Game : Fallout 4
Title : Boston Atomic Bomb Yankee
Forum thread : HERE
Author : Kesta
Introduction
This guide is a first-shot at creating a modding guide for fallout 4. Of course, as every modding guide, it'll be down to personal preferences.
In this guide, you'll find some great visuals enhancements and retexture. However, I consider Fallout 4 visuals to be already decent by default, so I'm not aiming at "modding everything" (not like I used to with Skyrim *cough*). Some things just don't need to be improved.
This means that textures and other visuals mods linked here will either be covering some critical aspects where fallout 4 failed to be good-looking, or personals coup de coeur.
As for gameplay changes, this guide will essentially contains mods related to expanding capabilities rather than overhauling existing ones. I haven't played the game enough yet to get bored already, so I don't feel like in-depth gameplay changes or re-balance are needed. This will most likely change in future versions though.
Finally, about overall compatibility : The current number of available mods make it rather easy to track down compatibility issues. Patches will be created specifically for this guide when they're not already available on their respective mod page, so you don't have to worry about it ;)
Have fun, and don't forget to kill some ghouls for me :)
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... ^^)
Installing useful programs
If you don't have them already, there is two generic programs very usefull when modding games :
7-zip : This is an archive extractor. It'll allow you to extract archives (.zip, .rar, .7z). Since most mods and other utilities come in this format, it's critical to be able to extract them.
Notepad++ : An advanced text editor. Usefull to edit various configurations files, as its layout, syntax-coloration, and other built-in search functions are by far superior to what your basic notepad can do.
Since we're going to open a lot of .ini files in this guide, it's a good idea to tell windows that you want to automatically open them with Notepad++.
After you'e installed it, right click on any .ini file on your system (if you don't have any yet, just read a bit further, you'll discover them ;) ), select "Open With...", and "Choose default program". There, select Notepad++ and make sure that the "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" check-box is ticked in. Done.
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 initialize 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
If you're using Mod Organizer as mod manager for other games, and want to use NMM for now with Fallout4, here is the procedure to re-associate "Download with NMM" buttons on nexus with NMM instead of MO for Fallout 4 only :
Browse through your ModOrganizer install folder and find nxmhandlers.ini. open it with Notepad++
Make it look something like this :
[handlers] size=2 1\games="oblivion,fallout3,falloutnv,skyrim,other" 1\executable=E:\\Modding Tools\\ModOrganizer\\ModOrganizer.exe 2\games=fallout4 2\executable=E:\\Modding Tools\\Nexus Mod Manager\\NexusClient.exe
The path to the executable have to match your own installation folder ! Don't just copy-paste it !
Save and close nxmhandlers.ini, and run nxmhandler.exe located in the same folder. Click "register active", and press "yes" on the prompt. Done. Fallout4 downloads will now be directed towards NMM instead of MO.
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
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 at least 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. 4096 is the default Ultra setting. You can raise it to 8192 if you've got an ultra-powerful computer.
[Display] iShadowMapResolution=4096
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 advice can be found here : A data vault of tweaks and fixes
Just avoid bMouseAcceleration (Placebo) and uGridToLoad (dangerous BS) tweaks mentioned there.
Other interesting tweaks are available here : Useful INI Settings
Installing extenders and injectors
Fallout 4 Script Extender
F4SE have already 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 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 and ENBSeries
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 information and preset here regarding the ForceFakeMemorSize parameter. Leaving it at default (disabled) is recommended for lower configuration. Only systems with a lot of RAM will take advantage of this.
If you want to install the whole enbseries suite, set UsePatchSpeedhackWithoutGraphics to false in enblocal.ini, and copy enbseries.ini and enbeffect.fx as well in your install folder. Note that doing it is pointless if you don't intend to use and ENB Preset.
If you wish to tweak it by yourself (aka design your own preset), some documentation, some help is available on the STEP Forum
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.
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.
Recommended presets
Choose only one !
