2025 Fallout New Vegas Linux Modding Guide and Resources

[itsMtal]

EDIT: According to this link: https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/13512108-using-mod-organizer-2-on-linux-the-right-way/. It says that you shouldn't launch MO2 before following its guide first, I was able to start from part 4 after launching MO2 multiple times and there wasn't any issues. If you're concerned about the order, do this first. If not, my walkthrough worked just fine for me. (Note that the hash keys are outdated when doing the Microsoft libraries installs, I trusted them and it shouldn't be of much concern due to the scope of the Windows emulation, but I thought I would add this for clarification).

Hello, I thought I'd make a post for modding on linux in 2025. Seems that the resources are often outdated and sometimes needlessly complicated (not to say this one isn't a little complicated for the average user). It will be mostly links of guides to do in order and explanation when needed.

Installation/Configuration of Mod Organizer 2

Watch part 1 and 2 of the video. It will cover installing mod organizer using proton's compatibility layers and creating an instance for the game. If you're on a desktop instead of a steam deck, you can add the game through steam by pressing add non-steam game in your game library. Plus, I force the game to run with proton experimental for those curious.

https://youtu.be/E5rawN1fxVg?si=fq6XxnKzEDrYlxwA

When creating a global instance, you have two options for giving MO2 a path to the game.

a) Copy and pasting the hidden folder path into the bar.

e.g. z:\home\user\.steam\debian-installation\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas

The 'z:\home\user' was provided by my windows emulation from MO2. Yours might be different, but copying and pasting the linux path after that and replacing '/' with '\' as well as your user name should work.

b) Creating a soft link to an accessible folder.

Create a 'Games' folder in your home directory and open the terminal. Paste the following command.

 ln -s ~/.steam/debian-installation/steamapps/common/Fallout\ New\ Vegas/ ~/Games/fnv 

With this, you can access the game folder the same way he does in the video.

Launching New Vegas Through MO2

Before continuing, you should test actually opening the game through MO2. Makes sure the 'Fallout Launcher' is selected and press 'Run'. If it says to install the game, follow this guide starting from part 4: https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/13512108-using-mod-organizer-2-on-linux-the-right-way/.

For part 6 of the guide, sub the entry with the following one and replace 'user' with your username of course.

 STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH="/home/user/.steam/debian-installation/steamapps/compatdata/22380" %command% 

22380 is the ID for Fallout New Vegas in Steam.

If the game launches, but the it keeps minimizing and not allowing you to actually play, install the following mod by simply placing the .exe in the game folder with the other launchers: https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/41381. Then, in MO2, on the top left, press tools -> Executables... -> + -> Add from file... -> Fallout_Fullscreen.exe -> Apply -> OK. Now go back into original launcher press options, check windowed and uncheck vertical sync. You should be able to launch through Fallout_Fullscreen without any issues.

Installing Mods

Now watch the majority of the following video. This will cover actually installing mods and some workarounds for certain ones.

https://youtu.be/HIWC25M8cBo?si=XYV6TIidMtPamcbQ

Tips

You should be able to install most mods normally, but note that there are some mods that I haven't been able to find a workaround for. One being Character Overhaul, but the following YouTube short is a good alternative in my opinion.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zvSLpwJFuvc?si=T9TuxY1gCTMmPAgY

Also, for the NMC retexture mod, I suggest using the small version of the mod, it makes installation much simpler and the difference is minimal compared to the medium and large versions.

If you're new to modding, there are a ton of resources that will help you make your game more stable and enjoyable with mods. If you're ever confused about an installation, generally speaking, the mod description is helpful in that regard. Plus, if you're having an issue, odds are someone else had the same issue, search it up. Hope this helps!

[Dibaltic]

I'm having issues with step 4 and 5 of the guide. I tried to do install from the nexus guide, with proton tricks. But i'm still getting "Install" when launch using fallout launcher in MO2.

Do you have any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong? I found the vcrun2022 in ./cache/winetricks, Do I need to move those files to the MO2 prefix folder?

[Aegis]

Cool guide thanks! I have been struggling to make modding work on linux and seems like this works

[Outta Season]

how do you launch the game in general

edit: nvm, i had it on a harddrive that was formatted in uhhgg whatever the windows one is. its fine now

[GayLordPrincess^^]

Originally posted by Dibaltic:

I'm having issues with step 4 and 5 of the guide. I tried to do install from the nexus guide, with proton tricks. But i'm still getting "Install" when launch using fallout launcher in MO2.

Do you have any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong? I found the vcrun2022 in ./cache/winetricks, Do I need to move those files to the MO2 prefix folder?

I had to run the game through steam client one time and then use the Mod Organizer. After I did that it never said install when launching.

[Zoopie_Doop]

Every time I try to launch the game it crashes a moment after it opens no matter what I do, even with the 4gb patch and everything. It launched once perfectly the very first time, every time after it crashes on launch.

[jaycob]

the "soft link" step is literally gibberish. none of the folders or names for them are right. opening terminal in the home/Games folder and using ln -s "(copy location of fnv folder here)" is the correct way.