How to Install Mods for Fallout: New Vegas

STEP BY STEP

More detailed instructions for every step below live in the Viva New Vegas guide. If you get caught up anywhere, read it alongside this page.

1. 01
   Check your copy of the game first

   You want the Ultimate Edition, the version with all the DLCs included, and the game installed outside of Program Files (or any default Windows folders).

2. 02
   Install the Visual C++ Redistributables all-in-one package

   Download and run the all-in-one installer from TechPowerUp before anything else.

3. 03
   Launch New Vegas once, then exit straight away

   Start the game from your launcher, let it reach the main menu, then quit. 

   THE FILES APPEAR HERECopy

   Documents\My Games\FalloutNV\

4. 04
   Install Mod Organizer 2 and point it at New Vegas

   Install MO2 outside both Program Files and your game folder, then point it at Fallout: New Vegas.

5. 05
   Install NVSE, the New Vegas Script Extender

   Download the latest version and drag the files into your base game folder, next to the game executable. From now on the game always launches through NVSE via MO2.

   NVSE RELEASESCopy

   https://github.com/xNVSE/NVSE/releases

6. 06
   Install FNV BSA Decompressor and Ultimate Edition ESM Fixes Remastered

   Install both to finish the base setup.

7. 07
   Install the core NVSE plugins through the manager

   These are the invisible foundation everything else sits on. Install them all through MO2.

   CORE PLUGINSCopy

   JIP LN NVSE
   JohnnyGuitar NVSE
   ShowOff NVSE
   NVTF
   kNVSE
   UIO
   hNVSE
   FNV Mod Limit Fix
   Yvile’s Crash Logger
   Improved Console
   Console Paste Support
   Shader Loader
   ISControl Enabler
   ML Utilities Checker

8. 08
   Restart your PC, then verify the plugins loaded

   Restart so the plugins register, then launch using the New Vegas option in MO2 (not the NVSE one). The Utilities Checker shows a message box confirming everything installed correctly. Close the game and disable ML Utilities Checker afterwards.

9. 09
   Apply the load order

   Download the load order file from Viva New Vegas, which sorts it for you. In MO2 click the folder button, open your Profile folder, drop the file in and overwrite when prompted, then hit F5 to refresh. Your plugins tab should now match the file. If it does not, click the Priority column header to sort it.

10. 10
    Now the fun part: install some mods!

    Browse GGMods, find something you like, hit download, and drag the archive into MO2’s left panel.