Like many Bethesda games, modding is one of the big draws of games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 on the PC. Nexus Mod Manager is one of the best ways to install mods on your favorite games, and we’re here to show you how to use it.
Nexus Mod Manager actually supports many other games, too, including The Witcher games, Dragon Age, Dark Souls, and other Fallout and Elder Scrolls games, so you should be able to adapt the instructions for any other game Nexus Mod Manager supports. We’ll use Fallout 4 in today’s example.
How to Enable Modding in Fallout 4
Even though you’ll be using the Nexus Mod Manager, you’ll still have to perform a quick tweak to Fallout 4’s game files before it will accept the mods you install. (Other games, like Skyrim, won’t require this tweak, and you can skip to the next section).
First, navigate to the Fallout 4 folder in your documents directory. You’ll find it under
C:UsersYOURNAMEDocumentsMy GamesFallout4 .
Double-click the
Fallout4Prefs.ini file to open it in your default text editor. It’ll open in Windows Notepad unless you’ve installed another text editor like Notepad++.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the text file and you’ll see a
[Launcher] section. Add the following line below it:
Click File>Save to save the file, and then close Notepad.
Double-click the
Fallout4Custom.ini file to open it in your default text editor. Add the following lines to the end of the file:
Click File > Save to save the file, and then close Notepad. Fallout 4 will now accept and use the mods you install.
How to Install and Configure Nexus Mod Manager
Epic games launcher achievements 2. It’s possible to manually install mods for a lot of games, or use Steam’s built-in Workshop (for games that support it). However, we recommend using the Nexus Mod Manager tool to make this process easier and reduce the risk you’ll break something while installing a mod.
How To Download Fallout 4 Mods Pc
Download Nexus Mod Manager and install it on your PC. If you don’t yet have a Nexus Mods account, you’ll be informed you need to register for a free account to download it. You’ll be asked to sign up for a paid supporter membership during the sign-up process, but you can just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Create Account” to continue.
Launch Nexus Mod Manager after you install it and it will search your PC for games. If you have Fallout 4 installed, it will find it. Just click the checkmark to confirm Fallout 4 is installed at that location and then click “OK.”
Select “Fallout 4” in the list of installed games and click “OK.” If you always want to use this program to manage Fallout 4 mods, click the “Don’t ask me next time” checkbox here.
You’ll be informed that you need to set up the paths where Nexus Mod Manager will store mod-related files. Click “OK” to continue and you’ll see a Fallout 4 Setup screen. By default, Nexus Mod Manager will store these files under
C:GamesNexus Mod ManagerFallout4 .
There’s a problem with these default folder settings. It won’t work unless you run Nexus Mod Manager as Administrator. If you run it normally, you’ll see an error informing you that Nexus Mod Manager is “unable to get write permissions for” the directory.
To solve this, set the folder paths to something like
C:UsersYOURNAMEDocumentsNexus Mod ManagerFallout4 . Alternatively, keep the default folders and run Nexus Mod Manager as an Administrator. To do so, right-click the Nexus Mod Manager shortcut and select “Run as administrator.”
To always run it as Administrator, right-click the shortcut and select “Open file location.” Right-click the “Nexus Mod Manager” Shortcut, select “Properties, click the “Compatability” tab, and enable the “Run this program as an administrator” checkbox. Click “OK” to save your settings and Windows will always launch Nexus Mod Manager with Administrator permissions.
How to Install Fallout 4 Mods
You’ll want to sign into Nexus Mod Manager with your Nexus account for easy mod installation. To do so, click the profile icon next to “You are not logged in” at the bottom-left corner of the Nexus Mod Manager window. Enter your Nexus Mods username and password here.
You’ll then see a “Logged in” message here, informing you you’re logged in.
You can now head to the Fallout 4 Mods category page to browse and search the available mods. If you’re logged in, you’ll see “[Name]’s account” at the top-right corner of each web page. If you’re not, click the “Log in” link at the top-right corner of the web page.
Locate a mod you want to install and click the “Download (NMM)” button to download the mod with Nexus Mod Manager. Your browser will hand off to the Nexus Mod Manager application, which will download the mod you chose.
The Download link at the top of each mod’s page will download the main, current version of the mod. However, some mods offer multiple versions, or additional files.
To download multiple versions or optional files a mod offers, scroll down on its download page and click the “Files” tab. You’ll see the various files the mod offers, along with explanations from the mod author about what they do. Click “Download With Manager” to download the mod files you want.
Once it’s downloaded and installed, locate the mod in the list, select it, and click the green checkmark button in the sidebar to enable it. You can click the red cancel button that appears in this location afterwards to disable a mod.
