Content in this topic assumes readers have some basic knowledge of modding Bethesda games. It is not meant as a general "how to" or help thread. Those type of questions need to go in their own topic.
Fallout 3 is getting a bit old now in the fast changing landscape of gaming. However, in many cases, it's the older games, that hold the greatest replay value. Many, including myself, still appreciate games with a sense of challenge, choices and consequence, branching quests with multiple ways to solve them, adult themes and most of all, little to no hand holding.
Bethesda messed all of that up with Skyrim.
Fallout 3 has all of the above, but Fallout:New Vegas expands on them even more with actual factions and faction behaviours and much better writing.
Anyway, this topic is for Fallout 3, so without further ado:
The first thing one should do is read through this post on Steam. Saves me a lot of time.. and is very well set out.
ULTIMATE Fallout 3 Setup Guide
In particular take note of the ini tweaks for multi-core systems and the Windows 7 compatibility fix. Otherwise, welcome to crash city.
Also make sure to use the GFWL Disabler otherwise there will be problems. GFWL doesn't exist anymore. FOSE also does this at startup.
It is highly recommended to use FOMM (Fallout Mod manager) rather than the Nexus Mod Manager because it is not setup for this system, much like Oblivion. NMM may work for some mods, but I've never used it for any game so I couldn't tell you.
FOMM and How To Use It
The above linked thread also mentions BOSS (Better Oblivion Sorting Software), but this is now out of date and has been replaced with LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool). You might see posts on other forums saying LOOT doesn't sort correctly for the older games, but that is wrong. Both BOSS and LOOT are made by the same team and LOOT is the successor to BOSS and is still being maintained.
LOOT Download
Further down the Ultimate Setup Guide are a lot of mod recommendations. I use many of these, but not all, so I will make a list of what I use in my game. Plus, there are some little gems that won't be on that page and newer mods since the Guide was published back in 2013.
Feel free to add your own recommendations.
Tools and Essentials
Fallout Script Extender (FOSE.) Required for many mods. Must be manually installed.
FOSE Download
Wrye Flash. Needed to create a Bashed Patch which is essential for managing leveled lists, among other things. I also very much like it's Profile feature so I can have several characters using their own mods setup and keep their saves separated. Has a very comprehensive FAQ.
Wrye Flash Download
FO3Edit. Many useful, and some essential functions, especially if you don't have or want to use the G.E.C.K. Make sure to read the Docs. There are links to FAQ's on the download page.
FO3Edit Download
CASM (Cipscis' Automatic Save Manager) Since all Bethesda games save functions are notoriously buggy this is a life saver.
CASM Download
UPDATED Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch
Note this is updated and still current. Too many fixes to mention here, but another essential.
UPDATED FO3 Patch Download
Continued soon in next post.
Fallout 3 is getting a bit old now in the fast changing landscape of gaming. However, in many cases, it's the older games, that hold the greatest replay value. Many, including myself, still appreciate games with a sense of challenge, choices and consequence, branching quests with multiple ways to solve them, adult themes and most of all, little to no hand holding.
Bethesda messed all of that up with Skyrim.
Fallout 3 has all of the above, but Fallout:New Vegas expands on them even more with actual factions and faction behaviours and much better writing.
Anyway, this topic is for Fallout 3, so without further ado:
The first thing one should do is read through this post on Steam. Saves me a lot of time.. and is very well set out.
ULTIMATE Fallout 3 Setup Guide
In particular take note of the ini tweaks for multi-core systems and the Windows 7 compatibility fix. Otherwise, welcome to crash city.
Also make sure to use the GFWL Disabler otherwise there will be problems. GFWL doesn't exist anymore. FOSE also does this at startup.
It is highly recommended to use FOMM (Fallout Mod manager) rather than the Nexus Mod Manager because it is not setup for this system, much like Oblivion. NMM may work for some mods, but I've never used it for any game so I couldn't tell you.
FOMM and How To Use It
The above linked thread also mentions BOSS (Better Oblivion Sorting Software), but this is now out of date and has been replaced with LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool). You might see posts on other forums saying LOOT doesn't sort correctly for the older games, but that is wrong. Both BOSS and LOOT are made by the same team and LOOT is the successor to BOSS and is still being maintained.
LOOT Download
Further down the Ultimate Setup Guide are a lot of mod recommendations. I use many of these, but not all, so I will make a list of what I use in my game. Plus, there are some little gems that won't be on that page and newer mods since the Guide was published back in 2013.
Feel free to add your own recommendations.
Tools and Essentials
Fallout Script Extender (FOSE.) Required for many mods. Must be manually installed.
FOSE Download
Wrye Flash. Needed to create a Bashed Patch which is essential for managing leveled lists, among other things. I also very much like it's Profile feature so I can have several characters using their own mods setup and keep their saves separated. Has a very comprehensive FAQ.
Wrye Flash Download
FO3Edit. Many useful, and some essential functions, especially if you don't have or want to use the G.E.C.K. Make sure to read the Docs. There are links to FAQ's on the download page.
FO3Edit Download
CASM (Cipscis' Automatic Save Manager) Since all Bethesda games save functions are notoriously buggy this is a life saver.
CASM Download
UPDATED Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch
Note this is updated and still current. Too many fixes to mention here, but another essential.
UPDATED FO3 Patch Download
Continued soon in next post.