Power Armor Immersion Mods List

YouTube Demonstration available. =)

Feeling a bit squishy? Not feeling the power of the famed T-45d Power Armor? Feeling that you're just a tin soldier rather than a walking tank? Can't wait to wear the T-60(d?) in Fallout 4?

Well look no further as this guide will provide you a list of some of the best Power Armor immersion mods that will help you feel (and look) as though you're a walking light tank covered in reinforced steel rather than a tin can who takes damage from even the smallest rounds.

Note that the mods I chose and listed here are as close to vanilla Fallout 3 as possible to avoid any incompatibility in both other mods and the game's own lore, that means there will be no overpowered items and no over-the-top retextures.

DISCLAIMER

• I did not make any of these mods, this guide merely lists and showcases the mods I have used to maximize my immersion experience with Fallout 3.
  
  
• This guide presumes that you already know how to Mod Fallout 3 (or any other Bethesda game for that matter). There are hundreds of other tutorials on how to start modding and I felt that they sufficiently cover most, if not all of the basics in modding.
  
  
• I personally recommend ULTIMATE Fallout 3 Setup & Mod guide Windows 10, 8 & 7 by BenWah to get you started in modding Fallout 3.

INTRODUCTION

• This guide will help you feel (and look) as though you're a walking light tank covered in reinforced steel rather than tin cans.
  
  
• You don't have to install all of the listed mods here. If you like some, but not all of those listed, then feel free to install that mod only and ignore those that does not interest you. Again, this Guide merely helps you pick out some of the Power Armor immersion mods I have found in order to save you time 'shopping' for mods.
  
  
• If you feel I have left out a certain mod you think I may enjoy, please write it down on the comment below and I will try it out.
  
  
• If this guide was helpful to you, please don't forget to rate it up and/or add it as a favorite so that other people may see it as well. Thank you for visiting. =)
  
  
• If you want to check out my other content, check out my Curator's Page: Miyumi's Review Corner or my other Guides

TEXTURE MODS

1. Bornagain's BOS T-45d Power Armor Retexture

Bornagain's BOS T-45d Power Armor Retexture[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Bornagain

A very refined, well detailed and high resolution textured version of the regular T-45d Power Armor used by the Brotherhood of Steel with some slight lighting details that makes the armor look gorgeous in low light.

Includes medium resolution version




WARNING: If you install this, you must also install the Outcast T-45d Power Armor Retexture as listed below otherwise, the unmodded Outcast T-45d will glow like the sun.

2. Bornagain's Outcast T-45d Power Armor

Bornagain's Outcast T-45d Power Armor[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Bornagain

A very refined, well detailed and high resolution textured version of the regular T-45d Power Armor used by the Brotherhood of Steel Outcast with some slight lighting details that makes the armor look gorgeous in low light





WARNING: If you install this, you must also install the BOS (Brotherhood of Steel) T-45d Power Armor Retexture as listed above otherwise, the unmodded BOS T-45d will glow like the sun.

3. Bornagain's T-51b Power Armor Retexture

Bornagain's T-51b Power Armor Retexture[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Bornagain

Another excellent retexture work that replaces the default T-51b Power Armor with high resolution textures as well as adding little details such as the US Army logo.

Includes medium resolution version





WARNING: If you install this, you must also install the T-51b Winterized PA Fix as listed at the 'FIXES AND COMPATIBILITY PATCHES' Section of this guide, otherwise, the unmodded Winterized T-51b will glow like the sun.

4. Enclave Power Armor Retexture (Advance PA MKII and Hellfire)

Enclave Power Armor Retexture[www.nexusmods.com]
by: d_seven aka id2301

A wonderful retexture work for the Enclave Advance Power Armor Mk. II and the Enclave Hellfire Armor. This mod adds darker high resolution textures to both sets with a slight red glow to certain parts of the armor (most notably the eyes / visor) that looks wonderful in low light conditions.





The Hellfire Armor looks amazing.







WARNING: This mod does not alter the Enclave Tesla Power Armor (according to the author's last update, the Tesla Retexture may possibly be released at the end of 2015)

5. Enclave Tesla Power Armor DX

Enclave Tesla Power Armor DX[www.nexusmods.com]
by: weijiesen

A good Enclave Tesla Power Armor mod that replaces the texture with a darker tone one while adding small details such as the Enclave logo and lighting effects across the armor to give it a true “tesla” look.

6. Remove that Glove 1-2

Remove that Glove 1-2 [www.nexusmods.com]
by: Midnight Voyager

Do you know what really grinds my gears? Its the fact that in vanilla Fallout 3, your left hand is ALWAYS exposed because of the stupid fingerless glove of the Pipboy. Call me shallow but it was one of the most immersion breaking detail for me, mainly because by wearing Power Armor (or a Radiation Suit) the user should always be fully encased in protective covers to ward of environmental hazards, radiation and bullets for that matter.

The mod essentially makes the Pipboy glove a removable item that can be re-equipped at any time. If you do remove the Pipboy glove item, the game automatically replaces it with the glove that comes with the armor you are wearing (if available).