Some mods will walk you through a setup process the first time you enable them. You’ll be able to choose different options, depending on the mod. Go through the setup process and select your desired options to enable the mod.
To change these options later, right-click the mod in the Nexus Mod Manager list and select “Reinstall Mod.” You’ll see the same setup screens again.
Now all you need to do is launch Fallout 4. You can do so using the “Launch Fallout4” button at the top-left corner of the screen or just launch it through Steam normally. Load your existing game or create a new one–either way, the mods you installed will immediately take effect.
To disable or uninstall a mod later, close Fallout 4 and open Nexus Mod Manager. Right-click the mod you want to disable or uninstall and select “Deactivate” to disable the mod or “Uninstall and Delete” to remove the mod from your system.
You can also click the settings icon at the top of the Nexus Mod Manager window and use the “Disable All Active Mods” or “Uninstall All Active Mods” options to quickly disable or uninstall all currently activate mods.
How to Configure Your Mod Load Order (and Why It Matters)
The above process should work perfectly if you’re only using one mod. However, if you plan to install several mods, you may need to think about your mod load order.
This is exactly what it sounds like. Fallout 4 will load mods one by one, in the order you specify.
If you have multiple mods installed, some of them may overwrite each other’s changes. For example, you may have one “total overhaul mod” that tweaks a large amount of things in the game, including all the weapons. Second, you may have a small mod that makes a single weapon function in a certain way. If the game loads the small mod before the larger mod, its tweaks will be overwritten by the total overhaul mod. To have the second mod function, the larger total overhaul mod needs to be loaded first.
This only applies to mods that have plugins. If you install a mod with a plugin, it’ll appear on the “Plugins” tab, as well as the “Mods” tab. To control the load order, click over to the “Plugins” tab. Select a mod you’ve installed and click the up and down arrows in the left pane to adjust the load order. The “Masters” information for a plugin tells you when a mod depends on another mod. For example, in the screenshot below, “Homemaker – SK Integration Patch.esp” depends on Fallout4.esm, SettlementKeywords.esm, and Homemaker.esm. It must appear after all these other plugins in the list. Nexus Mod Manager won’t let you move it above those other plugins in your load order.
It may take some trial and error to get the load order working the way you want it. Some mod authors may provide information about recommended load order on their mod’s download page.
If you want some additional help, you can try using LOOT, the Load Order Optimization tool. It works by examining your mods and attempting to decide the correct order so that all dependencies are satisfied and that each mod has a maximum impact on your game. It will recommend you a load order you can configure in Nexus Mod Manager.
How to Deal With Mod Conflicts, or “Overwrites”
There’s another way mods can conflict, and it’s totally separate from your plug-in load order. Sometimes, two mods overwrite the same files in your game, and you’ll need to decide which one you want to take precedence. We’ll use Skyrim here as an example. Skyrim and Fallout 4 share the same engine, and work similarly.
Texture packs are a great example of this. For example, the Skyrim HD mod adds over 2,000 high-res textures to the game, making it look absolutely fantastic. But there are also smaller mods for specific textures–like this Real Ice and Snow mod–that (sometimes) look even better. Let’s say you want to replace most of your game with the Skyrim HD pack, but want the ice and snow from the Real Ice and Snow mod.
First, you select the Skyrim HD mod and enable it, just like you would any other mod. If you start the game at this point, you’d see that the Skyrim HD textures have been applied. Then, when you enable the Real Ice and Snow mod, you’ll get this message:
This happens because you have two mods–Skyrim HD and Real Ice and Snow–attempting to modify Skyrim’s snow and ice textures. If you want Real Ice and Snow, you’ll click “Yes to All” or “Yes to Mod” to overwrite Skyrim HD’s textures. If you prefer Skyrim HD’s textures, you’d click “No to All” or “No to Mod”, and any conflicting textures from Real Ice and Snow would not be applied.
You could load these mods in the opposite order, too. If you loaded Real Ice and Snow first, you’d get the ice from that mod, and decide whether to overwrite it with Skyrim HD after the fact.
Fallout 4 Mods
If you’re installing a lot of mods, we recommend loading the bigger, game-sweeping mods first as your “base layer”–in the example above, that’s Skyrim HD. Then, load the smaller, more specific mods after, always choosing “Yes to All.”
The more mods you install, the more complex the process becomes, and we’ve only scratched the surface here–there are many mods that require even more steps outside of Nexus Mod Manager to work (like ENBs or interface modifications). But the more you do it, the more it’ll become second nature. If you ever have questions, check the Discussion tab on the offending mod’s Nexus page–there’s a lot of good info to be had, and developers are often pretty responsive.
