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.
Resetting "Download with Manager" for NMM
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
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.
Working with NMM
Tinkering loose files
NMM isn't as convenient as MO to customize your installation, especially when you need to adjust loose files.
To access loose files from a specific mod via NMM :
- Install the mod so all the files you have to work with are in place.
- Disable the mod : it'll avoid glitchy behavior from NMM visualization system.
- Open NMM's Mod folder :
- Browse to Nexus Mod Manager\Fallout4\Mods\VirtualInstall
- Folders here have the same name as the archive they've been installed with, not necessarily the mod's name !
- Locate the mod's folder you're looking for
- Make whatever you have to do in there
- Go back to NMM and activate the mod to use your "adjusted" version.
Conflicting files installation
When two mods try to install the same file (or should I say, in NMM's case, when a mod try to install a file already installed by an other mod), NMM will ask you to choose between the two with this dialogue :
You have 2x 4 options (4 for "YES" and 4 for "NO") :
- _ to all
- _ to folder
- _ to mod
- _
Never select "_ to all". This will deprive you from any control on your installation, as the mod will either overwrite/be overridden by any conflicting mods, without you knowing which one.
The "_ to folder" is pretty much the same, except it'll present you with the dialogue again for each different folder (folders being assailable to "category of loose files" here).
"_ to mod" is the option you will usually want to use. It allow you to check exactly with which mods the one you're installing present conflicts, and let you choose for each of them if you want to overwrite it, or let it overwrite the one you're installing.
The simplest "_" option is the most powerful, however it is extremely tedious to use as NMM will present you the dialogue for every conflicting files. This can be thousands of them in the case of large texture overhauls. Plus, if you're still reading this paragraph, this probably means you have no idea what most of the file names represent, so you can't exactly choose ^^
In this guide, conflict-resolution for loose files will be oriented towards the use of the "_ to mod" options.
If you've made a mistake when choosing yes/no, you can simply disable and re-enable the mod, NMM will ask you again for each conflicts which mod should overwrite which one.
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 on the Bethsoft Forum, and if you have access to this section on the Nexus Mod Authors Forum
Installation :
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FO4Edit will also allow you to check conflicting records when your whole load order is analyzed. This is how you're supposed to organize priorities in your load order until semi-automated tools such as LOOT implement proper Fallout 4 support. Indications for load order management specific to this guide are given in the Load Order management section.
More informations on how to use FO4Edit can be found on the xEdit guide
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.
Note that there is an issue with Godrays pixelating your character if they aren't set on Ultra. So you either use ultra godrays, or no godrays.
Shadow distance should be left to Medium, as this is handled later in the guide.
An other option for good-quality AA is too use SMAA in combinations with downsampling. Setting this is a bit more complex, so google for it if you want. The main reason for doing so instead of using TAA is to avoid the slight blurriness on edges introduced by TAA.
Further INI tweaking
Go to ...\My Documents\My Games\Fallout4
In Fallout4.ini
Put bInvalidateOlderFiles=1 and blank out sResourceDataDirsFinal in the [Archive] section, so loose files will load through the game. Faster :)
[Archive] bInvalidateOlderFiles=1 sResourceDataDirsFinal=
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
{{{title}}}
{{{text}}}
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, thanks to InsanePlumber.
Cool tool :
Description : This tool allow you to play with your ini settings without having to dig in the ini files, if you're a GUI kind of person. |
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(honestly, I'm just putting this here because I need to fill this blank space next to this textbox. Real hipsters edit their ini manually)
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(yeah... again... the textbox is pretty big, isn't she ?)
Installing extenders and injectors
Fallout 4 Script Extender
F4SE have already been released. For now, as an end-user, 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, you can 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.
Move the following files into your installation folder :
- f4se_loader.exe
- f4se_1_1_30.dll
- f4se_steam_loader.dll
To customize keymapping (extract from F4SE readme) :
- Copy CustomControlMap.txt to Data\F4SE\CustomControlMap.txt.
- Edit that file to set your bindings. You have to specify Virutal-Key codes. A full list is available here : MSDN Virtual-Key Codes
- 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 column is 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.
This also fix some multi-threading issues with shaders, but fixes aren't necessarily noticeable on all configurations.
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 download.