7. Pipboy Custom 3002

Pipboy Custom 3002 [www.nexusmods.com]
by: clintmich

This mod replaces your old low resolution Pipboy 3000 with a darker and higher resolution version that fits and looks great with the above mentioned mods.

8. Female Power Armor Pack

Female Power Armor Pack [www.nexusmods.com]
by: LORD DARIUS13

This mod does not add new Power Armors. This mod merely re-sizes the current Power Armors to fit a more feminine form and is thus fully compatible with any re-texture mods you install such as the ones listed above.

FIRST PERSON / POV / HUD MODS

1. Helmet POV

Helmet POV[www.nexusmods.com]
by: schlangster

A mod that allows the user to put a variety of vision restrictive overlays to your first person view to make the player feel as though they are inside their helmets.

This mod also includes optional visor filters, gas mask breathing sounds, simulated head movement and my personal favorite, Visor damage based on Item condition (cracks, scratches etc. depending on helmet condition).

NOTE 1: If you want to restore full vision temporarily, just remove your helmet and you'll be able to see regularly again. This, I think, makes the game feel more authentic.

NOTE 2: There are A LOT of Overlay options to choose from and you can freely apply the overlay that suits you.

NOTE 3: This can be applied to almost all head gears.

2. Helmet POV 2

Helmet POV 2[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Nsinger998

Helmet POV (the above mod) is necessary for Helmet POV 2 to work.

This mod serves as a highly recommended optional update for the above (Helmet POV) mod. This replaces the default helmet overlays of Helmet POV with ones from the much better looking and less restrictive Project Nevada overlays. (see Nexus page for proper credits)

3. Other User Interface Mods

Other User Interface Mods
by: Gopher

DarNified UI F3[ui.darnified.net]
Adjustable HUD[www.nexusmods.com]
Immersive HUD [www.nexusmods.com]

This is a great YouTube tutorial by Gopher on how to use and install UI mods such as DarNified UI F3, Immersive HUD and Adjustable HUD that can improve player experience during first person gameplay.

To give a brief overview: DarNified UI F3 makes the HUD smaller to give more visual view. Adjustable HUD allows you to move the HUD around and Immersive HUD lets you turn off or at least hide the HUD.

These mods are not necessarily connected (or need) for Power Armor related matters but they are however HIGHLY RECOMMENED.

DarNified UI F3 Screenshot Comparison

SOUND EFFECTS MODS

1. Power Armor Footstep SFX

Power Armor Footstep SFX[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Kerghan

This mod adds a heavy metallic step as well a subtle hint of hydraulics noise to each step which really ups the immersion of the game.

This mod affects everyone wearing Power Armor.

Note: See YOUTUBE DEMONSTRATION Section to hear the footsteps.

2. Power Armor Footstep Landing SFX

Power Armor Footstep Landing SFX[www.nexusmods.com]
by: kinderkrieg

This mods adds a loud hydraulic and metallic thud when you jump or fall.

If you fall high enough to cause damage to your hp, a loud "whizzing" hydraulics stabilization sound is played. This shows how your Power Armor is trying to reduce pressure from your legs when landing from high places.

Note: See YOUTUBE DEMONSTRATION Section to hear the landing sound effect.



WARNING: This 'landing' sfx still applies even if you're not wearing power armor.

3. Silent Player Voice

Silent Player Voice [www.nexusmods.com]
by: Kerghan

THIS IS OPTIONAL

This mod removes that “ugh”, “ach” and other similar sounds that the player makes every time you get hit.

GAMEPLAY CHANGING MODS

1. Impervious Power Armor

Impervious Power Armor[www.nexusmods.com]
by: TheTalkieToaster

PLEASE READ THE 'READ ME' OF THIS MOD ONCE YOU DOWNLOAD IT (Specially if you've installed a mod that increases weapon damage such as Fallout: Wanderer's Edition)

If I was asked to install only one Power Armor immersion mod, this would be it.

Fallout 1, 2, Tactics and New Vegas all use the 'Damage Threshold' system but for some reason Fallout 3 uses the 'Damage Resistance' system. To know more about how damage is computed, please refer to this wiki page[fallout.wikia.com].

This mod basically negates all damage from low calibur rounds while your Power Armor is in good condition. You'll eventually start taking damage when your armor condition goes way too low.

Note that this mod will not stop your bones (limbs) from breaking, this is not immersion breaking because in the real world, if you're wearing kevlar with ceramic plating underneath and get hit with a bullet, you'll still receive force impact trauma resulting in bruises and sometimes broken bones. Now imagine wearing Power Armor and getting hit with several dozen rounds per second, I'm pretty sure some bones will get broken.

WARNING:This will only affect the items listed as 'Power Armor'

2. Better Balanced Backpacks

Better Balanced Backpacks[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Chesko

As the title says, this mod adds wearable backpacks that increases weight limit. I listed this mod here because I found that the backpack designs and color selections fit well with the different Power Armor color schemes. Backpacks are made available based on the player level thus preventing the player from purchasing the highest level bag early game.

Note: The different backpacks have different stats (not S.P.E.C.I.A.L) bonuses as well. The bonus is marginal and does not overpower your character in anyway.

