Fallout 3 - Prepare for Modding in 2025

Are you actually want to modify the game but have a lot of issues? This little guide will show you a few steps to prepare Fallout 3 for mods. This guide only includes preparations, tools and bug fixes, not mods.

Fallout 3 - Prepare for Modding in 2025

First Step

Make sure your FO3 is fully installed and clean without other stuff like broken mods, files etc.

Click Play so it can detect your video hardware and it will automatically create ini files for you located in Documents/My Games/Fallout3

Click Ok to both popup messages

Go to Options and configure your settings the way you want them

When you're done with your settings click Ok so it will save and exit out of that window

Then click Play (starting the game once will automatically create more files for you in Documents/My Games/Fallout3)

Exit the game when you get to the main menu

FOSE

• Download[fose.silverlock.org]

You need the current beta version.

Installation

Extract the file, select everything and copy it into the base directory of Fallout 3.

You're at the main menu, hit
" ~ " (US-Layout)
" ^ " (EU-Layout)
to open console.

Now typing
"getFOSEVersion" (Caps don't matter)
and hit enter and you should see version 1. That's perfect.

Archive Invalidated Patcher

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

A patcher / downgrader tool for Fallout 3 that makes running a modded game a more comfortable experience.

Features

• Downgrades the game from October 2021 update (1.7.0.4) to 1.7.0.3 which is widely supported by other mods, most notably FOSE

• Removes Games for Windows Live (xlive.dll is no longer loaded by the game) and removes LIVE button from the main menu

• Makes the game 4GB aware

• Automatically loads FOSE when using Fallout3.exe to start the game (if FOSE is installed)

• Fixes a file handle limit and mod limit bug

• New in 1.1: Fixes a crash when using Intel graphics cards to run the game

Compatibility

• The patcher supports latest Steam, GOG and Epic Games versions of the game, both GOTY and regular editions. German low violence (No-Gore) version is not supported.

• GOG version does not need to be downgraded or LAA-patched, so the patcher only applies other improvements to the executable as described above.

Installation

• If you're installing Fallout 3 for the first time, run it once through Steam/GOG to generate INI files.

• Unpack the contents of the archive to Fallout 3 folder and run Patcher.exe.

• You will see black console window with a log of the process. No input is required, but it will tell you if any error has occurred.

• When it's done and you see "Patching completed successfully" printed, you can close the window and proceed to installing other mods, such as FOSE.

• Start the game in any preferred way - through Steam, GOG, the launcher, or any mod manager, but don't use fose_loader.exe. Forget it exists, it's safe to delete it.

Video instructions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D9QTzezKRQ

Mod Manager

Vortex

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9ZT49X9fvQ

Mod Organizer 2

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-JVWDn7LA

Fallout Mod Manager - FOMM

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

Tick Fix

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

A lighter, more compatible version of the 64hz stutter bug fix from FOSR. Fully Windows 10 compatible, including Fast Exit. No more fiddling with inis on windows 10.

Installation

Install with a mod manager, or manual install by dumping the ini file and dll file into your fose/plugins folder.

Command Extender

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

This mod adds a few functions which can be used in GECK scripting, and provides game patches to fix engine bugs.


Requirements

Game version 1.7.0.3 - if you're using Steam you will need to run the Anniversary Patcher.
FOSE v1.3 b2 - make sure you have the correct version of FOSE. Reports about FOSE not loading will be ignored.

Bugfixes

• Gaining XP above level 99 no longer crashes the game.

• Equip sound no longer plays if item is already equipped.

• Console functions fully with a controller connected.

• Disabling controller vibration, either via the Settings Menu, or by setting bGamePadRumble=0 in FalloutPrefs.ini, does what it was supposed to do - completely disable any motor vibrations (this should significantly prolong the life of your batteries).

• Fix dead actors T-posing when loading

• Fixed an engine bug where the 'GameDaysPassed' and 'GameHour' global timers would "freeze" and stop increasing in game real-time (they would only increase when sleeping, waiting or fast traveling).

• Fix lag when the target HP bar updates. Particularly noticeable with uncapped framerate or high fire-rate weapons.

