How to Install Fallout 3 Mods on Windows 10

Modding has always been fun when it comes to the best gaming experience in a Fallout 3 game. However, the way you install Fallout 3 mods has always been a challenge for gamers. How about installing a pre-designed mod that is not only useful but also trustworthy? Due to the complexity of the Fallout 3 game, you can install any of the Fallout 3 companion mods to have a teammate to fight with. On the contrary, you can use this article to install any of the pre-designed Fallout 3 body mods. Another interesting aspect is that you can integrate an older version of the Fallout game, i.e. a Fallout 4 mod, into a Fallout 3 game. One of the features is is that you can change the look of the game by installing Fallout 4 UI mods.

How to Install Fallout 3 Mods on Windows 10

Before installing Fallout 3 mods, you should ensure that the core mods and necessary software tools are installed to ensure that the mods can be installed and used. Below we have listed the main and additional software tools that you may need to install mods.

Basic software tools

The main software tools for installing various types of mods are discussed in the section.

1. Data compression utility

The first and foremost prerequisite software is to have any utility software for data compression.

  • The data compression utility is used to extract the downloaded mod files.
  • Any data compression utility like WINRAR is required to decompress files in downloaded mod files.
  • You can use the link provided here to download the WinRAR software to your web browser.

2. Mod manager

The mod manager is used to install and remove Fallout 3 mods on your PC.

  • You can install Fallout Mod Manager to manage Fallout 3 game mods.
  • Alternatively, you can install the Nexus Mod Manager to manage Fallout 3 mods.
  • You can use the Fallout Mod Manager download link in your default web browser and click the MANUAL button to install FOMM.

3. FOSE или Fallout Script Extender

To install Fallout 3 mods, you must have the Fallout Script Extender mod installed to make sure the mods work perfectly.

  • For the additional scripts of the mod files to work, you must install the FOSE mod.
  • This allows mods to run more detailed scripts and algorithms.
  • However, the script extender will not change the core files of the game.
  • Use the link to download the Fallout Script Extender mod in your default web browser and click the Download button to install FOSE.

Additional software tools

Additional tools to ensure that the Fallout 3 mods you have installed work flawlessly are described later in this section.

1. FO3Edits

FO3Edit is a software tool that detects a conflict between mods installed on your PC.

  • This additional tool is also used to edit game mods. Therefore, you can edit Fallout 3 body mods that you have installed in your game.
  • Use the link provided here to access the FO3Edit mod and press the MANUAL button to install the mod.

2. Cargo sorting

Numerous Fallout 3 mods installed on your PC can cause problems when using mods at the same time. You can use any of the mods in the section to sort your mod load in a Fallout 3 game.

2A. FOMS or Fallout Mod Sorter

Fallout Mod Sorter is the best sorting software that can help you download Fallout 3 game mods in order.

  • In other words, the software helps to load mods in the order in which each mod is loaded. Hence, after installing Fallout 3 mods, you can easily use the mod download sorting tool.
  • Use the link to get FOMS from the Nexus Mod Community and click the MANUAL button to install the software.

2B. BOSS for FO3 or better Oblivion sorting software

Better Oblivion Sorting Software is an additional tool that helps you automatically sort your downloaded mods.

  • The BOSS mod will assist in sorting mods such as Fallout 3 companion mods as needed and will allocate mods to work according to demand.
  • Use the link provided here to access the BOSS tool and click the "GitHub Upload BOSS" button to install the tool.

2C. LOOT or Load Order Optimization Tool

The Load Order Optimization Tool is an updated version of the BOSS mod sorting software.

  • You can use the link to open the LOOT Menu mod and press the MANUAL button to install the mod.

3. Games for Windows LIVE

Games for Windows Live is software that helps you install games on your computer. However, the software may conflict with Fallout 3 mods on your PC.

  • The mod disables the GfWL or Game for Windows Live program running in the background.
  • In addition, the mod helps to move the DLC of each mod to the Fallout 3 game folder. This means that errors with incorrect installation of files can be neglected.

4. FOIC или Fallout Installation Cleaner

A hassle-free interface is required to install Fallout 3 mods.

  • Fallout Installation Cleaner is a program that helps you clean up all third-party tools in Fallout 3 and remove problematic mods.
  • This can be used if you are trying to clean install or reinstall Fallout 3 mods.

