Prerequisites for Fallout 4 Modding

Before you start modding Fallout 4, you'll need to gather the essential tools and software.

Important Note

Make sure you have a legitimate copy of Fallout 4 installed on your system. Modding requires the base game files to function properly.

Essential Software

These are the core tools you'll need to get started with Fallout 4 modding.

Mod Organizer 2

The most popular mod manager for Fallout 4. It provides a virtual file system that keeps your game directory clean and allows for easy mod management.

  • Download: Nexus Mods
  • Version: 2.4.4 or later
  • Features: Virtual file system, mod profiles, conflict resolution

Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)

Extends the scripting capabilities of Fallout 4, allowing for more advanced mods and functionality.

  • Download: Official F4SE Site
  • Required for: Many advanced mods
  • Important: Must match your game version

Archive2

Bethesda's official tool for creating and modifying .ba2 archive files used by the game.

  • Included with: Creation Kit
  • Used for: Texture and mesh optimization
  • Essential for: Creating custom assets

Development Tools

Advanced tools for creating and editing game content.

Creation Kit

Bethesda's official modding tool for creating and editing game content, quests, and world spaces.

  • Available through: Steam
  • Used for: World editing, quest creation, and NPC modification
  • Learning curve: Requires some learning but essential for serious modding

xEdit (FO4Edit)

A powerful tool for viewing and editing game records and resolving mod conflicts.

  • Download: Nexus Mods
  • Used for: Conflict resolution and record editing
  • Essential for: Understanding mod conflicts

System Requirements

Make sure your system meets these requirements for a smooth modding experience.

Recommended Specifications

RAM

16GB recommended (8GB minimum)

Storage

At least 50GB free space for mods

CPU

Modern multi-core processor

GPU

DirectX 11 compatible graphics card

Next Steps

Once you have all the prerequisites installed, you can proceed to our Getting Started guide to begin your modding journey.

Ready to Start?

You're now ready to begin your Fallout 4 modding adventure! The Getting Started guide will walk you through the initial setup process.

Continue to Getting Started