Store Page
Fallout 3 - Game of the Year Edition
All Discussions Screenshots Artwork Broadcasts Videos News Guides Reviews

Fallout 3 - Game of the Year Edition

Store Page
Fallout 3 - Game of the Year Edition > Guides > Ragna_Ikari's Guides
66 ratings
Fallout 3 - Prepare for Modding in 2025
By Ragna_Ikari
Are you actually want to modify the game but have a lot of issues? This little guide will show you a few steps to prepare Fallout 3 for mods. This guide only includes preparations, tools and bug fixes, not mods.
4
   
Award
Favorite
Favorited
Unfavorite
Created by
Ragna_Ikari
Offline
Category: Achievements, Characters, Classes, Co-op, Crafting, Game Modes, Gameplay Basics, Loot, Maps or Levels, Modding or Configuration, Multiplayer, Secrets, Story or Lore, Trading, Walkthroughs, Weapons, Workshop
Languages: English
Posted
Updated
23 Feb @ 7:15am
26 Apr @ 2:49am
3,977 Unique Visitors
189 Current Favorites
Guide Index
Overview
Fallout 3 - Prepare for Modding in 2025 
First Step 
FOSE 
Archive Invalidated Patcher 
Mod Manager 
Tick Fix 
Command Extender 
lStewieAl's Tweaks 
Out Of Memory Fix 
Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch - Updated 
CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes 
Troubleshooting 
Check out my other guide for Fallout 3 
Check out my simular guide for Fallout New Vegas 
Official Ragna_Ikari Steam Guides 
Rate, Reward & Add To Favorite! 
Changelog 
Comments
Fallout 3 - Prepare for Modding in 2025
First Step
Make sure your FO3 is fully installed and clean without other stuff like broken mods, files etc.

Click Play so it can detect your video hardware and it will automatically create ini files for you located in Documents/My Games/Fallout3

Click Ok to both popup messages

Go to Options and configure your settings the way you want them

When you're done with your settings click Ok so it will save and exit out of that window

Then click Play (starting the game once will automatically create more files for you in Documents/My Games/Fallout3)

Exit the game when you get to the main menu
FOSE
You need the current beta version.

Installation
Extract the file, select everything and copy it into the base directory of Fallout 3.

You're at the main menu, hit
" ~ " (US-Layout)
" ^ " (EU-Layout)
to open console.

Now typing
"getFOSEVersion" (Caps don't matter)
and hit enter and you should see version 1. That's perfect.

Archive Invalidated Patcher

A patcher / downgrader tool for Fallout 3 that makes running a modded game a more comfortable experience.

Features
  • Downgrades the game from October 2021 update (1.7.0.4) to 1.7.0.3 which is widely supported by other mods, most notably FOSE
  • Removes Games for Windows Live (xlive.dll is no longer loaded by the game) and removes LIVE button from the main menu
  • Makes the game 4GB aware
  • Automatically loads FOSE when using Fallout3.exe to start the game (if FOSE is installed)
  • Fixes a file handle limit and mod limit bug
  • New in 1.1: Fixes a crash when using Intel graphics cards to run the game

Compatibility
  • The patcher supports latest Steam, GOG and Epic Games versions of the game, both GOTY and regular editions. German low violence (No-Gore) version is not supported.
  • GOG version does not need to be downgraded or LAA-patched, so the patcher only applies other improvements to the executable as described above.

Installation
  • If you're installing Fallout 3 for the first time, run it once through Steam/GOG to generate INI files.
  • Unpack the contents of the archive to Fallout 3 folder and run Patcher.exe.
  • You will see black console window with a log of the process. No input is required, but it will tell you if any error has occurred.
  • When it's done and you see "Patching completed successfully" printed, you can close the window and proceed to installing other mods, such as FOSE.
  • Start the game in any preferred way - through Steam, GOG, the launcher, or any mod manager, but don't use fose_loader.exe. Forget it exists, it's safe to delete it.

Video instructions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D9QTzezKRQ
Mod Manager
Vortex

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9ZT49X9fvQ

Mod Organizer 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-JVWDn7LA


Fallout Mod Manager - FOMM
Tick Fix
A lighter, more compatible version of the 64hz stutter bug fix from FOSR. Fully Windows 10 compatible, including Fast Exit. No more fiddling with inis on windows 10.

Installation
Install with a mod manager, or manual install by dumping the ini file and dll file into your fose/plugins folder.
Command Extender
This mod adds a few functions which can be used in GECK scripting, and provides game patches to fix engine bugs.


Requirements
Game version 1.7.0.3 - if you're using Steam you will need to run the Anniversary Patcher.
FOSE v1.3 b2 - make sure you have the correct version of FOSE. Reports about FOSE not loading will be ignored.