Files to download :
LQ Alternative :Special Instructions : Install files from the "Cinematic Palette" version only |
Files to download :
Description : A bleak/sinister preset, perfect for the wasteland. One of the best in this category. Close to 0 performance hit, and extremely nice interiors. |
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).
Time to mod !
User Interface
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Better Console v 0.2
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - def_tols
24h + seconds
Special Instruction : Edit Fallout4.ini to add DEF_TOLS.bsa at the end of the sResourceStartUpArchiveList line under [Archive] section so it look like :
[Archive] sResourceStartUpArchiveList=Fallout4 - Startup.ba2, Fallout4 - Shaders.ba2, Fallout4 - Interface.ba2, DEF_TOLS.bsa
Note : Pick 12h + seconds instead of 24h + seconds in the FOMOD if you're more used to 12h time display.
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Full Dialogue Interface - All languages - NMM installer
Full Dialogue Interface - No Brackets
Note : If using a non-English version of the game, choose a version compatible with your language.
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - DEF_INV 0.4.0
Override : Time on loading screen (same file)
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions |
Improved inventory beta - DEF_INV
Main Files
Select clock type
Install |
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions |
Pleasant UI
PUI CROSSHAIRS
Optionnal
Install |
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Realistic World Map v2.0 - Default
BugFixes & Annoyances removal
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - DeadBodyCollision
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Files to download :
OPTIONAL FILES - Faster Terminal Displays (5x) FO4Edit Version
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Simple Bug Fixes
Note : Currently, nothing prove that the .bsa is properly loaded despite it having the same name as a loaded .esp. Le me is doing some testing about it.
Textures - environment
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Optimized Vanilla Textures 1-07 Full
UPDATES - Optimized Vanilla Textures 1-08 Update
Note : This mod will be overriden by most of the following textures mods.
Warning : NMM's cry about big files, you might have to download the main file manually or restart the download at some point.
Description : A set of optimized textures, very little quality loss for a small performance improvement
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - FAR - Faraway Area Reform 1_1
OPTIONAL FILES - FAR - Optimised Default Bump Maps 1-1
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - WET 1-56
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions WET 1-56 |
WET
WET
WET Optionals
Install |
Note : The Murkier option from the FOMOD will also increase slightly radiations taken in radioactive water.
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Radiant Clouds and Fogs
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions Radiant Clouds and Fogs |
Radiant Clouds and Fogs
Vivid Clouds and Fogs
Install |
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Better Quarry Sites
OPTIONAL FILES - Better Quarry Sites - HD Normal Maps
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Vivid Fallout - Landscapes - 2k, Vivid Fallout - Landscapes - HD Normal Maps in DXT1
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Langleys Workshop
Override : Vivid Fallouts - Landscapes
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Jesters Better Destroyed Vehicles
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - New Road BETA V2
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Prydwen 2K Textures v1.0
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - busstop2048_LoreFriendly. On demand., NewsStand_2048, TrashBin_2048
OPTIONAL FILES - busstop_lore_specular_1.3_2048_4096
Override : Langley's Workshop
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Trash and Rubblepiles HQ
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - FTO Stars 2K
MAIN FILES - FTO Stars 4k
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - FO4 MOON v3 x1024 size x2
MAIN FILES - FO4 MOON v3 x2048 size x2
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
New Combat Shotgun and Rifle 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
Enhanced Blood Textures - 0.08 - by dDefinder
Files : Main - EBT_v008
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions Enhanced Blood Textures |
Enhanced Blood Textures
Main
Screen Blood
Plugins
Next Enhanced Blood Textures
Resolution and Color
Install |
Weathered First Aid Kit - 1.0 - by Kazeite
Files : Main - Weathered First Aid Kit"
Improved Pre-War Money - 1.0 - by Zaldiir
Files : Main - Improved Pre-War Money
Comics Got Back - 2.0 - by tonicmole
Files : Main - COMICS GOT BACK 2.0 + Optional - Optional Survival Guide Fix
Stormberg Retexture Project - 1.03 - by Andreas Stromberg
Files : Main - SRP v1.03
High Resolution Pack - Valius - 1.1 - by Valius
FTO Pip-Boy - Holotape - 2.3 - by Gorgulla
Files : Optional - FTO Pip-Boy Holotape
Better Computer Terminals - 1.0 - by Jomla97
Files : Main - Better Computer Terminals - 2K Dirtier
Chem Redux - 2.3 - by Derp
Files : Optional Chem_Redux 2.3 - No glow version FIXED
Textures - NPCs
Immersive Mouth and Teeth - 2.2 - by ClearanceClarence
Version : Immersive Mouth and Teeth - 1K - 2.2
Med-Tek Facial Reconstruction - Eyes - 1.0 - by Xenius
Lore-Friendly Ghoul Eyes - 1.0 - by Pommymax
Version : Nuclear Edition
Overwrite : Med-Tek Facial Reconstruction - Eyes
Sounds Improvements
No More Cash Register Sound - 1.0 - by LiquidBronze
Description : Remove the gling-gling sound each time you gain xp.
