General Modding Guides
Essential guides and best practices for modding Fallout 4 effectively and safely.
Table of Contents
Modding Best Practices
Follow these essential guidelines to ensure a smooth and stable modding experience.
Critical: Always Backup Your Game
Before installing any mods, create a backup of your Fallout 4 installation. This includes both the game files and your save files.
Read Mod Descriptions
Always read the full mod description, requirements, and installation instructions before downloading.
- Check for compatibility issues
- Note any special installation requirements
- Read user comments for known issues
Install Mods Gradually
Don't install dozens of mods at once. Install a few at a time and test your game to ensure stability.
Mod Categories
Understanding different types of mods helps you make informed choices about what to install.
Essential Mods
These mods improve the base game experience and are generally safe to install:
- Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch: Fixes numerous bugs
- F4SE: Script Extender for advanced mods
- Mod Configuration Menu: In-game mod settings
Gameplay Mods
Mods that change how the game plays:
- Combat overhauls
- Survival mechanics
- Character progression changes
Visual Mods
Mods that improve graphics and visual fidelity:
- Texture packs
- Weather mods
- Lighting overhauls
Common Issues and Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems you might encounter while modding Fallout 4.
Game Won't Start
If your game won't start after installing mods:
- Check if F4SE is properly installed
- Verify all mod requirements are met
- Disable mods one by one to identify the problem
Performance Issues
If you experience poor performance:
- Check your mod load order
- Disable high-resolution texture mods
- Use performance optimization mods
Save Game Corruption
To prevent save game corruption:
- Never uninstall mods mid-playthrough
- Keep multiple save files
- Test new mods on a separate save
Mod Management
Proper mod management is essential for maintaining a stable and organized mod setup.
Load Order
Proper load order is crucial for mod stability:
- Official DLC Files - Base game and DLC content
- Unofficial Patches - Bug fixes and patches
- Major Overhauls - Large gameplay changes
- Gameplay Changes - Smaller gameplay modifications
- Visual Mods - Graphics and texture improvements
- Compatibility Fixes - Patches and compatibility fixes
Using Mod Organizer 2
Mod Organizer 2 provides several advantages:
- Virtual file system keeps game directory clean
- Easy mod activation/deactivation
- Built-in conflict detection
- Profile system for different mod setups
Advanced Topics
For experienced modders looking to take their skills to the next level.
Creating Custom Patches
Sometimes you need to create compatibility patches between mods. This requires:
- Understanding of xEdit
- Knowledge of record types
- Conflict resolution techniques
Modding Tools Integration
Advanced modders often use multiple tools together:
- Creation Kit for world editing
- xEdit for record editing
- NifSkope for mesh editing
- Photoshop/GIMP for texture work
Next Steps
Now that you understand the fundamentals of modding, here's how to continue your journey.
Set Up Your Tools
Learn about essential modding tools and how to use them effectively.
- Mod Organizer 2 - Mod management
- xEdit - Record editing
- Creation Kit - Content creation
Learn Advanced Techniques
Explore advanced modding topics and techniques.
- Papyrus Scripting - Custom logic
- NifSkope - 3D asset editing
- Texture Tools - Visual improvements
Ready to Start Modding!
You now have a solid foundation in modding best practices. Start with our Mod Organizer 2 guide to set up your modding environment, then explore the specific tool guides to learn advanced techniques.