5. ArchiveInvalidation invalid

Mod files can be moved to any other location in Windows Explorer.

  • To fix this issue, you need to install the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated mod to allow mod files to be placed in the Data folder.
  • Use the link provided to access the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated mod and click the MANUAL button to install the mod.
  • In addition, you can use mods such as Body Replacer, weapon modification kits, armor modifications, etc. This software can also be used with Fallout 4 UI mods.

Ways to Install Fallout Mods

This section describes the two main options for installing Fallout 3 mods on your computer.

Option I: Using the Fallout Mod Manager

This section discusses how to install mods using the Fallout Mod Manager.

1. Launch Fallout Mod Manager from the Windows search bar.

2. Open the package manager by clicking the button on the right side of the window.

3. Click the "Add FOMod" button in the next window.

4. Locate the mod folder in the file browser and select the specific mod you want to install.

Note: The mod is activated in the game if there is a checkmark next to the mod.

5. Follow the instructions on the setup wizard screen to install the Fallout 3 body mods.

The usual way to directly install Fallout 3 mods from the official Nexus mod community is described in the .

1. Press the Windows key, type Google Chrome and click Open.

2. Open the NEXUSMODS official website and click the LOGIN button on the top right corner of the home page.

3. Sign in to your community account using your credentials.

4. Use the search bar at the top right of the page to search for the FOSE mod.

Note. Here the FOSE mod is used to explain the method of installing Fallout 3 mods.

5. Click on the MANUAL download button on the page to download the mod.

6. Follow the instructions on the setup wizard screen to install the mod.

Note. The installation wizard can be the same regardless of the type of mod being installed, be it Fallout 3 body mods or Fallout 3 companion mods.

7. Use a data compression utility to extract the downloaded mod files.

8. Select all plugins and mod folders and press Ctrl+X to cut the content.

Note. Make sure the *.esp (Elder Scrolls plugin), *.esm (Elder Scroll Master) and *.bsa (Bethesda Softworks archive - custom mods) files are selected in the folders.

9. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys at the same time, navigate to the data directory and press the Ctrl + V keys together to paste the files in that location.

9A. For DVD versions, navigate to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > Bethesda Softworks > Fallout 3 > Data.

9B. For Steam versions, navigate to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Steam > steamapps > General > Fallout 3 > Data.

Note. Alternatively, you can save files to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > common > Fallout 3 goty.

Pro Tip: How to Make Mods Work

Successfully completing the Fallout 3 mods installation step is all about making sure the installed mods work properly. You can use the three options described in this section to make sure the mods work perfectly.

Option I: Checking Mod Files

The ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated mod is used to make sure the mod files are correctly loaded into the Data folder. The steps below will advise the way to check the mod files on your PC.

1. Open the ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated tool and extract the contents using a data compression utility.

2. Click the Activate button in the activation wizard.

Option II: Change the file to FOMM

Mod files loaded using the Fallout Mod Manager may not be configured correctly. You can change the value of the invalidation entry to fix the problem.

1. Launch File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E at the same time and navigate to the location path.

C:UsersLenov0DocumentsMy GamesFallout 3

Note. Open the user account folder instead of the Lenov0 folder in the specified path.

2. Right-click the Fallout.ini file, move the cursor to the "Open With" option, and click the "Notepad" option in the adjacent menu.

3. Change the bInvalidateOlderFiles entry from 0 to 1 in the file.

4. Press the Ctrl + S keys at the same time to save the FOMM file.

Option III: Verifying GECK Mods with FOMM

While installing Fallout 3 mods, you may have noticed that the mod files contain a lot of files. There are three types of Fallout 3 mod files, namely *.esp (Elder Scrolls plugin), *.esm (Elder Scroll Master) and *.bsa (Bethesda Softworks archive - user-created mods). *.esp files can be corrupted and you can check the integrity of the files using the Fallout Mod Manager.

1. Open the Fallout mod manager.

2. Check all *.esp files or GECK mods using FOMM.

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The main purpose of the article is to explain how to install Fallout 3 mods. You can use this article to install various types of mods such as Fallout 3 body mods or Fallout 3 companion mods. Please use the comments section to post your suggestions and questions on the topic.

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