P.A.M.S. - Power Armor Movement Sounds - 1.1 - by ONIXer
Version : PAMS Heavy + Optional PAMS - Hydraulic
Description : Increase and improve the sounds when moving in power-armor.
The hydraulic sounds might be a little bit "too much". Use only the main file if you're annoyed.
Towbie's Realistic Weapon Sounds -0.56 - by towbiekun
Description : Make some fire weapons sounds more violent and realistic.
Visuals
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Lowered Weapons 1.1
Special Instruction : Remove the following folders from this mod
- meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\gaussrifle - meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\minigun - meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\gatlinglaser - meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\fatman
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - PipBoyShadows_HeadLamps
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - DarkerNights
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions DarkerNights |
Darker Nights 1.10.2
Darkness Level
Sky
Next Darker Nights 1.10.2
Patches
Next Darker Nights 1.10.2
Detection
Next Darker Nights 1.10.2
Night Vision
Next Darker Nights 1.10.2
Night Vision Strenght
Finish |
Warning : This mods edit CELL records. This is currently unsafe and might cause issues. Currently available modding tools aren't able to handle them properly. Keep this in mind when installing, and don't use if you aren't confident about it.
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Fr4nsson's Light Tweaks V1.6 - Indoor Only
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Files to download :
MAIN FILES - Brighter Settlement Lights v1.2
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions Brighter Settlement Lights v1.2 |
Brighter Settlement Lights
Pick a version
Install |
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
Version : Main File Armorsmith Extended v1.71 + Update : Armorsmith Extended (No Torso Mods On Headgear) v1.71
Craftable Alcohol - 1.4.4 - by ShinraStrife
WARNING
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Craftable Alcohol v1.4.4
Main Options
Options
Finish |
Craftable Melee Weaponry - 1.02 - by Xylozi
WARNING
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Craftable Weaponry
Install
Finish |
Craftable Ammunition - 1.13 - by Xylozi
WARNING
Template:FOMOD_Instructions is deprecated and should no longer be used on this wiki. Please change this template call to use the better-looking and simpler Template:Fomod. We apologize for the inconvenience.| FOMOD Instructions |
Craftable Ammunition
Install
Next Craftable Ammunition
Install
Next Craftable Ammunition
Install
Next Craftable Ammunition
Install
Next Craftable Ammunition
Install
Finish |
New items
Gloves of the commonwealth - 1.1 - by fadingsignal
Description : Add equippable gloves to the game.
Gloves of the commonwealth Craftable - 1.1 - by Stndmunki and Kesta
Version : Gloves of the Commonwealth - Craftable for Armorsmith Extended.
Description : Allow gloves from Gloves of the commonwealth to be crafted at the Armorsmith Extended crafting station.
Wearable Travel Backpack - 1.1 - by Aldebaran90
Description : Add an equippable backpack to the game.
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 mentioned here, and more to come ;)
