Patch 1.6 and install order

[H1ms3lf]

Okay I'm new to FO3 and these boards.. played the game a while ago but did not finish it.

 

Anyway I want to play again but fully modded this time, however I'm very confused as in "how do I do it without screwing up??"

 

Tried some guides but they all seemed to be outdated (and hard to understand at some points)

 

Some ppl can have similar doubts, so I'm gonna ask the more knowledgeable around here to lend a hand :)

 

I'll try to edit and to be as less confusing as possible in this initial post, until we build a complete (and working) modded install ok ?

 

 

0 - Using Windows XP Pro 64 bits as OS (fully up to date).

 

1 - Installed the game

 

2 - patched to latest official patch (1.6.0.3 and did play a while, all ok)

 

3 - Installed fomm and fose (read these tools information as how to install them)

 

3.1 - note that you should run fomm and then use launch fose button to start the game

 

3.2 - Adjust the 'order' that files will be loaded in fomm, by checking the boxes, OR right clicking, OR left click + drag -> foom has a 'load order' like 00, 01, 02, 03 -> IMPORTANT: .esm files should ALWAYS load before any .esp files

 

4 - run fomm and toggle invalidation to be active

 

5 - Installed Unofficial Fallout 3 patch (also pitt and anchorage .esp)

 

6 - Installed The Pitt

 

7 - Installed Operation Anchorage

 

8 - Installed Broken Steel

 

9 - moved BSA Manager.exe into main FO3 folder..

 

I'm in the process of acquiring point lookout so while waiting.. there are some questions I would need answered:

 

is this bsa manager needed for anything at this point ?? When I open it half of the files are checked and half are not (the .bsa from expansion packs and unofficial patch 3 are all unchecked)

 

Also I skipped the "Fake Patch" thing since by reading around it seems to not be needed anymore, was that ok?? If not can I still install it ??

 

There seems to have been issues with VATS mode in previous patchs of the game, do they still happen with 1.6 ?? If so how do i fix it ??

 

Also there seems to be a "RemapWaterType.esp" around that is needed if you have broken steel installed?? need it with new patch ??

 

 

Btw I also get scared about thinking how many of these little (nasty) details ARE UNKNOWN TO ME at this point, so if you people would be so nice, please share this kind of info :thumbsup:

 

 

Thinking about installing the FOOK mod after point lookout, any advice?

 

And last question for now: Do I need to find a "stand alone mod" for reducing the experience points in the game, or is/was this done by any other means? If need a mod please advice me one :)

 

 

Also, big :thanks: to all of you taking the time to read and help in this post!

[gsmanners]

The bsa manager should only be necessary if you plan to revert to 1.0. With 1.1 or higher, you shouldn't need it.

 

Same goes for Fake Patch (only created in the first place so people could stay with 1.0.0.15).

 

VATS still has some issues. The only way to fix it completely is to only patch up to 1.0.0.15 and use bsa manager + fake patch. :)

 

RemapWater is probably only necessary with Fake Patch + 1.0 etc.

 

Just remember not to try to do everything all at once. Just install one thing at a time, make sure it works, then move on.

 

In my opinion, if you want to reduce XP, you really want a "no respawn" mod. That'll reduce the amount of XP you get (and resolve a few other issues, to boot).

[H1ms3lf]

Thanks!!

 

Can you be more specific about what kind of VATS issues are still there?.. just so I know :)

 

Also, I ain't one to revisit places or be walking around too much, would a no respawn be better ? what kind of other issues it could solve ??

 

Played on very hard last time (to feel more realistic) and XP was aplenty. Is very hard setting a LOT more difficult after installing mods like FOOK ?? If yes than maybe I would not play on harder settings, that would reduce some xp gain..

[gsmanners]

As for VATS, there are some minor issues with percentages, but you also cannot target missiles/grenades. Plus, some people say that they experience some long lag between invoking and being able to use VATS mode.

 

In my experience, the most common way to get XP glut was through fighting with respawing raiders and super mutants. Using no respawn will fix that. It also fixes the other problem of having way too much money around level 8 or so (though you'll still likely have too much around level 14 or so). Respawing is subject to a lot of loot abuse by players, and it is tempting to engage in. I just put it out of reach in my game.

 

Very hard increases your XP. If you want to reduce your XP, you should be using the "easier" modes. The creatures will be easier to kill, to be sure, but they will reward you with less XP. I have no idea what FOOK is like, but if you really want the game to be harder, you should limit how and when you use stimpaks. IMHO, of course. :)