• Total player DR updates when a vendor repairs a worn item.

• Fix player placed marker not working properly in modded child worldspaces.

Installation

Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.
The final path will be Fallout 3 goty/Data/FOSE/Plugins/CommandExtender.dll

lStewieAl's Tweaks

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

An espless collection of optional game tweaks with an INI to configure settings.
Includes Faster Sleep Wait, Deselect Quests, Compass Height Indicator and more.

Installation

Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.

Out Of Memory Fix

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

Engine patch to decrease overall ram usage and eliminate 'Out Of Memory' errors caused when using large textures.

Installation

Use Mod Organizer 2/Nexus Mod Manager/FOMM, or manually extract the .zip file into your Fallout 3 'Data' folder.

Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch - Updated

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

Entirely remade patch that fixes bugs and fixes/restores cut content.

Pls use the right translation of your language. It's highly recommended.

CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes

• Download[www.nexusmods.com]

Fixes, tweaks and improves > 800 scripts, 115 AI packages, > 48 Quests, > 150 dialogue lines and numerous (other) small (or big!) annoyances.

Loading order:

1. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes
2. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Dialogues
3. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Optional - requires FOSE.
4. CivisRomanus Unofficial Fallout 3 Fixes Cheat Items
*Interiors illumination included in Optional only.

Troubleshooting

- The FOSE link dosen't work.

Try this one Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch.

Download[www.nexusmods.com]

- I need also ButcherPete - FOSE

Download[www.nexusmods.com]

ButcherPete FOSE is an extender plugin (similar to Command Extender) that implements some script functions from New Vegas for modders to use, and fixes some existing ones.

- the Steam beta Client update of 2025/3/18 prevented Fallout 3 goty from launching

You need to switch to the non-beta Steam Client.

- there are 3 mod managers is one perhaps preferred? Or do you need all 3 for some reason?

you can choice the one you want
but I prefer Mod Organizer 2.
its easy to use, you see issues and the mods loading seperat. thats mean if you start the game with Mod Organizer 2, you are loading the game with mods. If you start the game about steam, you can play without mods.
thats are 2 different instances.

Check out my other guide for Fallout 3

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3432802142

Check out my simular guide for Fallout New Vegas

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3470101247

Official Ragna_Ikari Steam Guides

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3000054506

Rate, Reward & Add To Favorite!

Changelog

26.04.2025: Added simular guide "Fallout New Vegas - Prepare for Modding in 2025"
29.03.2025: Added "Troubleshooting"
27.02.2025: Added my Guide "Fallout 3 - Remaster & QoL Mod's 2025"

[Ragna_Ikari]

Added simular guide "Fallout New Vegas - Prepare for Modding in 2025"

[Ragna_Ikari]

thanks

[Gilded Grubz]

Thanks Ragna! Really like the guides.

[Ragna_Ikari]

@Gilded Grubz
you can choice the one you want
but I prefer Mod Organizer 2.
its easy to use, you see issues and the mods loading seperat. thats mean if you start the game with Mod Organizer 2, you are loading the game with mods. If you start the game about steam, you can play without mods.
thats are 2 different instances.

[Gilded Grubz]

Question.....there are 3 mod managers is one perhaps preferred? Or do you need all 3 for some reason?

[Ragna_Ikari]

thanks for the note.
personally i didn't have the problem but i will note it

[Moondog548]

Addendum: looks like your fose version is fine, but ButcherPete's addon is also needed, and the link to nexus will let you install fose via vortex instead of manually, just fwiw

[Moondog548]

FYI: The FOSE you linked wasn't working for me.

Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch says that it wants THIS version of FOSE: https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/8606

and ButcherPete FOSE: https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/26358

both of which Vortex will manage the installation of, it seems!

Thanks for this guide! Clutch!

Also FYI to anyone... the Steam beta Client update of 2025/3/18 prevented Fallout 3 goty from launching at all, so I had to switch to the non-beta Steam Client.

[EndOfPhiloZophie]

Thx,Danke dir bei Zeiten Probiere Ich es.

[Meltrust]

Thank you for this.