READ NEXT
There’s something big arriving this week which can make or break Bethesda’s attempts to craft a massive online wasteland — Fallout 76. The game will eventually have its own curated mods (unlike the ones that users have recently made). I know everyone’s hoping that mod support for Fallout 76 will be extensive simply because Bethesda’s games have often been an amazing playground for modders. That’s what brings us to this feature — the best Fallout 4 mods of all-time.
I’ve chosen one to three mods for each category from the Fallout 4 Nexus website (although there are also some honorable mentions). These mods have enriched my playthroughs; with ESP merging I was actually running the game with 250 mods. I’ll also explain why I think a certain mod is head and shoulders above the rest, though that doesn’t do any disservice to other creators. Lastly, I did not include any mods which lean heavily on NSFW content (sorry CBBE).
Note that all images used in this article are from their respective creators.
Armor and Clothing
HN66 Sirius 12 Assault Suit by Humannature66
Humannature66’s armor set redefines cool and stylish as you adventure in Fallout 4’s wasteland. Rather than look like a scraggly scavenger, your Sole Survivor looks like a member of a highly-advanced mecha strike team. Think of it like you just ransacked The Institute or the Brotherhood of Steel and came away with a bunch of insanely eye-catching stuff. And yes, before you ask, there’s a sexier version too. Because why not?
Pampas armor set by Ralfetas
While I did say that there won’t be anything that’s quite NSFW, some slightly sexy armor sets and bodysuits would still apply. The Pampas set by Ralfetas works in this regard. Yes, it does have armor pieces that border on making female characters sexier (they are for CBBE, after all), but it’s still fairly fitting and not too skimpy (or “slooty” as Fallout 4 players might call it). There’s also the more fan-servicey and slightly NSFW Fortaleza set.
Eli’s Armor Collection Remade by Elianora
If the two examples above weren’t lore-friendly enough for your tastes, then Elianora’s creations might interest you. Her clothing designs and mash-ups are impeccable. They actually fit how a normal civilian might dress today (or during 2076, assuming you found some retro clothing). It’s perfect for players who do want custom outfits without necessarily being too outrageous.
Honorable Mentions
Power Armor
T-49 Armor of the Storyteller by Unoctium
Hands down a work of genius, Unoctium brought Shoddycast and YouTube favorite The Storyteller and his memorable Power Armor in Fallout 4. Yes, this download actually includes The Storyteller, and all his jabs and quips, as well as his eyebot EDNA.
TES-51 Skyrim Power Armor by EdibleGrenade12
One of the cooler additions to Power Armor mods happens to take inspiration from another Bethesda game — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This creation by EdibleGrenade12 has gorgeous details and even comes with its own loading screen image.
Honorable Mentions
Weapons
ACR-W17 by N7R
There are a number of awesome realistic and fictional weapon mods in Fallout 4. However, I do believe the ACR-W17 might be the best of the bunch. That’s because of N7R’s implementation of a progression system. The ACR-W17 is fully customizable, and new attachments would be unlocked depending on how often you use the weapon. For instance, you could have additional medkits strapped on the weapon itself, which heals you for an amount.
Remote Explosives by Fadingsignal
Sure, you can throw your grenades or molotovs and wait for them to explode, but what if you can plan ahead and place your remote-detonated explosive traps around your settlements? How about sneaking around a raider camp and placing mini nukes while patrols are unwary? Fadingsignal lets you do just that in this mod that makes combat more dynamic.
Crossbows of the Commonwealth by TrickyVein
Some weapons recreate or modify existing archetypes. Others, like the Crossbows of the Commonwealth mod by Trickyvein, completely change your style of play. They’re weapons that are perfect for a stealthy run. Be careful if you miss or if you’re trapped in a firefight, though, because crossbows are a pain in the ass to reload.
Honorable Mentions
Companions
Heather Casdin by LlamaRCA
Heather Casdin is far and away one of the best companion mods ever made for any game — period. The character has a ton of voice lines and even has a unique affinity and quest system. As you progress through the game, Heather tells you of her tragic story, eventually opening up to you as you kill more synths or drink some of her herbal concoctions.
Ellen the Cartographer by Guicool
Another brilliantly made companion is Ellen the Cartographer from Guicool. She’s voiced by none other than Potastic Panda (Ambriel companion from Skyrim). While Ellen does follow the vanilla system, it’s done in such a refreshing way that you truly feel that she’s part of the base game.
Amazing Follower Tweaks by Dheuster
No matter how many new companions you might download, you’ll ideally need a companion system to manage all of them. Amazing Follower Tweaks (AFT) is perhaps the best mod that can do that. It doesn’t just allow you to use multiple companions, it also adds a plethora of options like setting their outfits, poses, home locations, and even automatically clean and build settlements. AFT basically has the functions of many other companion management mods and then some. It’s also “mod-friendly” in that it internally checks if certain companions might “break” their scripts.
