What method of mod installation would you recommend?

[Wolfbane771]

I would like to know what the best way to install mods from the Fallout 4 Nexus is. I currently use Vortex, and have no real problems with it, other than preferring the interface of the old Nexus Mod Manager. Lately, however, I have been having trouble when playing the game with large amounts of mods installed (less than 100, which is well below what NMM handled easily in the past). This is particularly problematic when using mods that have a lot of requirements. This mod, Sanctuary Western City, is a good example. https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/26667

So I would like peoples views on what is the better method of mod installation. Vortex, NMM, or manual. All constructive input is welcome and appreciated.

Cheers!

[greyday01]

I like Mod Organizer 2. I haven't tried Vortex much so I can't really compare. I've heard that MO2 is complex but I haven't found it so. It seems fairly intuitive to me. You might watch Gopher's You Tubes on Mod Organizer to get some idea of how it works. I keep meaning to try Vortex but for making mods I like the way all mod assets are kept in their own folder and then combined virtually at run time. Makes it easy to remove and not leave anything behind.

[LucidLady]

I liked NMM and never had any problems with it - but kept seeing everyone preach about how much better Vortex was. I was basically peer-pressured into moving over to Vortex lol

Anyhoo - I started experiencing troubles with large load orders same as you, soon enough. I also experienced problems with un-installing mods. In fact, mods just plain weren't being fully uninstalled. I'd continue seeing effects from un-installed mods even on new games. I never had that problem with NMM - if I un-installed with NMM, that b&@*$ got un-installed.

On top of those two very large problems, I hated the lack of load-order control. Maintaining a proper load order is so important, and I think Vortex's system is the worst of all choices. I recently was told that Vortex has LOOT functionality built-in - and I do NOT call that a bonus. LOOT is terrible for large load-orders.

 

When I built my new computer early this year, I started off with Vortex. I thought maybe Vortex had trouble because I was moving from NMM to it on the old computer. Welp - I soon realized that no, it still just sucked even on a new computer. I hate Vortex's interface, and how confusing it is. (what do you MEAN Save Changes or Use Newer File!? Aren't those the SAME THING!?)

 

I switched back to NMM, and have had zero problems ever since. No regrets. Everything is running tight as a drum. My game's never been so stable, actually. It's more stable than vanilla in fact.

I'm very happy with NMM - I like the interface and simplicity, it's easy to look at and easy to use. However, I would say use MO2. I have never used MO2 myself, but I believe people when they say it's the best program of the 3. It has fancy user-convenience features, right? It's more friendly to new users, or people less familiar with modding? With NMM you have to do everything yourself. But that suits me fine.

 

Actually, i've had one problem from using NMM. I can't seem to get AAF to work when installing from NMM. I joined the AAF discord to ask for help - and they flat-out refuse to help you if you're using NMM. They say Vortex is better - but they're extremely bias in that they want you to install using MO2. AAF is the only mod I have run into which can't be installed properly using NMM. I'm currently playing with over 31o mods running, and all's well.

[DoctorKaizeld]

Vortex is the best. I have 310 mods installed and running fine on my computer via the tool.

[AugustaCalidia]

For the past two and a half years, starting with the alpha version, I have used Vortex exclusively. Currently my largest managed game is one of my three profiles for Fallout 4. It has 239 active mods. Additionally I use Vortex to manage Skyrim SE, Enderal, and The Witcher 3. The only major problem that I ever had with Vortex turned out to be me, the user, rather than Vortex itself.

 

Vortex is the most extensible mod manager platform available. Currently Vortex can manage approximately 125 games whose mods are hosted on Nexus Mods.

 

Based on my experience, I recommend Vortex. However, I'm not trying to sell Vortex. So I would urge you to select and use a mod manager that you're comfortable with and that fits your gaming objectives.

Edited August 30, 2020 by AugustaCalidia

[edgeburner]

For me...MO2, hands down. The amount of control you get is undeniable, unchallenged IMO. Sure, it may take some time to learn the ins and outs, but, it's worth it. Also, it is does not require a Rhodes scholarship to learn. It isn't that difficult. It just takes a little time to get used to it. I was hesitant to take the plunge, but, I did and I'll never look back. You just need to get used to the fact that MO uses a "virtual' folder in order to keep your original game folder clean....Want to do a play-though with a different character and completely different mods....and to it safety, without borking your original game installation folder? Just create a new profile, then add the mods you wish to try.

As Greyday01 stated, there are tutorials available on youtube. My personal preference is a series of tutorials for skyrim.. posted by a tuber named "AL Cave". Don't let the skyrim base fool you, the basics are the same. He does an excellent job....

Edited August 30, 2020 by edgeburner

[Wolfbane771]

Thank you all for your input! I think I might give this MO2 a try, once I'm done my current modded BOS playthrough. If that doesn't quite do it for me, or ends up being to complicated, I can always try going back to NMM. Or maybe I'll just install everything manually from then on. I have high hopes for MO2, but I guess I'll see what happens. Thank you again to everyone who shared advice, or even just their experiences with various methods of installing mods.

Cheers!