To verify the plugin hase been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.

Understanding the Step Patches

A “conflict resolution” patch, or CR Patch, is a plugin that resolves conflicts between various active plugins. They allow users to use various mods together without any major issues, while still achieving the desired outcome from the mods. Thus, the Step Patches are one part patch and one part mod.

The Step Patches are built specifically for the Step mod list. They are required to run the this Guide and are dependent on specific mods within the mod list (those tagged at left with a green vertical bar). They will not resolve conflicts with any applicable mods that are not within the Guide's mod list, though.

Step Patches

1. Step SkyrimSE - Conflict Resolution Patch (Step CR Patch)
   • For those that would opt for their own custom lighting and weather mods
   • Patches all applicable mods except for Lighting & Weather mods
   • Required for all users!
2. Step SkyrimSE - Lighting & Weather Patch (Step LW Patch)
   • For those that are using Guide's lighting and weather mod from the Lighting & Weather mod group.
   • Patches only the applicable Lighting & Weather mods; the CR Patch is still required!

STEP 4

Step FalloutNV Mod List

At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation. Those unfamiliar with using MO2 should return to that guide for a refresher. When installing mods, keep the following in mind:

• To maintain compatibility with downstream Patch instructions, it is important to install Patch-related mods as described in their respective Notes.
• After installing a mod, enable the mod in MO.
• If no Notes or Step recommendations are provided for a particular mod, all options are good. Step encourages user customization.
• 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. This is necessary to ensure the desired outcome.
• Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each Mod Group and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.
• Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice between ESL and ESP, always choose ESL unless otherwise noted.
• Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted.
• Step does not recommend extracting BSAs as a general principle, since it adds to the potential for user error and unnecessary support issues. Experienced and self-supporting users may derive benefit from doing so, however.

MO2

MO 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 Mod Group following below. To create a separator:

1. Click the button on the top of the mod list pane.
2. Select [Create Separator] and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting & 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.

Mod Table Reference

Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this Guide. Users should refer back to it when confused about a mod listing.

			Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions
			Mod (patch/enb-independent)	Baseline	Notes
			Mod (patch/enb-dependent)	Baseline	Notes

Mod Table Legend

			Table Flags	A red vertical bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step CR Patch. A yellow bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step L&W Patch. A blue bar indicates the mod includes instructions for ENBSeries.
			Mod Name	Nexus mod name presented as a link to Nexus for download.
				Link to the mod's wiki page, which includes various information about the mod.
			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.
			Instructions	Brief notes that apply to the mod or installation. In some cases, mods with several options will include a suggested option. These suggestions will take the form of: "Step recommends: Option A Main File." In other cases, there may only be one appropriate option, which fits the Step Mandate. These instructions will take the form of: "Install Option A Main File." Users will also see links displayed as: [Expand]. Users should click these links to expand the mod row to reveal detailed instructions for installing the mod.

02-Extenders

Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

03-Resources

Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

04-Foundation

Baseline mods that should be overridden by other mods AND/OR that make widely-accepted programmatic changes expected by other mods

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

No mods defined.

06-Models and Textures

Mods that replace existing models or textures

No mods defined.

07-Sounds and Music

Mods that affect sounds or music

No mods defined.

08-Character Appearance

Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

09-Fixes

Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

10-Gameplay-General

Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

11-Gameplay-AI and Combat

Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs

No mods defined.

12-Gameplay-Economy

Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

13-Gameplay-Immersion

Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

14-Gameplay-Quests

Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks

Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling

No mods defined.

16-Interface

Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

17-Locations

Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

18-Lighting and Weather

Mods that affect lighting and/or weather systems **installation is optional**

No mods defined.

19-Utilities

Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets

No mods defined.

