Question about the mod manager

[andyd]

I'm not exactly sure how to use this thing. Can I use it to apply mods or do I have to follow these steps...

 

http://planetfallout.gamespy.com/articles/...-Mods-for-Newbs

 

I ended up adding packages through the package manager - it seemed to do something but while the package manager lists the mods I've added nothing shows up in the main window. I'm a bit lost

[Deleted1084753User]

I never trust programs to install things for me, I prefer to go manual. Open up your downloaded archive and extract everything to a location on your disk, doesn't matter where. Generally you will have certain things, depending on the mod:

 

.esp - this is the plugin format of the game and should be placed directly in the Fallout3\Data directory.

Meshes - a folder containing new or modified meshes. Goes in Data as well.

Textures - as above, but textures. Again, in Data with it.

Sounds - same again.

.esm - you'll rarely find these in mods, but some do have them, it's a fallout Master file (like Fallout3.esm).

 

Don't go overwriting those folders when you download new mods though, just go into the meshes (or whichever) folder, copy the contents, then paste them into the corresponding folder in the game directory.

 

Once you've put these in their appropriate locations (ie, the Data folder), open up the mod manager. You'll see all the .esm and .esp files in the Data folder. You should arrange them as follows (drag and drop them into position):

 

Top of the list:

Fallout3.esm

Anchorage.esm

ThePitt.esm (if you have these, they're the downloadable content)

 

Any other .esm files you may have (such as Hairpack.esm or Mart's Mutant Mod.esm)

 

Next come all your .esp files. Generally they can be in any order, but check the readme that came with the mod just in case, some require specific load orders to work correctly.

 

The further down the list a plugin is, the higher its priority. So Fallout3.esm has the lowest priority, meaning any mods you load can override it in order to make changes to how the game runs. Also, bear in mind that some mods 'may' conflict with each other (say, two weapon mods that both modify Moira's inventory). In this case, the one lower in the list will take priority and override the other. The other mod will generally still work mind you, it's just Moira that will be affected in this example, so you could still find the weapon elsewhere, just not at Moira's shop.

 

One final note, any mod that overrides meshes, textures or sounds, will require an extra little step before they work, which handily enough the mod manager can do for you. See the button labelled 'Toggle Invalidation'? Click that once and hit ok, then you're all set.

 

Hope that makes sense :)

[andyd]

I see why I was confused - some of the mods that I downloaded didn't have esm files. I'll use your tips to ensure that it does install things properly though

 

One question - you mention there should be esm files for the DLC. I don't see one for the Pitt though but I did buy it. I just added the DLC but didn't actually load a game though. Should there be an esm file for the Pitt?

[Deleted1084753User]

Yep, for both anchorage and thepitt. They'll be in either of the following folders, depending on the operating system you use:

 

C:\Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Xlive\DLC (Windows XP)

C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\XLive\DLC (Windows Vista)

 

There'll be three files for each DLC, the .esm file, a 'Main' file, and a 'Sounds' file. Move them into the Fallout3 Data directory. This allows you to play the content while offline and without needing to activate windows Live at all. Once you've placed them in the Data directory, Fallout Mod Manager will pick them up so you can activate them.

[andyd]

What if I want to play them online though? I wanna be on xbox live while I play.

[NaboeN]

As far as I know, you can play vanilla with DLC on live, but you can't modded with dlc on live.

Also, on XBOX live? You "Can't" mod the console version of FO3

[Deleted1084753User]

I disable Live entirely since it's bloatware and I don't want it interfering with my game, so I can't really help you there I'm afraid. Sucks that more and more games are being shipped with that rubbish, with only real support for the 360 game pad and bugged support at best for other pads. Last Remnant is the latest example that's annoyed me, not even recognizing my ps2 pad until I searched out a 360 pad emulator.

NaboeN - he probably just meant Games for windows Live.

[andyd]

As far as I know, you can play vanilla with DLC on live, but you can't modded with dlc on live.

Also, on XBOX live? You "Can't" mod the console version of FO3

 

windows live. whatever you want to call it. you know what i mean

 

anyway, can someone confirm if this is a fact? i mean not being able to play the pc version with mods on

[TGBlank]

You can play with mods, what you can't do is mod the mods and be online i believe.

neeways, windows live sucks. good riddance.

[andyd]

What about achievements then? It's a minor thing but I still like getting them.