We won’t be using any gameplay-changing mods this time, except for small technical fixes. It’s a perfect recipe for first playthrough, if you haven’t finished the game back in the days — vanilla experience in beautiful surroundings. Take your screenshot camera and go!

But first of all, let’s start modding. What are the ingredients, you ask?

I. Fallout: New Vegas

If you don’t have the original boxed copy, consider *insert bias alert here* getting a copy from GOG.com. You can get one on Steam, too, but then you’ll have to additionally install the FNV 4 GB Patcher to change the way game allocates your memory and make mod performance better. GOG’s version has this enabled by default.

Additionally, DRM-free games are usually easier to mod. Keep in mind that some mods hate client overlays, so you might have to sacrifice achievement hunting for better looking game (ENBSeries is the one example).

Start your modding with installing Fallout: New Vegas and downloading VC++ Runtime Redistributable x86.

II. Nexus Mod Manager

This wonderful tool makes modding SO much easier! Most of mods available through NexusMods.com are downloadable through this client with a single click. Nexus has a premium program (£2,99/month) and obtaining it will make your download speed faster — as a non-premium user, my download cap was set to 1024 kb/s, making it really hard to install all “heavyweight” mods in a day. Other users reported higher speed, so it might work just fine for you.

Download Nexus Mod Manager here and let it locate your game files.

III. New Vegas Script Extender (NSVE)

This little tool expands scripting capabilities of the game and is essential for some mods to work. Download it here and follow the instructions.

From now on, you will launch the game using Nexus Mod Manager, but instead of clicking “Launch Fallout: New Vegas” button in the left top corner, click on the little arrow and pick “Launch NSVE” instead. This is your “start game” button.

IV. Small technical fixes

Let’s start with downloading essential fixes — download both New Vegas Anti-Crash and New Vegas Stutter Remover using “Download (NMM)” green button. It should open Nexus Mod Manager and appear in your Download Manager. Make sure to activate every mod after installation.

IMPORTANT: Activate mods in the same order as they’re introduced in this article. Correct order is vital for some mods to work!

V. UIO — User Interface Organizer

Another tool needed for some other mods to work, so let’s install it right away to avoid the hassle. You can download it through NMM here.