Newbie Mods Question

[DimosZargarda]

Heya, so ive been playing Fallout 3 ever since it came out for the PS3, wish I knew about the mod system earlier but ah well lol. So after 1 hour of checking out this site I decided to get the PC Version as u cant mod on the PS3, il be getting it tomorrow and just wanted to be prepared for all the sweet mods. As im not rly good with PC stuff I thought il ask around here if someone could tell me some of the basics, like how to install a mod, where to put it and how to activate it.

 

All help appreciated.

[bben46]

First, If you are getting a new PC it will probably have Win7. Oblivion was developed for WinXP and some things have changed. It is not a good idea to install Oblivion (or any game that can be modded ) to the default location. Instead, create a new folder, C:\Games\Oblivion and install there. It will save you a lot of aggravation later.

 

If you get just Oblivion - without Shivering Isles or not the GOTY edition, you may need to patch it to the latest version for many mods to work. The GOTY version already has the latest patch, it is on the Shivering Isles part of the install. If you need the patch go here: http://www.elderscrolls.com/downloads/updates_patches.htm Scroll down for the Oblivion only patch and DO NOT use the Shivering Isles patch if you do not have Shivering Isles.

 

Before installing any mods, start the game and make a save. Dn't worry about making a good character, that can come later. That first save sets up a lot of things in the game and saves all of your game settings - such as video preferences to a file named Oblivion.ini - this is important so remember it. The Oblivion.ini will be located in a completely different place than the game - after making that first save you will find it here C:\users\your user name\my documents\my games\Oblivion your save games will be located there also, in a folder called \saves in the \Oblivion folder

 

Oblivion.ini can be edited later if you want to make changes - bookmark this folder for all of the things you can do to make it better later: http://www.tweakguides.com/

 

When you start downloading mods, you will need a place to download them to. It is a good idea to set up a separate sub folder in your download folder just for Oblivion downloads. And if you later start modding other games , a seperate folder for each game downloads to keep them from getting mixed up. Don't erase the downloads after installing as that makes a good backup. I always make a new folder for each mod inside the oblivion downloads folder, and move the compressed mod file into it before unzipping. That way I know a file named 'Fr1ver2.esp' is actually for a mod named 'Freds new armor mod'. After ubnzipping you can install it to the Game.

 

Before installing any mods, play a bit to be sure everything is working properly. Then start with a simple mod, a single weapon or simple piece of armor is good. install it and test to be sure it works properly. Then a more complicated mod, a house will do. again test and be sure it works. then a quest mod, these can change a lot so do more testing. Be sure to read the documentation for each new mod before installing to be sure you have anything else needed for that mod.

 

I'm sure others will be along to recommend their favorite mods.

[HEzan]

Before (if) you ask, Oblivion is another Bethesda softworks game, which works in a very similar way.

 

I don't know your tastes, but I'd recommend Cube and Mantis Imperative, two very good "dungeons", detailed, complex and subtle. Very professional.

I'd also recommend xCalibr (weapons mod I didn't try it yet but it seems good) and ceasarrulez excessive interiors. (Always look at the requirements tho)

 

Have fun ;-)

[bben46]

My mistake. I tend to jump back and forth in the forums answering questions between Oblivion & Fallout3. And sometimes answer a FO3 question with an Oblivion answer, or an Oblivion Question with a FO3 answer.

[rhs88]

There is a sticky second from the top of the forum that (last I checked) did a very good job of explaining the mod installing process.

 

I agree with BBen's staement about playing around on a modless file for a little bit to make sure that the game is working correctly.

 

Once you've goofed off a bit I highly advise you downloading the Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM). It helps you organize your mods to avoid conflicts, makes installation easier, and can help you keep track of all the stray mod files whose names are in their creator's own arcane code.

 

Also, your game will crash. It happens. I am going to tell you now, if you start crashing when you hit a loading screen, it is most likely a crash on save. To fix this you need to kill your character. This is some voodoo that the game uses to show us it loves us. If you want more info on why it works you can search this forum.

 

 

Welcome to the Nexus.

Have fun.

Happy modding.