Extract the downloaded archive to a temporary folder
Copy the following files in your installation folder :
- d3d11.dll
- d3dcompiler_46e.dll
- enblocal.ini
More informations :
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 help to get started is available on the STEP Forum, thanks to JawZ
More general informations about enbseries can be found around STEP, chech the forum and other guides.
ReShade
ReShade is a framework to enhance post-processing. There is already a bunch of preset available over Nexus.
The main download is here : ReShade
Installation :
- Extract the archive in a temporary folder
- Rename ReShade64.dll to dxgi.dll
- Move dxgi.dll, ReShade.fx, and the ReShade folder with all of its content to your Fallout 4 installation folder.
Note that some presets might require an other ReShade framework to work, especially to include SweetFX. This framework is downloadable here : SweetFX with ReShade.
Check the instructions of the preset you wish to install for proper links and instructions.
Installing a ReShade Preset
Installing a ReShade is rather straightforward.
- Go to the (nexus) page of the preset
- Download manually
- Extract the downloaded archive to a temporary folder
- Copy-paste the files so :
- They overwrite the ones installed by the framework.
- The ReShade folder merge with the one installed by the framework.
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, there is a fix. This will allow you to set a desired minimum FPS. While you're above the desired FPS, Shadow Distance will be increased dynamically. If your FPS start dropping, it'll be reduced until you go back to your desired limit.
Use the Download link Installation :
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Time to mod !
User Interface
Files to download :
Note : Pick 12h + seconds instead of 24h + seconds in the FOMOD if you're more used to 12h time display. You can also adjust this in DEF_TOLS.xml without re-installing the mod. |
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Note : If using a non-English version of the game, choose a version compatible with your language. |
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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.
Override : Time on loading screen (same file) |
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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. |
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BugFixes & Annoyances removal
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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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Note : This mod will be overriden by most of the following textures mods. When this is the case, this won't be precised, the answer is always YES |
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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.Note : The Murkier option from the FOMOD will also increase slightly radiations taken in radioactive water. |
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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. |
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HQ Optional :
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Override : Vivid Fallouts - Landscapes |
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Textures - Equipment
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Note : Do NOT override the map from Realistic World Map |
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LQ :
Override: New Double Barrel Shotgun Textures (same files) |
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Textures - Other
Files to download :
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. |
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LQ Optional :
Override : Langleys Workshop |
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Textures - NPCs
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Overwrite : Med-Tek Facial Reconstruction - Eyes |
Sounds Improvements
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Sound\FX\FST\ArmorPower\FST_ArmorPower_Dirt_Run_*.wav Sound\FX\FST\ArmorPower\FST_ArmorPower_Dirt_Walk_*.wav Sound\FX\FST\ArmorPower\FST_ArmorPower_Grass_Walk_*.wav* means all the files which start by the same path & name This is to remove the hydraulic sound from regular movement, and keep it only for special moves such as jumps. Otherwise the hydraulic sounds get very quickly annoying. |
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Visuals
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meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\gaussrifle meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\minigun meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\gatlinglaser meshes\actors\character\_1stperson\animations\fatman meshes\actors\powerarmor\_1stperson\animations\gaussrifle meshes\actors\powerarmor\_1stperson\animations\minigun meshes\actors\powerarmor\_1stperson\animations\gatlinglaser meshes\actors\powerarmor\_1stperson\animations\fatman There is a glitch with the first 3 which have a warm-up time before firing. The fatman will just block your view if you keep it. |
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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.
Note : If you don't use a post-processing mod which already darken nights, such as one of the two recommended at the beginning of this guide, choose the Dark (level 2) option, and make the next parameters match this choice. |
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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. |
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Settlements
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SAFE Optional :
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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
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 Melee Weaponry - 1.02 - 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.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 |
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
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Patches
Files to download :
Note : Make sure to follow the Load Order management section instructions as well. |
Load Order management
There is a few things to take care of to get the most out of each mods :
- WET Murkier.esp must be loaded after Fr4nssonsLightTweaks.esp
- TrueStormsFO4-DarkerNights.esp must be loaded after both TrueStormFO4.esp et DarkerNights.esp
- Homemaker_SBF_Patch.esp must be load after both Homemaker.esm and Simple Bug Fixes.esp
- Simple Intersection - Homemaker Patch.esp must be loaded after Homemaker.esm
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 ;)
The STEP staff for a wonderfull wiki and a lot of advice for wiki-edition