20-Patches

Mods that programmatically resolve load-order conflicts

				Mod Name	Baseline	Instructions

Mod List Cleanup & Performance Check

Final Sorting and Cleaning

Before moving on, run LOOT from MO, then sort, and accept the default load order provided. Review the mod list in LOOT looking for any plugins reported as needing to be cleaned. Keep in mind that LOOT tends to lag behind on the report information, so it will not always be accurate. 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 the mods requiring cleaning.

Be aware the Step Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted plugin order. This eliminates the need to set rules on the load 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.

FPS Management

NOTE

Step recommends to cap your maximum FPS for Fallout New Vegas on all configurations in order to avoid collision-related glitches that appear when the framerate exceeds 60 Hz.

The goal at this point is to have at least 60 FPS in exteriors on average. Fallout New Vegas uses Havok software to simulate physics in game. That software is perfectly attuned to work on FPS up to 60 Hz, but causes all manner of collision glitches once that limit is exceeded. For this reason Step recommends to limit the game's Framerate to 60 Hz through your videocard's software. There are plenty of guides online on how to do it based on the user's videocard model.

Alternatively, one can set their FPS at a value higher than 60 Hz provided they tweak NVTF's settings as explained on the Wiki page.

Performance Tuning

It's recommended to use either third-party applications like FRAPS or driver software. Optional instructions are provided to assist.

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Benchmarking Instructions

Take a moment to configure the chosen FPS overlay as described above. If FRAPS are used, install into e.g., C:/Modding/Tools/FRAPS.

1. Launch Fallout New Vegas, and start a NEW game to verify that it loads without issue.
   • Ensure that the FPS overlay is working.
   • NOTE: If the game crashes at any point, there is a problem with load order, enabled mods, or any number of things missed in the above instructions. Please troubleshoot by validating that all instructions have been followed. If custom mods have been installed and enabled, disable them.
2. Create a character to test initial frame rates. Complete the initial quest in Doc Mitchell's House and exit it through the front door.
3. Take a walk around Goodsprings and measure the FPS.

Performance/Quality Optimization

There are many things that can be modified to improve performance and quality, depending on the performance headroom available. Following are some suggestions listed in descending priority:

1. Consider revisiting the BethINI Setup to set the 'Low', 'Medium', 'High', or 'Ultra' preset until FPS is close to or greater than targeted.

STEP 5

ENB Configuration

As ENB was designed and optimized specifically with Skyrim in mind, it does not work as flawlessly with Fallout New Vegas. In the recent years since its initial introduction New Vegas Tick Fix (NVTF) does a much better job at memory management, performance and stability than ENBoost. Since the author of NVTF advise against the use of ENBoost or ENB (see the sticky post), this guide also recommends not to use any of them.

In addition guide users can refer to this forum post by Audley in which he discusses how Fallout New Vegas's software AA provided by ENBoost/ENB presets is inferior to the hardware one.

No mods defined.

STEP 6

Level of Detail (LOD)

Now that all the mods and patches have been installed/sorted and performance margins are acceptable, the next step is to generate custom LOD data for the mod list. Recommended settings correspond to rendered game resolutions that can benefit. Using 'higher' settings will otherwise be a waste of PC resources that may be necessary to keep frame rates above 50 FPS. Use 'lower' settings as a compromise if necessary.

NOTE:

Any time a mod providing LOD assets is added, removed, or changed, LOD should be regenerated. Examples include --but are not limited to-- most of the '03-Foundation' mods, Wasteland Flora and Terrain Overhaul, any mod that has LOD in the title, etc.

Before moving on, create an empty mod for the LOD output:

1. Click on the button and select, [Create empty mod].
2. Name it FalloutNV - xLODGen Output (this will only be used as a resource for xLODGen).
   • This places a new, empty mod at the bottom of the mod list.
3. Find the FNVLODGen mod from the 04-Foundation mod group and enable it if it is not enabled.

xLODGen

xLODGen is run to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes:

Preparation

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Sort Plugins

1. Sort your mod order with LOOT.
2. Ensure that FNVLODGen.esp and tmzLODadditions.esp are last in your load order on the right-hand side of MO.

