My ill-fated expedition into the world of modding.

[Jakub324]

I'm a console gamer. Recently, though, I realised my PC isn't as shit as I thought it was, so I bought some games. After messing around with Fallout 3's console commands for a bit, I decided I should take a look of the mods that had for so long been out of reach.

So I downloaded one that adds a new area to explore with some new quests and characters (Alton IL) and shite, then discovered it's way harder to install a mod than I realised. The instructions provided by the mod's author told me to drop the files into a folder I couldn't find. I can only assume it's because I downloaded the game with Steam.

Can anyone help me? If necessary, I can provide more information.

 

[The_Blue_Rider]

Uh well for Fallout 3 if you download mods through The Nexus then you can just use the Nexus Mod Manager to install mods no fuss if the options available. Otherwise just google how to find the folder, since everyone who has Fallout 3 should also have it. Steam shouldnt cause any issues since by the time Fallout 3 came out, a lot of games were being downloaded through Steam anyway

 

[Tayh]

For reference, Nexus FO3: http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/?
The mod manager: http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/modmanager/?
You need to register on the site though.
After that, it's just a matter of finding a mod you like, click the "Files" button and download with manager.
You'll have to activate the mod in the modmanager and then you're ready to go.
For more help with the manager, check the manual.

 

[Muspelheim]

I don't think Steam makes much of a difference in folder-order. Skyrim, for instance, is Steambased and is arranged in the usual manner, like the earlier Bethesda games in the series.

Here's what you do; you locate the folder where you installed Steam, go into "steamapps" (this is where all your games are installed) and then into the game folder (should be labelled Fallout 3). In the Fallout folder, locate the "Data" folder. It's in the data folder that all the mods go. If the mod have any custom meshes and textures, drop 'em in as well, and let them write over if neccessary.

Then, you start the game loader, the little window that pops up before you begin the game and click the data-tab. A window will pop up, displaying the vanilla game file and the mod files you've dropped into the data-folder.
In order for the game to load up the mod, you just need to check the little box that confirms it'll be loaded when you start up the game. That is the most basic mod installation, at least. Give it a go.

-HOWEVER-, double-check the mod description. Many of the bigger mods require special tools and other mods to run, like Script Extenders and mod managers. They need to be installed first. Also make sure your version of Fallout 3 has been patched. Some mods need recent patches, and the earlier versions of F3 are ridiculously unstable when modded.

If you're going to do some more modding down the line, it's well worth getting the Fallout mod manager the other posters have suggested. It's a very useful tool. Also, I think that the Nexus site have loads of installation instructions and tutorials.

Good luck! Modding can be a damn tricky business, but I'll be buggered if it isn't more than worth it.

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

modding at first generally is a bit tough to learn, but thankfully across most games it is very similar to how things are installed/done, so once you learn it, it's helpful for any game you play in the future with mods


other posters here have given pretty good advice, so I won't repeat what they said. More often then not it's simply downloading a file, unzipping it, and dragging it into *insert game here* "data" folder. (some games have folders called "override", same thing)


That said, if a game adds and entire new area and quests and such, there are probably more steps to it as the game requires scripts and such to run it properly, so make sure you read the "read me" carefully and it should hopefully get you to install it correctly.

 

[Jakub324]

It works! Thanks for all the help, Escapists. I wouldn't have known where to start without you.