Modding Fallout 4 can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, but it can also introduce unexpected issues if not done correctly. This guide addresses common problems and questions that players encounter when modding Fallout 4, aiming to provide solutions and best practices for a smoother modding journey.
Known Issues & Workarounds
Infinite Loading Screen After Starting a New Game
If you are using Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) or potentially Vortex, you might encounter an infinite loading screen when starting a new game or loading a save. This issue often manifests as the game seemingly stuck, preventing you from progressing beyond the initial loading screen or main menu.
Solution: This is typically due to a hidden confirmation menu that requires input after starting a new game, especially when using manually installed F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender). Simply press the E key or the Enter key. This action should bypass the hidden menu and allow the game to proceed normally. Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) users are less likely to encounter this issue.
Sim Settlements 2 Compatibility Warning
Sim Settlements 2 is a popular and ambitious mod that overhauls settlement building in Fallout 4. However, it has been reported to cause significant issues, including game instability and problems with supply lines even after uninstallation. In some cases, these issues can be severe enough to necessitate a complete game reset (nuking the game).
Warning: If you plan to use Sim Settlements 2, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of your game files beforehand. This will allow you to revert to a stable state if you encounter problems. The issues may stem from the mod itself, its dependencies, or conflicts with other mods in your load order. While the mod may have been updated to resolve these issues, proceed with caution, especially if you are not heavily invested in settlement building and are primarily interested in its storyline. Consider waiting for a potential standalone storyline mod in the future if settlement building is not your focus.
Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions
Q: I need personalized help beyond this guide. Where can I get further support?
A: For more in-depth, one-on-one assistance, especially if the issue is complex or requires visual aids, you can join my Modding Discord server. This platform allows for more detailed troubleshooting and the sharing of screenshots to diagnose problems effectively. Join the Discord Server
Q: My game fails to load after modding. What could be the reason?
A: A common cause for loading issues after modding is using mods that have been updated for the “next-gen” version of Fallout 4 if you are not playing on that version. Ensure that all your installed mods are compatible with your current game version and are files created before April 25, 2024, to avoid compatibility problems.
Q: Why do some people recommend Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) over Nexus Mod Manager (NMM)?
A: While MO2 is favored by many advanced mod users for its virtual file system and profile management, NMM remains a functional mod manager. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and familiarity. Both can effectively manage mods for Fallout 4.
Q: Is LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool) effective for Fallout 4?
A: Yes, LOOT is an effective tool for automatically sorting your mod load order in Fallout 4. Ensure you are using LOOT as intended by running it after installing or making changes to your mods to maintain an optimal load order and minimize conflicts.
Q: How can I launch Fallout 4 through Steam when using F4SE, and track my playtime?
A: To launch F4SE through Steam and have Steam track your game hours, you need to rename the Fallout 4 executable files. First, rename Fallout4Launcher.exe to Fallout4Launcherold.exe (to retain the original launcher if needed). Then, rename f4se_loader.exe to Fallout4Launcher.exe. This will launch F4SE when you start Fallout 4 from Steam.
Q: I experience an infinite loading screen or get stuck at the menu when starting a new game. What should I do?
A: As mentioned earlier, this is often due to a hidden confirmation menu. Simply press the E or Enter key to proceed past this menu. This is a known issue with certain mod managers.
Q: Can I use Buffout 4 with my mod setup? Why isn’t Buffout 4 included in this guide?
A: Buffout 4 is a powerful tool that offers crash fixes and enhanced logging for Fallout 4. However, it can conflict with certain mods, particularly those that also manage memory, such as Baka ScrapHeap. While you can use Buffout 4 and Baka ScrapHeap together by disabling Buffout 4’s memory manager in its configuration file (...\F4SE\Plugins\Buffout4\config.toml) by setting MemoryManager to false, it’s not always necessary and can introduce potential instability depending on your specific mod list. This guide prioritizes stability and avoids including mods that might increase the chance of crashes for users with varied modding experiences.
Q: What about PRP (Performance and Stability Patches)?
A: PRP, like Buffout 4, is an excellent mod aimed at improving game performance and stability. However, due to its nature, it can also lead to conflicts with other mods. If you choose to use PRP, it’s crucial to check for compatibility patches, especially with extensive mod lists. For example, many Thuggyverse mods have compatibility patches for PRP. Be aware that some patches might not be updated to the latest version of PRP. While PRP can significantly boost performance, this guide aims for a balance of performance and broad compatibility without requiring additional patching, especially for users who have already achieved acceptable performance levels.