Generation

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Terrain LOD generation

1. Run xLODGen from the MO2 executable drop-down list.
2. On the left pane, select all worldspaces.
3. On the right pane, make sure that only Objects LOD is checked.
4. Under the Objects LOD section, change the Atlas size option to 8192 x 8192
5. Click [Generate] to run the process, which will require upwards of 15 minutes, depending on the PC.
6. Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.

Wrap Up

➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Terrain LOD wrap up

1. Navigate to the xLODGen output folder (e.g. ..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output).
2. Back on MO, open the FalloutNV - xLODGen Output mod in an Explorer window (Ctrl+double click).
3. Cut and paste the files from the LOD generation to the FalloutNV - xLODGen Output folder. Close both folders.
4. Enable FalloutNV - xLODGen Output mod.

---

When to Regenerate LOD

xLODGen

Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect the underlying landscape: height, shape, textures, etc.

STEP 6

Final INI Configuration

Step Fallout New Vegas is fully installed and working at this point, but if FPS are bellow 60, some adjustments may be beneficial to performance or quality. A final consideration is customizing BethINI. Refer to the Skyrim Configuration Guides for more information.

STEP 7

Mod Configuration (MCM)

The game is now ready to be loaded to configure mods in the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). The MCM a mod that 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 New Vegas (not the Launcher) 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 when first launching 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.

• When launching the game for the first time after a Guide install, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter.
• Once the main menu loads, Vault Boy's head icon should appear in the bottom left corner of the screen. Move the mouse cursor over it. It should dispay your current version of NVSE, JIP LN Plugin and Johnny Guitar NVSE. If the text appers, the extenders installation has been successful.

Start a New Game

In order to configure in-game and settings, the player should start a new game. Once the intro movie finishes, the player wakes up in Doc Mitchell's house and is prompted to modify main character's appearance and to choose a name. Once that's done, press [Esc] to open the Pause Game menu.

Disable Auto Saving

Before you do anything, go to Settings and then Gamplay and disable all manners of autosaving. Fallout New Vegas sadly has unresolved bugs in its vanilla saving scripts than can lead to broken savegames and you may lose your progress. To prevent loss of savegames, Step uses the Savegame Manager function of lStewieAl's Tweaks (already per-configured in the ini file included in the Step CR Patch) which will automatically save the game every 30 minutes.

Control Key Settings

To set up the controls, simply go to Settings and then Controls. Initially Step recommends to change only the following keybinds:

• Run: R-Shift (Right Shift)
• Block: either set it to L-Alt (Left Alt)
• Ammo Swap: -

Gaming Mouse Support

Remapping hotkeys to mouse buttons in Fallout New Vegas is not very intuitive. Basically users have to navigate to Settings, Controls and then look for a Device option appearing in the bottom-right corner of screen, as shown on the picture:

The "Device" option is highlighted

lStewieAl's Tweaks Hotkeys

The following keys are bound to specific functions activated via lStewieAl's Tweaks. They can be changed from within the the NVSE_stewie_tweaks.ini file which comes with Step CR Patch:

• Toggle Night-Vision scope On/Off: N
• Search Inventory: Ctrl+F. (obviously the inventory has to be opened first)
• Full Save Hotkey: F6
• Incremental Save Hotkey: F7

Mod Configuration Menu Settings

ExtraHud

ExtraHUD is one of the components of OneHUD - oHUD and allows the player to add extra additional elements to the in-game HUD. This guide highly recommends players to activate the optional "Hardcore Mode", so they will need to visualize the needs meter.

General Menu

Select extra elements to appear as HUD

Hardcore Needs

Encumberance (as % of total Carry Weight

DarnUI

The latest version of Darnified UI adds extra HUD elements similarly to the ExtraHUD module of OneHUD - oHUD, so the player has to choose the extra HUD elements of one mod over the other. The Step Guide recommends to use OneHUD, as all its HUD elements are dynamic (meaning they can be hidden under certain conditions, de-cluttering the UI) whereas elements added by Darnified UI are static and cannot be hidden.

