Mods can be a fun way to change up gameplay on familiar titles, sometimes creating something entirely new. Usually, mods are made by fellow fans of a given game or series, who wanted to add new content and/or flip the script in various ways. They can even adds something that the community was desperate for but the developers failed to deliver. Mod-makers pour time and effort into their craft, and this is as accurate for Fallout 4 as it is with a range of other titles. There is no shortage of unofficial ways to modify the experience, on PlayStation systems (which this guide will focus on) as well as on PC. The only limitations are really those of storage space and the interactive capabilities of different mods.
RELATED: Best Settlement Locations In Fallout 4, Ranked
To get a world up and running with mods, a few things must be done to make the transition easier. Please note, however, that mods can make any game unstable. Playing with them activated will be a risk, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. It's recommended, then, that those interested play with mods enabled on a fresh save. That way, if something goes wrong with a load-in or a break, no important progress will be lost. Another important consideration is that Trophies will be unavailable while playing a modded game of Fallout 4 on PlayStation systems. With that in mind, here's an introduction to the world of Fallout 4 mods on PlayStation.
Step One: Making And Logging Into A Bethesda Account
Players must begin by making a Bethesda account if they don't already have one. To download any and all mods from the workshop, it's necessary to be logged into a Bethesda account on a PlayStation console. Preemptively making an account will speed up the process, and get fans on their way to playing a modded game. This will also allow them to sign in and mod any other Bethesda games they may own, such as the mod-friendly The Elden Scrolls V: Skyrim. This account can also be used on other platforms.
RELATED: Best Stardew Valley Mods
After setting up an account, launch Fallout 4 and navigate to the Mods option on the opening menu. Use that login for Bethesda to proceed. It's also possible to make a fresh account from this screen, right from a PlayStation system, but it's easier to set up an account on a computer instead of typing things in with a controller. Either way, plug in that information and get ready to see how far the changes can go. Time to dive in.
Step Two: Perusing The List Of Mods And Selecting Some
When signed in, players can begin browsing through the mod store and installing those mods that appeal to them. Each option will typically have a detailed description, which will provide a crucial overview of the mod and what it does. If a specific mod requires any other to function, this information will be provided here too.
Note down any special information the mod-maker offers, as installation instructions and compatibility are vital to consider. Some creators will even provide instructions as to where in the load list you need to place their mod. That will come later.
Step Three: Be Selective At First, Don't Activate A Myriad Of Mods All At Once
Fans should start this brave new Fallout expedition with only a couple of mods at a time. The more that are installed, the greater the chance for something to become incompatible, load in the wrong pattern, and more. This process can take a while to go through, but it's better to take the time to check things now. If players wait and load in with 20+ mods, figuring out why Fallout 4 is crashing could become a real headache. Lay the groundwork for an easier long-term adventure from the start, and exercise a little restraint.
RELATED: Best Open-World RPGs Of All Time, Ranked
After a selection of mods have been properly installed, there's something else to remember. Before running off to play in a new world, adventurers should take a moment and go into their installation list. Make sure all mods are accounted for and fully downloaded. From here, it's also possible to reorder the mod list. If a description required multiple mods to be installed, there was probably a proper placement order for them as well. In these cases, players must be sure to adjust these things now before leaving for the main menu.
Step Four: Keep Any Potential Issues In Mind, But Play And Enjoy!
Once all mods are ready, fans can head back to the title screen menu. On initially launching a freshly-modded game, patience is a virtue. Mods can take a while to load in on the first play, and may still take a while if there are updates or more added in. If the game fails to load, players should reopen the mods menu and check those two common bugbears: mod order and compatibility. This may even require closing the PlayStation if a full freeze happens. Some uninstalling and testing are required, as unforeseen issues can occur when mods are combined. Tinkering and choosing the important ones may be necessary.
Once all mods are in order and the game is running correctly, it's time to just play and enjoy. Fans can run around and admire the bunny ears on NPCs, become Stormtroopers of Star Wars fame, stop worrying about ammo management for their companions, and all manner of outlandish fun in between. Fans are now free to journey through this open-world title customized to their tastes. Just remember, yet again, that swapping out mods down the line can corrupt a save file. They should always double-check and toggle mods for compatibility and organization, though, as they step forward carefully yet boldly into the Wasteland.
NEXT: Must-Play Fallout 4 Mods