Bugfixes
  • Gaining XP above level 99 no longer crashes the game.
  • Equip sound no longer plays if item is already equipped.
  • Console functions fully with a controller connected.
  • Disabling controller vibration, either via the Settings Menu, or by setting bGamePadRumble=0 in FalloutPrefs.ini, does what it was supposed to do - completely disable any motor vibrations (this should significantly prolong the life of your batteries).
  • Fix dead actors T-posing when loading
  • Fixed an engine bug where the 'GameDaysPassed' and 'GameHour' global timers would "freeze" and stop increasing in game real-time (they would only increase when sleeping, waiting or fast traveling).
  • Fix lag when the target HP bar updates. Particularly noticeable with uncapped framerate or high fire-rate weapons.
  • Total player DR updates when a vendor repairs a worn item.
  • Fix player placed marker not working properly in modded child worldspaces.

Installation
Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.
The final path will be Fallout 3 goty/Data/FOSE/Plugins/CommandExtender.dll
lStewieAl's Tweaks
An espless collection of optional game tweaks with an INI to configure settings.
Includes Faster Sleep Wait, Deselect Quests, Compass Height Indicator and more.

Installation
Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.

Out Of Memory Fix
Engine patch to decrease overall ram usage and eliminate 'Out Of Memory' errors caused when using large textures.

Installation
Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.
Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch - Updated
Entirely remade patch that fixes bugs and fixes/restores cut content.

Pls use the right translation of your language. It's highly recommended.
CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes
Fixes, tweaks and improves > 800 scripts, 115 AI packages, > 48 Quests, > 150 dialogue lines and numerous (other) small (or big!) annoyances.

Loading order:
1. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes
2. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Dialogues
3. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Optional - requires FOSE.
4. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Cheat Items
*Interiors illumination included in Optional only.

Troubleshooting
- The FOSE link dosen't work.
Try this one Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch.

Download[www.nexusmods.com]

- I need also ButcherPete - FOSE
Download[www.nexusmods.com]

ButcherPete FOSE is an extender plugin (similar to Command Extender) that implements some script functions from New Vegas for modders to use, and fixes some existing ones.

- the Steam beta Client update of 2025/3/18 prevented Fallout 3 goty from launching
You need to switch to the non-beta Steam Client.

- there are 3 mod managers is one perhaps preferred? Or do you need all 3 for some reason?
you can choice the one you want
but I prefer Mod Organizer 2.
its easy to use, you see issues and the mods loading seperat. thats mean if you start the game with Mod Organizer 2, you are loading the game with mods. If you start the game about steam, you can play without mods.
thats are 2 different instances.
Check out my simular guide for Fallout New Vegas
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3470101247
Rate, Reward & Add To Favorite!
Changelog
26.04.2025: Added simular guide "Fallout New Vegas - Prepare for Modding in 2025"
29.03.2025: Added "Troubleshooting"
27.02.2025: Added my Guide "Fallout 3 - Remaster & QoL Mod's 2025"
13 Comments
< >
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 20 May @ 12:38am 
Thank you, I forgot the note. I will write it down later.
Zero Kills 19 May @ 10:01pm 
First time modding the game and would like to mention that some steps are missing for FOSE. I keep getting "Unknown version of Fallout". I went into Fallout 3 and type in getfoseversion only to receive script not found.

Looked it up and guide doesn't mention it but first you need to downgrade the game prior version and then delete Fallout3.exe and Fallout3Launcher.exe and download as well the prior version. THEN finally FOSE can work properly.

Not sure if im doing something wrong since within the first steps of this guide I already had to find a fix but hopefully I can help some people or get some clarification. :er_heart:
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 15 May @ 11:14pm 
uninstal: just delete the mods in MO2. its should no issuses.

MO2 Guide. what do you mean exacly? start the manager and download from nexus WITH the manager. use the "downoad" tab in MO2 and you can instal the mod.

or what do you mean?
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 26 Apr @ 1:06am 
Added simular guide "Fallout New Vegas - Prepare for Modding in 2025"
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 17 Apr @ 12:51pm 
thanks :grwheart:
Gilded Grubz 17 Apr @ 12:40pm 
Thanks Ragna! Really like the guides.
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 17 Apr @ 1:59am 
@Gilded Grubz
you can choice the one you want
but I prefer Mod Organizer 2.
its easy to use, you see issues and the mods loading seperat. thats mean if you start the game with Mod Organizer 2, you are loading the game with mods. If you start the game about steam, you can play without mods.
thats are 2 different instances.
Gilded Grubz 16 Apr @ 7:33pm 
Question.....there are 3 mod managers is one perhaps preferred? Or do you need all 3 for some reason?
Ragna_Ikari  [author] 20 Mar @ 8:30am 
thanks for the note.
personally i didn't have the problem but i will note it
Moondog548 20 Mar @ 8:21am 
Addendum: looks like your fose version is fine, but ButcherPete's addon is also needed, and the link to nexus will let you install fose via vortex instead of manually, just fwiw