3. Enhanced Camera

Enhanced Camera[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Logic Dragon

A great mod that allows you to look down and see your body as well as your shoulders (Power Armor Pauldron) if you're running diagonally.

ADDITIONAL POWER ARMOR RELATED MODS

1. Sprint Mod

Sprint Mod[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Lork

Do not install Sprint mod if you have Fallout: Wanderer's Edition

This mod may not be 'Power Armor' related but it does add to the immersion factor and sounds really well with the Power Armor Footstep SFX mod.

2. Sit Anywhere

Sit Anywhere[www.nexusmods.com]
by: bluebellfairy

OPTIONAL

This mod allows the player to sit anywhere. It's also not 'Power Armor' related but it does result in some good relax poses where you're resting after a good day of adventuring.

3. Fallout 3 Re-animated

Fallout 3 Re-animated[www.nexusmods.com]

This mod re-animates most character (npc and player) stances to much more realistic and natural poses when idle, walking or in combat.

FIXES AND COMPATIBILITY PATCHES

1. BornAgain FO3 T51b Winterized PA Fix

BornAgain FO3 T51b Winterized PA Fix[www.nexusmods.com]
by: Vitalsine

As far as I understand it, the 'Bornagain's T-51b Power Armor Retexture' mod (as listed above) makes the Winterized Power Armor from the Operation Anchorage DLC glow like a fluorescent lamp. This mod fixes that.

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION

These two videos showcases most of the mods that are listed here including the wonderfully made Sydney Follower[www.nexusmods.com] mod.

OTHER MOD RECOMMENDATIONS

WARNING: Before installing any of the mods listed in this section, mind the Compatibility Patches, updates and patches to ensure good gameplay. Like I said at the start of this Guide, I'm assuming that you already know how to mod Fallout 3.

Mannequins:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/2060/?

GNR Enhanced:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/14946/?

UPDATED Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/19122/?

Sydney Follower:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/9320/?

Sydney Follower Redesigned: Makes the Sydney Follower mod compatible with Project Beauty (Redesigned)
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/20829/?

NMC Retexture Pack:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/12056/?

FWE - FO3 Wanderer's Edition:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/2761/?

MMM - Mart's Mutant Mod:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/3211/?

RH Iron Sights:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/6938/?

Fallout Street Lights:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/8069/?

Fallout 3 Redesgined (formerly Project Beauty)
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/6341/?

EVE - Energy Visuals Enhanced:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/8340/?

Megaton House and Theme Overhaul V2-8-0 RC:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/1434/?

Megaton House and Theme Overhaul V2-8-8 Patch:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/12339/?

DCInteriors Project:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/5573/?

Hi-Res Weapons V3:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/481/?

Fellout:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/2672/?

Enhanced Weather - Rain and Snow:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/6170/?

[Nii]

Yeah I gotta agree with jeff_till, I find the female power armor stuff silly, it's like if you had a tank or a jet and someone asked "does it come in 'feminine'?" It's a military asset, it's a bulky, purpose-made machine, one size fits all, they wouldn't have a less bulky version that probably compromises armor layers and necessary internal systems, just so that it can remind bystanders that it's a woman inside of this war machine. People are free to use whatever mods they want, their preferences are all valid, but if we are going to talk about immersion here, characters should look the same inside of a walking tank regardless of their sex or body type.

Regardless, I appreciate the list, Titans of the New East is out nowadays, and that is a great option, but it's nice to have a list like this to complement it with other details, and also as an alternative for anyone who may not like that mod.

[jeff_till]

female power armor is really goofy and non immersive

[jeff_till]

honestly the power armor should probibly stay the same size mainly for immersion but also pa is supposed to be idk bulky seeing a power armor supermodel twig figure kinda messes it up with the exeption of the xo2 because xo2 has a very light design

[Teklo]

you should probably add that you need archive invalidation as well for the textures, otherwise they might not work which is what I think is happening to Mr. Vulcanator

[Shreddy Fazchair]

@Miyumi Ayase I got the retextures and upon closer inspection they are not smudgy. However even though I got the Winterized T-51b patch I still look like this: http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/393299074082264346/A6EEE88AD0DB9DD623F4F14B5C2A19B6EFA64C83/

[Miyumi]

@Mr. Vulcanator; I don't see the smudging XD. The only smudging that I can see would be on the Tesla Armor, but the others clearly were replaced with higher quality textures. You'll just have to download one and see for yourself. Anyway, with regards to the IPA Mod, I think the information on how to change the damage reduction is on the readme of the mod. Its quite helpful =)

[Shreddy Fazchair]

@Miyumi Ayase I meant that the screenshots look like the mod makers just smudged and darkened the original textures.

On another note do you know how to configure Impervious Power Armor? I want to up the damage with FWE but I don't know how to change the damage reduction from Impervious Power Armor.

[Miyumi]

@Mr. Vulcanator; strange, I personally have not encountered a smudging glitch with any of the mods that I used. :(

[Shreddy Fazchair]

This is a pretty good guide. I'm happy with my power armor now. I do have a problem with some of the power armor retextures as they seem to just smudge the details.

[PrimalCrescent]

Fantastic guide Miyumi, I shall put it to good use.