Main Settings

Open Meter Settings, Statistic Settings and Extra Settings and disable everything. All extra UI elements will be genearated by OneHUD as explained above.

Immersive HUD

Another component of OneHUD - oHUD, it allows the player to configure the conditions under which HUD elements will hide and appear. Refer to the picture below to configure the Main Settings, setting the hide conditions for each HUD element is user preference.

General Settings

Just Assorted Mods

Just Assorted Mods is a collection of (mostly) UI mods that aim to add modern shooter game mechanics to Fallout New Vega. Step recommends to enable only the components listed on the picture.

General Settings

The settings of most of Just Assorted Mods' components is up to user preferences, except the following:

Weapon Hwheel

Just Vanilla Sprint

The hotkey suggested for Just Vanilla Sprint might conflict with the vanilla hotkey for walking/running. Users should reconfigure the "Walk/Run" hotkey in game settings, or change the Just Vanilla Sprint Hotkey.

Animated Cigarettes

It is recommended to disable the Bonus Effect of smoking (as shown on the picture) provided by this mod, as the bonus is too powerful.

Animated Cigarettes

Animated Indigestible

Adds animations for eating and taking chems, which is great for realism, but be careful when taking chems in battle - the animations take time, so the effects aren't instant.

Global Settings

Food and Drinks

Chems

Handbottled Water

The author of this mod is not a native speaker, so keep in mind that "Capsule" on the image bellow stands for a bottle cap.

Main Settings

Ragdolls

The Recommended options are on the picture:

Ragdolls

Remaining Mod Configurations

The remaining mod configurations are recommended to be left at their defaults for the most enhanced, vanilla experience. However, users may adjust the settings for these mods to their preference.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

Help build STEP

STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the community. It is very time consuming for the STEP team to ensure that the Guide is consistently maintained at the highest quality possible. We need people to help us identify mods that improve the vanilla game while adhering to our Mandate. We also need ongoing bug reports, reviews, and updates on mods that may cause problems or that stray from the Mandate.

In order to suggest a mod for inclusion, visit the Mods section of the Forums.

Call for Mod Testers

Community members interested in becoming Mod Testers, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Once registered, Mod Testers will be given access to Staff forums that houses useful information. For more information about our mod testing process, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense of what's involved.

Call for Forum Moderators

Regular community members interested in becoming moderators, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Forum Moderators will be determined based upon level and quality of activity within our community.

Thank you for reading and enjoy the game!

Credits

Thank you all!

The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):

• The authors of mods and tools recommended within our Guides
• The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input
• Step staff for their altruistic and for keeping this website alive for so many years
• EssArrBee for his awesome "Fear and Loathing in New Vegas Guide"
• The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses
• The Nexus community
• Bethesda Softworks for their games
• Obsidian Entertainment for their work on Fallout: New Vegas
• Tannin for the gift that is Mod Organizer
• All the developers that kept MO alive to create MO2

Step Staff

Guide Curator

• Majorman
  • Lead Release Coordinator, Patch Coordinator

Administrators

• TechAngel85
  • Lead Forum Administrator, Mod Author
• z929669
  • Project Founder, Lead Site Developer, Lead Site Administrator

Step Admin

• DoubleYou
• Greg

Honorary Staff

Retired Founders, Administrators, and Staff:

• Aiyen
• Bealdwine
• deathneko11
• EisDrache
• EssArrBee
• Farlo
• frihyland
• GSDfan (still active: MO Support)
• GrantSP
• hishutup
• Kelmych
• MontyMM
• Nebulous112
• oqhansoloqo
• phazer11
• rootsrat
• stoppingby4now
• TheCompiler
• torminater
• Uhuru
• WilliamImm
• wolverine2710