Honorable Mentions
Overhauls And Makeovers
FROST Survival Simulator by Naugrim04
FROST completely changes the way anyone plays the game. That’s because it’s a unique survival simulation set in the Fallout 4 world. Say goodbye to most NPCs and questing in general, because now your only objective is to survive for as long as possible.
Atomguard by Galejro
Atomguard brings something that fans of Skyrim‘s Dawnguard DLC might love, and that’s the ability to play as a bloodthirsty vampire. Your playthrough will be completely different. It’s not just because of new quests and locations, but because you’re out for the living. You can even raise the dead. Oh, and you’ll also get to see Serana again.
Honorable Mentions
Visual Improvements And Immersion
Vivid All-in-One by Hein84
Vivid All-in-One is a mod that changes how Fallout 4 looks with all the options available upon installation. From the landscape to the vegetation, to even the weather, the mod has it all. The best thing about it is that you no longer need to install existing mods separately.
DECENT ENB by Zyd232
Although there are a number of ENBs and reshades out there that truly make for a photorealistic experience, DECENT ENB was always my choice. It does its job well, which is making the wasteland look more vibrant and scenic while also not letting performance take a major hit.
Honorable Mentions
Technical And UI Improvements
Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch by the Unofficial Patch Project Team and Arthmoor
Was there ever any doubt that this would be an absolute necessity? Bethesda games are notorious for having lots of bugs and technical issues. The Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch tends to correct many of those.
Mod Configuration Menu and HUD Framework by Registrator2000, and the Fallout 4 Script Extender
When Fallout 4‘s Creation Kit initially released, a number of downloads tend to be wonky. Then came improvements in the form of the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE), which allowed modders to go beyond what the game normally allowed them to do. Meanwhile, the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM) has a number of mods that continue to use it. Their settings can be changed using MCM as opposed to using the console or having a Pipboy tape.
Honorable Mentions
Settlement And Crafting
Sim Settlements by Kinggath
To say that Sim Settlements is an amazing mod would be to do it a disservice. It’s a mod that could’ve been an actual paid DLC in its own right. That’s because of the painstaking work that Kinggath has done to revamp what settlement building and management can be like. The mod is so massive, with multiple updates and add-ons, that it ended up with its own section in the Nexus website as well.
Armorsmith Extended by Gambit77
Armorsmith Extended is one of the must-have downloads for any Fallout 4 playthrough. That’s because of the sheer number of changes it does to your crafting needs. Before, whether you were a modder or a regular player, creating your own armor in Fallout 4 could be a bore. With Armorsmith Extended, most armor pieces are now visible on your character (even Super Mutants can wear accessories). It’s made the most out of character models in that multiple slots are available for various attires.
Better Settlers by Thom293
Let’s face it, how many times do you end up seeing the same bland faces looking at you to save them from raiders or ghouls? How many times does Preston tell you that a settlement needs your help, only to see Joe and Jane Schmoe again? With Better Settlers, you can have 240 new folks that can populate your settlements with a variety of customization options. Yes, they can even have distinct hairstyles based on makeover mods that you have.
Honorable Mentions
Quests And New Locations
Atomic Radio and Tales from the Commonwealth by Kris Takahashi
If I didn’t have this mod, I would feel that my Fallout 4 playthrough was just a bit, well, sadder and emptier. That’s because Tales of the Commonwealth fleshes out the wasteland with new and interesting characters. You could be exploring the outskirts of Diamond City, or watching the riverside, and you’d encounter unique NPCs that give you side quests. You’d also meet new companions, and there’s even a radio station included.
Fusion City Rising by Recluse and Thuggysmurf
Once you’ve finished your Fallout 4 playthrough there’s nothing left to do. Maybe you’d like to do some side quests and whatnot, but nothing’s ever the same. With Fusion City Rising, you’ve got something to look forward to during the late game experience. It adds multiple new locations, quests, factions, and even three new companions. You can also check out the follow-up from Thuggysmurg called Outcasts and Remnants.
Honorable Mentions
Grab These Fallout 4 Mods
And there you have it, folks. These are the mods that have served me well in multiple Fallout 4 playthroughs. With Fallout 76 coming out, maybe you’ll find the time to enjoy it. Or maybe not. If it’s the latter then perhaps you’d go back to Fallout 4 and try out some of these mods.
As mentioned up top, I used to run the game with 250 mods active — although I did learn to merge ESP files just to be below the limit. Although I regretfully could not list everything even if I wanted to, all of these creations (and more on the Nexus, Moddb, and the Creation Club) are a labor of love for the talented people that made them.
Are there any other mods that you’ve enjoyed over the years? Let us know.
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