Just bought the game, where do I start?

[Talon19892]

I bought the Fallout 3 GOTY version over Halloween and I want to install some essential mods (better UI, whatever else might make the experience better) and a lot of the modding instructions that are around seem outdated and I'm not sure how useful it all is. Should I use Nexus Mod Manager or the Fallout 3 Mod Manager? How should I go about this so my game doesn't become borked?

[M48A5]

Start here: http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/652876-fallout-3-modding-and-you/

and here: http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/120735-how-to-install-mods-for-fallout-3/

Since the game is 4 years old, the instructions are still relevent. You should use Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM) http://fallout3.nexusmods.com/mods/640

Use Old FOMM. It is easier to use. You will also need to insure that your equipment can run FO3.

[Talon19892]

Is the Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch still good, or has Bethesda patched the game up well enough by now that it's no longer necessary? What about the stutter remover, is that still recommended as well? This last question might just be personal taste, but what is the recommended UI mod to use?

[bben46]

Start the game and play it a bit to see what kind of changes (mods) you want. Some people are satisfied with the vanilla visuals and want new weapons, quests or homes, while others care more about how the game looks (visual mods) than new or improved weapons. Most want some kind of balance, but prefer more of one kind of mod than another.

 

If you pile on too many visual enhancements - it can slow your game down.

Some mods are just not going to play nice with others and may cause problems. Typically you don't want two mods that modify the same thing (don't use 2 mods that change the interior of the same building for example)

If you don't experience stutter, then you won't need the stutter remover.

The unofficial patch (really a mod and not a true patch) fixes a lot of little things that many people don't even notice - like a floating rock in a specific place or a landscape tear in another.

 

Fix the computer before you try to fix the game - no matter how many 'game fix' mods you use, a simple computer tune up may do far more to make things run better.

 

Check the general section of my troubleshooting blog for computer fixes that really work.

http://s1.zetaboards.com/bbenlibrary/topic/4751769/1/#new

This is updated often so come back later for more.