Q: NPCs’ faces appear “rusty” even with Rusty Face Fix installed. How to fix this?
A: If you are still seeing the “rusty face” texture bug after installing Rusty Face Fix, open the console in-game, click on the affected NPC, and type rff then press enter. Additionally, ensure that in the RustyFaceFix.ini file, the setting "facegen_nps" is set to 1. Optionally, if you are not experiencing performance issues, you can also set "streaming_mode" to 1 in the INI file.
Q: I am experiencing texture problems in the game.
A: Texture issues, such as missing or incorrect textures, are frequently caused by disabled Archive Invalidation. Ensure that Archive Invalidation is enabled to allow the game to properly load modded textures.
Q: How do I enable Archive Invalidation?
A: If you are using Nexus Mod Manager, you can use the “reset tool toggle” to enable Archive Invalidation. For manual activation or if you use other mod managers, follow the instructions in this guide: How to Enable Modding – Archive Invalidation
Q: Why is modding Fallout 4 so complicated?
A: While setting up a basic modded Fallout 4 experience (sections 1-3 of a typical guide) is relatively straightforward and doesn’t take much time, the complexity arises when trying to create a heavily modded and stable game. The real effort in modding lies in understanding mod compatibility, testing mod combinations, and troubleshooting conflicts. Furthermore, the modding community, including mod creators and tool developers, dedicates significant time and effort to create, maintain, and improve mods and tools, often for free. Modding is a privilege, and the availability of free, high-quality mods is a testament to the community’s dedication.
Q: Why are there “adult” mods in modding guides?
A: Guides may include mods that introduce nudity, which is different from “sex mods” that involve explicit animations or interactions. Fallout 4 is rated Mature, and mods that include nudity are within the scope of game enhancements for adult players. If you are uncomfortable with nudity, you can simply choose not to install these mods. Some mods like CBBE (Caliente’s Beautiful Bodies Enhancer) even offer underwear options for character customization if you prefer to minimize nudity.
Q: I think a specific mod is essential, and this guide is lacking because it doesn’t include it.
A: It’s important to understand the structure of many modding guides. Often, the initial sections (like sections 1-3) are considered “essential” for basic game stability and functionality. Mods beyond these core sections are typically optional enhancements. Guides are structured to provide a stable base, and individual preferences may vary regarding which additional mods are considered “essential.”
Q: This guide was helpful! How can I show my appreciation?
A: The best way to show your thanks is by leaving feedback and a thank you note. Positive feedback increases the guide’s visibility, helping more players who might benefit from it. If you’d like to offer further support, you can check out my content on YouTube, but feedback is already greatly appreciated.
Q: Can I use mod X with this guide or load order?
A: It’s always worth asking about compatibility, but it’s not possible to have specific answers for every mod combination. For new or less common mods, experience may be limited. When considering adding a new mod, review its comments section for reported issues or conflicts with mods you are already using. Be cautious of older, outdated mods that are known to be problematic. Community comments often provide valuable insights into mod compatibility and stability.
Q: Is it safe to “clean” mods?
A: It is generally strongly discouraged to “clean” mods (using tools to remove “dirty edits”). Cleaning mods can sometimes cause more problems than it solves and is typically not necessary with modern modding practices and tools.
Q: Hotkeys are not working in menus after using a key remapping mod.
A: If you are using a key remapping mod, carefully read its description for instructions on menu navigation. After remapping keys, the new keybindings will apply in menus, even if the original prompts are still displayed. You will need to use your remapped keys in menus as well.
Q: Can I update mods mid-save or during a playthrough?
A: While updating mods mid-playthrough can sometimes work without immediate issues (and has been done successfully many times), it always carries a risk of save corruption, bugs, or instability. It’s generally safer to update mods between playthroughs. If you choose to update mid-save, be aware of the potential risks and consider backing up your save files.
Q: Can I remove or add mods mid-save or during a playthrough?
A: Similar to updating mods, removing or adding mods mid-playthrough also carries risks. Some mods are specifically designed to be safe to remove mid-game, and mod authors will often indicate this. However, in most cases, it’s advisable to avoid adding or removing mods during an active playthrough to minimize the risk of save corruption or game instability. Always proceed with caution and understand that “your mileage may vary” (YMMV).
